A recent industry report indicates that growth and revenue for independent restaurants is out outpacing chain restaurants. While final 2016 figures still show chain restaurants pulling higher growth percentages, independent restaurants are expected to increase their sales of between 4 percent and 5 percent. Reasons for the increased popularity include the growth of urbanization, under which independent restaurants are more apt to thrive. Other reasons include that patrons report a feeling of specialness or uniqueness in regards to independent restaurants.

Read more: Report: Consumers prefer independent restaurants over chains