The chicken chain Dicos, which is China’s largest local chain and the third-largest chain there overall, has enjoyed strong growth for many years with a focus on aggressive localization and steady expansion in smaller cities. While the chain has begun an aggressive push into first and second tier cities, Dicos continues to roll out locally relevant menu items like Longan and Jujube Tea.

Profiting from a booming call for baked goods in South Korea, Paris Baguette saw accelerating growth in 2014. Paris Baguette is the result of the remarkable expansion of coffee shops in South Korea over the last five years; as in other markets, baked goods have become a key differentiator for any chain as coffee demand has grown.

Akindo Sushiro is Japan’s largest “conveyor-belt” sushi chain where customers sit around a circular table, choosing plates of freshly-made sushi as they pass by. The conveyor belt system helps to keep labor costs low and the fixed prices allow for spending flexibility among customers. This chain is an example of growing interest in “creative value” in Japan and elsewhere by using tech innovation to drive affordability.

With close to 10 percent sales expansion in 2014, pub operator Marston’s has successfully navigated the continuing evolution of the U.K. pub market, where consumers are increasingly looking for local cask and craft beers and strong food offerings. Vertically-integrated with its own breweries and a range of premium beer brands, the brand is poised to further profit from a changing British beer consumer.

Specializing in low-priced takeaway bento boxes, Hotto Motto was to some degree caught flat-footed from falling demand for deep-discount fare among Japanese diners. What’s more, the company’s core takeaway business is under increasing threat from Japan’s massive convenience store chains, all of which continue to make major investments in both their takeaway and delivery offerings.