Nothing Bundt Cakes Takes Top Spot in America's Favorite Chains for Second Year
Nothing Bundt Cakes, the Dallas-based bakery chain with nearly 800 locations across North America has claimed the No. 1 spot in America's Favorite Chains for the second year in a row, according to a report published by Nation's Restaurant News in partnership with Technomic.
The chain didn't just win overall - it swept multiple categories. Nothing Bundt Cakes topped service and hospitality, unit appearance and ambiance, food and beverage, and convenience and takeout. It was also the No. 1 favorite limited-service chain among millennial consumers.
What's behind the success? According to Robert Byrne, director of consumer and industry insights at Technomic, it's all about focus.
"Part of their secret sauce is they get to focus on the one thing that matters to the consumer specific to the occasion they're seeking," Byrne said. "They're not trying to service all occasions, dayparts, order flows like the drive-thru and the dining room. It is singular in what they're offering you and how they're fulfilling that. They get to be excellent at that and it's reflected in their scores. They get to do this one thing and it's cake, and they're going to delight you."
RELATED: Dutch Bros Acquires 20-Unit Clutch Coffee Chain in Carolina Expansion
The numbers back up that excellence. Nothing Bundt Cakes ended 2024 with 660 locations, marking an 18.1% year-over-year increase, while sales cleared $850 million - a 17.1% jump from the previous year.
The chain's menu keeps things simple: bundt cakes with signature "petal pattern" frosting stripes that fan out from the center of each treat. But Nothing Bundt Cakes has also expanded its appeal by offering "Bundlets" - single-serving bundt cakes that turn the brand into an everyday treat rather than just an occasion purchase.
"The core of our business is around everyday celebrations, and the product line is designed to serve those beautifully," said Dolf Berle, CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes.
The chain's impressive showing comes during a challenging year for the restaurant industry, with flat sales and declining traffic across many brands. Yet Nothing Bundt Cakes scored 68.8% overall, outpacing the No. 2 chain by four full percentage points.
Berle will accept the chain's recognition as the 10th Pacesetter Award winner at April's Restaurant Leadership Conference. The Pacesetter is given annually to exciting, up-and-coming chains.
"Nothing Bundt Cakes has opened hundreds of locations in the past few years and is clearly developing a special relationship with its guests — one that is sure to resonate for years to come," said Sam Oches, editor in chief at Nation's Restaurant News. "American consumers have spoken in declaring the chain their favorite, and we're likewise excited to give Nothing Bundt Cakes the Pacesetter Award."
