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Emerging Brands

Emerging Brands

It's time for banh mi to go national, says this Vietnamese sandwich pioneer

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 28, 2026

Bun Mee was founded in San Francisco in 2011 and now has five Bay Area locations. A franchisee is bringing the fast-casual brand to New York City for the first time.

Operations

At this Southern California car dealership, you can get a patty melt with your Porsche

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 27, 2026

A car dealer is building a $5 million restaurant empire in its showrooms. Guests love the quirky aspect of finding a "hidden gem" where they least expect it.

Food

Southern Grounds aims to be a bridge between Starbucks and First Watch

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 20, 2026

Behind the Menu: High-end coffee, chef-driven food and a funky vibe that flows from early morning to 9 p.m. turn this all-day café into a community gathering place.

Emerging Brands

The Melt CEO Ralph Bower on how not to discount

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 19, 2026

This fast-casual burger brand is accelerating company-owned growth and launching franchising this year. What makes it stand out? Delivering an "I Love It Here" experience.

Emerging Brands

They grew and sold Dave's Hot Chicken. Next up: birria tacos

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 17, 2026

After selling the fast-casual hot chicken concept last year, Dave's investors are applying the same playbook to Mike's Red Tacos, a two-unit San Diego concept they feel has national potential.

Emerging Brands

A former REIT king's next chapter: saving independent restaurants

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 09, 2026

Nick Schorsch Sr.'s Heritage Restaurant Group in Newport, Rhode Island, is buying up historic restaurants. His goal is to raise the bar for the resort town's food scene.

Emerging Brands

Ford's Garage is ready to step on the gas

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 04, 2026

The casual-dining chain will accelerate new openings in the coming years after finding strong demand for its retro, car-themed restaurants.

Emerging Brands

Former BJ's Restaurants exec Greg Levin named CEO of Starbird

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 03, 2026

Levin is tasked with leading the "super-premium fast food" chain's next growth phase outside California.

Emerging Brands

How to turn a regional concept into a national chain

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 28, 2026

Former Panera Bread and Tatte Bakery executive Shawn Utke has joined The Friendly Toast as CEO. His plan is to grow this New England brunch-all-day restaurant without killing its welcoming spirit and unconventional vibe.

Emerging Brands

It started with granola. Now these female CEOs hope to take this brunch-all-day concept national

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 21, 2026

The Granola Bar is preparing to open two units in Manhattan that could change the trajectory of this suburban casual-dining brand. What makes it work is the partnership behind it.

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