Emerging Brands

Former Legal Sea Foods CEO debuts new concept at Boston airport

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 11, 2026

Six years after selling Legal, Roger Berkowitz is back with Roger’s Fish Co., a fast-casual spinoff of his online retail business. It was built with travelers in mind.

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Emerging Brands

Rice Mediterranean Kitchen brings Persian flavors to the table

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 11, 2026

This Iranian-American family has been slowly building a fast-casual Mediterranean brand with a Persian twist. It couldn't be more relevant.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Emerging Brands