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Emerging Brands

Emerging Brands

Just in time for Hot Chicken Summer, Patina Group plans to launch new Hencraft

 By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 20, 2025

The Delaware North-owned hospitality company is known for restaurants in entertainment, sports and cultural centers. Now the group is developing potential stand-alone brands, including this fast-casual chicken concept.

Emerging Brands

PopStroke tees up ambitious growth despite restaurant sales slowdown

 By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 18, 2025

This Tiger Woods-owned mini golf concept is ramping up growth at a time when consumers are cutting back and experiential dining appears to be losing steam.

Emerging Brands

Zaza Cuban Comfort Food goes for an all-day-diner vibe, but with great coffee

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 11, 2025

This fast-casual concept has brought in a former Yum Brands executive to set the 10-unit chain up for growth outside Central Florida.

Emerging Brands

Naya positions to bring fast-casual flavors of Lebanon to the growing Mediterranean category

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 07, 2025

As Americans increasingly embrace the cuisines of the vast region, Naya founder Hady Kfoury brings a focus on this corner of the Middle East.

Emerging Brands

Zaxbys' co-founder finds second act with Maepole

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 29, 2025

Tony Townley acquired the fast-casual comfort-food-bowl concept earlier this year. Now he's readying the three-unit concept for franchise growth, saying this is how younger diners want to eat.

Emerging Brands

Tesla's new retro-futuristic diner is a restaurant, charging station and marketing ploy

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 29, 2025

Elon Musk's long-awaited concept is open in Los Angeles. With a Jetson's vibe, $14 tuna melts and a side of protesters, guests are lining up to try it.

Emerging Brands

Panini Kabob Grill has sights set on going public

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 22, 2025

This 26-unit Southern California casual-dining chain has been growing for 25 years, "one kabob at a time." Now the structure is in place to accelerate expansion outside California, without franchising.

Emerging Brands

Big Way brings a fast-casual take on hot pot

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 21, 2025

This 13-unit chain from Canada recently opened its first U.S. location in the Los Angeles area, with more to come.

Emerging Brands

Cooper's Hawk gets ready to grow its pizza concept, Piccolo Buco

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 16, 2025

The Italian import known for its poofy crust will get its second and third U.S. locations this year, giving Cooper’s Hawk wine club members another place to use their perks.

Emerging Brands

Dillas is ready to leave the emerging brand category behind

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 15, 2025

This 11-unit drive-thru quesadilla concept took a year off of growth to work out some kinks. Now co-founder Kyle Gordon feels the brand is ready to become the next Raising Cane's.

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