Spike Santee

U.S. ad spending grew 6.5% last year to $131.1 billion, according to new data from Kantar Media. Ad spending had plunged 12.3% in 2009. But 2010 became a story of steady recovery, as a 5.1% first quarter gain -- the first quarterly gain in two years -- was followed by increases of 5.4% in the second quarter, 8.7% in the third quarter and, most recently, 7% in the fourth quarter.

Looking to take advantage of attractive rents, hit markets with lower-than-average unemployment rates and develop larger brand footprints, restaurant chains, especially those in the burger and Asian segments, are set up for growth in 2011.