10 Game Changers:
What's the Next ...?

The Next Applebee's Is
... BJ's Restaurants

Applebee's is the largest casual dining restaurant chain in the United States, with nearly 2,000 units spread out over 49 states. But the casual dining sector is embracing a newer player with aspirations of a national roll out. That player is BJ's Restaurant and Brewery. BJ's has 72 units in the chain spread over 13 states with enormous room to grow. The franchising of BJ's could accelerate the growth of the concept very quickly, as it did with Applebee's in the 1980s and 1990s.
· More on BJ's Potential
Next: The Next Toyota Is ...

The Next Toyota Is ... Ford

This may be perhaps the most surprising company in this series as few investors realize how huge Toyota is, especially when compared to Ford. Toyota is 8 times larger than Ford and General Motors combined. But Ford is eyeing Toyota's leadership position with hunger and passion. CEO Alan Mullaly is bringing fresh ideas from the aerospace industry and has positioned Ford as the U.S. hybrid alternative to Toyota. The next 5-10 years should be extremely interesting as the auto world morphs onto a higher technology plane. · More on Ford's Potential
Next: The Next McDonald's Is ...

The Next McDonald's Is ... Chipotle Mexican Grill

Only in existence for 15 years, Chipotle has defined the casual, fast-food Mexican industry. The strength of its story lies in its flawless daily execution and fierce customer loyalty. The average ticket at Chipotle comes in near $9. The company recently raised prices at different levels depending on geography. Sales have not slowed a bit in spite of the price increases. Chipotle, with only 730 units, has room to easily 10-fold that base over the next decade, not including international expansion.
· More on Chipotle's Potential
Next: The Next Merrill Lynch Is...

The Next Merrill Lynch Is
... Charles Schwab

Coming up fast and preparing to take Merrill Lynch's title of "Main Street's firm" for individual investors is Charles Schwab. This San Francisco-based firm was founded in 1971 by Charles Schwab. The firm has migrated these past 10 years to an outstanding web-based model, allowing investors to access their account information 24/7. Transaction costs are among the lowest. The firm could easily surpass Merrill Lynch these next few years as America's premier brokerage firm.
· More on Schwab's Potential
Next: The Next facebook Is ...

The Next facebook Is
... LinkedIn

The new player capturing headlines in the social networking world is LinkedIn. The company is designed for the business and professional world. The more than 23 million registered users represent over 150 different industries. It's a place to swap ideas, best practices and other opportunities. With fresh growth capital, LinkedIn will expand its marketing efforts globally and grow its user list. The user list is the most valuable asset and each member is valued at over $50.
· More on LinkedIn's Potential
Next: The Next Wal-Mart Is ...

The Next Wal-Mart Is ... Fred's

Wal-Mart can only squeeze so much growth out of its existing locations. And if it opens more stores, it risks cannibalizing revenue. Enter Fred's. This quiet, regional concept has been around since 1947. The company's philosophy is: quality merchandise at a discount price. It has 659 discount stores -- with room to grow. It has 24 franchisees, which is a quicker way to expand the concept while not draining corporate coffers. Fred's can triple its store base and still not encounter any saturation issues.
· More on Fred's Potential
Next: The Next Gap Is ...

The Next Gap Is ... Zara

Zara offers a fresh approach to fashion with a range of price points appealing to all levels of consumers. Zara is based in Spain and is just beginning to make some serious inroads into the U.S. It has over 1,400 stores spread out over 50 countries, with plans to double that base. The U.S. is fertile ground for Zara as the international cache appeals to American consumers. The individual stores are very well designed with soft wooden features. The company is committed to locate all U.S. stores in only upscale malls.
· More on Zara's Potential
Next: The Next Sony Is ...

The Next Sony Is ... Vizio

Who would have thought that privately held, 2002 upstart Vizio could upset the LCD TV market and knock giant Sony off of its perch? Vizio offers the lowest prices for the new LCD TVs. The company operates with low overhead and very effective, but low-cost marketing plans. Recent market share numbers show Vizio at 14.5%, easily topping Sony. The 2nd quarter of 2007 saw the company sell 606,000 units, up 76% from the previous year, while Sony fell from 412,000 units to 253,000 units in the same period.
· More on Vizio's Potential
Next: The Next Nike Is ...

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Top 25 Disappearing Acts

Now that you've seen 10 companies that are predicted to topple some of today's current iconic companies, check out our list of Top 25 Memorable Companies That Have Vanished. If you remember E.F. Hutton and RCA, you'll enjoy this trip down memory lane.

Next Gallery: Companies That Vanished