Continue to Site >>>

independents

Emerging Brands

Here are the highly anticipated independent concepts coming this fall

 By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 02, 2026

New restaurants by Daniel Humm, Nancy Silverton, and House Kiki are among the notables this busy opening season.

Financing

Why independent restaurants are winning right now

 By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 30, 2026

A Deeper Dive: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance podcast features Technomic’s Rich Shank, talking about the performance of independent restaurants.

Emerging Brands

Meet Diafa, a company that aspires to be the largest operator of luxury restaurants in the world

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 30, 2026

Buzzworthy Brands: In the K-shaped economy, this Abu Dhabi- and London-based group sees a world of opportunity, in the U.S. and globally.

Operations

Chef-owner Lana Lagomarsini launched her first restaurant in just six months, but she was conceptualizing it for years

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 25, 2026

Creola is the culmination of her fine-dining cooking experience, Top Chef competition, and a yearning to showcase the culinary legacy of the African diaspora.

Operations

Eric Leveillee highlights the bounty of the Catskills at The DeBruce

By Bret Thorn on Sep. 09, 2026

The chef highlights local produce, trout, venison, and more at his upstate New York restaurant.

Operations

Christian Nuñez takes Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar from 1 to 3 locations, each stamped with his unique vision

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 01, 2026

Menu Talk: The Euro-Latin menu, distinctive cocktail list, and inspired design differentiate this trio of New York City restaurants.

Technology

Owner raises $240M for 'AI-native' restaurant tech

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 28, 2026

The funding, led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, will help Owner develop AI agents for independent restaurants.

Financing

Texas Roadhouse is the victim of a hoax

By Jonathan Maze, Lisa Jennings and Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 28, 2026

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at a hoax involving the steak chain, McDonald’s latest concern, and consumer spending at independents.

Financing

More evidence that consumers prefer independents

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 26, 2026

The Bottom Line: Independents are getting more sales growth than chains right now, showing that consumers are looking for something more from their restaurants.

Emerging Brands

A 75-year-old Arkansas icon gets a second chance at fried chicken glory

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 24, 2026

AQ Chicken, and its unique fried chicken over coals, was embraced by generations before closing in 2023. Can this family bring it back to life for modern diners?

  • Page 1