Huntington Beach, CA-based BJ's Restaurants, with 39 units mainly in California, may not have a large national presence now, but company executives are poised for growth. Jerry Deitchle, BJ's CEO, who is a former Cheesecake Factory executive, predicted that his chain could roll out a total of 300 units.

The concept, which bills itself as a family restaurant that sells hand crafted beer, is forecast to have 8 to 9 new units this year, 11 to 12 next year and a future annual growth rate of 20% to 25%. "I think we're ready for the next stage of evolution and growth for the business," Deitchle said, stressing that expansion will take place in a "careful and controlled manner."

Though Dollar Tree, the Chesapeake, VA-based discount chain already has a presence in 48 states, the company is looking to double its nearly 2,800-unit store count, said Kent Kleeberger, the retailer's CFO. About 1,000 stores have been opened in the last four years, and the company is planning to roll out 225 in 2005.