Big names make up the bulk of Technomic's list of the fastest-growing restaurant chains of 2020, when pandemic-era shifts toward off-premises dining favored concepts with significant takeout, delivery and drive-thru programs in place. Wingstop led the Top 10 list, which also includes Sonic Drive-In, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Jersey Mike's.

The pandemic-era shift to off-premises dining has spurred innovations in restaurant design, with new formats featuring multiple drive-thru lanes and drive-in areas. Chains including Burger King, El Pollo Loco and Taco Bell have created new store designs with dual drive-thrus and Sweetgreen will open its first drive-thru concept this year, complete with a concierge who helps customers place orders for in-car dining.

Texas Roadhouse has already made some changes to accommodate more to-go orders, such as turning its outdoor overhangs into curbside pickup areas, and the chain may make additional changes to its building prototype as it continue to open new units. The Louisville, Ky.-based company is also planning to grow its drive-thru concept, Jaggers, with one new unit scheduled to open this year.

TGI Friday's is getting through the pandemic by quickly instituting innovative new practices inspired by the changing times. The chain retooled corporate offices as call centers to take orders when restaurant phone lines weren't enough, and units in New Hampshire are seeing higher year-over-year sales after putting up tents to accommodate outdoor dining.

Texas Roadhouse founder and CEO Kent Taylor will forego his salary and bonus until Jan. 7, 2021, to free up money to help the chain's hourly employees during the pandemic, the company reported in a regulatory filing. The Louisville, Ky.-based chain operates about 500 US locations.