Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

The theme of new restaurant openings this fall: Abondanza

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 11, 2023

A wave of Italian concepts is coming, along with a listening bar from Sean Brock in Nashville and a foray into Miami by Tao Group Hospitality. And Gladstone's in LA is closing, but Wolfgang Puck is planning new life for the space.

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Emerging Brands

3 business legends reveal their restaurant plans

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 08, 2023

Reality Check: Starbucks’ Howard Schultz, Tesla’s Elon Musk, and serial tech disruptor Marc Lore are betting they can change the restaurant industry with new ventures. Here’s a look at what they’re envisioning.

Emerging Brands

Chicago-based Meatheads Burgers to be absorbed by Epic Burger

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 07, 2023

The acquisition will allow the "more mindful" Epic Burger to more than double in unit count and will bring drive-thru locations into the fold. But Meatheads will be no more.

Emerging Brands

Marc Lore's Wonder is reinventing the meal

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 07, 2023

After conquering e-commerce, the serial entrepreneur set out to fix food delivery. He created a new kind of restaurant in the process.

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Emerging Brands

Salt Bae's restaurants look to start new chapter after poor reviews

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 23, 2023

The celebrity chef’s Nusr-Et steakhouse chain is embracing eatertainment, while the recently closed SaltBae Burger is already plotting a U.S. comeback.

Emerging Brands

Maple & Ash backers say they have proof of PPP cheating

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 18, 2023

Newly unsealed court documents contend the evidence abounds, potentially complicating the legal battles involving the high-volume concept.

Emerging Brands

Designing the ideal restaurant that is good and does good

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 14, 2023

Writer and activist Mark Bittman is pitching a new concept called Community Kitchen that will attempt what some might say is impossible: Offering healthful food in a way that benefits the planet, pays workers well and is affordable. Can it make a profit?

Emerging Brands

Wing Zone debuts new concept with hot chicken

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 07, 2023

The new Wing Zone Hot Chicken and Wings is described as a next-generation variation designed for off premise, with hot chicken tenders and a sandwich along with new flavors for bone-in wings.

Emerging Brands