From Fox Restaurant Concepts, Flower Child’s approach to courting millennials with a better-for-you menu caught the attention of—and investment from—Cheesecake Factory. But it’s not the only hot concept in the Phoenix area worth scouting. Restaurant Leadership Conference attendees should check out these buzzed-about local spots, too.
With a kitchen helmed by a nearly 20-year veteran of local pizza icon Chris Bianco’s spots, the menu of wood-fired pizzas also features a rotating list of local draft beers. What it doesn’t have is a fancy atmosphere; walls are lined with local art and beer posters.
Speaking of Chris Bianco, he launched an Italian trattoria that does not serve his beloved pizzas. The 35-seat spot, next to a Pizzeria Bianco location, offers a menu of antipasti and seasonal Italian-inspired dishes.
Concepts to Scout: Where to dine during the NRA Show in Chicago for stealable ideas
Smokehaus
Next door to sister concept Brat Haus, this barbecue spot sheds light on one of the lesser-known variations: Santa Maria-style ‘cue from Central California, with a focus on beef tri-tip.
The New York chicken tender chain struggled coming out of the pandemic with inflation and several legal challenges. It is the latest in a string of industry bankruptcy filings.
Industry veteran Darin Harper is the new chief finance officer at the eatertainment chain, while Doug Koob becomes chief development officer at the hot dog concept, plus more industry moves of the week.