Brio Tuscan Grille

Standing ovations are welcomed but not required at these restaurants. Bravo Brio Restaurant Group owns and operates more than 90 upscale casual-dining locations in 30 states throughout the Midwest and Southeast. The restaurants operate under the names BRAVO! Cucina Italiana and Brio Tuscan Grille. The company's flagship BRAVO! Cucina Italiana restaurants offer pasta, pizza, and other affordable Italian-inspired cuisine. The group's Brio Tuscan Grille concept, meanwhile, specializes in upscale Tuscan-style ambiance and entrees such as steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. Bravo Brio Restaurant Group went public in 2010.

Through its public offering, Bravo Brio Restaurant Group raised about $140 million in capital to pay off debt, with additional funds earmarked for operational purposes. Its expansion plans call for an additional 50 new restaurants to open through 2015.

BRAVO! Cucina Italiana and Brio Tuscan Grille locations are primarily in larger metropolitan markets and around suburban retail and entertainment developments. Promoting themselves to the up-market segment of the casual dining sector, both chains tout their use of fresh ingredients to offer authentic Italian cuisine. They compete largely against chains such as Maggiano's Little Italy (owned by Brinker International) and The Cheesecake Factory.