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Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

Emerging Brands

How former Krispy Kreme president Maria Rivera plans to help female- and minority-led restaurant concepts grow

 By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 02, 2026

This industry veteran has launched RC Hospitality Group, which specializes in helping emerging brands flourish.

Emerging Brands

Taystee's Burgers finds its niche serving premium burgers in gas stations

 By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 01, 2026

Guests can fill their tanks and their bellies at this growing 10-unit quick-service chain. The Detroit-area franchise brand is ready to expand to new markets.

Emerging Brands

New York City sandwich shop Alidoro plans its expansion

By Bret Thorn on Sep. 01, 2026

The cult favorite has put systems in place that could bring it to more transit hubs and entirely new markets.

Emerging Brands

A Dubai-born tiramisu-focused dessert concept makes its U.S. debut

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 31, 2026

The family behind Shah's Halal Food has obtained the U.S. franchising rights for this single-flavor concept offering tiramisu as a dessert, beverage or soft serve.

Emerging Brands

Australia's Yo-Chi frozen yogurt chain will make its U.S. debut in September

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 28, 2026

Dallas is the first domestic market for the 75-unit chain, which also operates in Singapore and London. The brand plans growth with local joint-venture partners.

Emerging Brands

Remaking the ice cream truck as a tech-fueled marketing collaborator

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 25, 2026

In this summer of soft serve, the Scream Truck prepares for franchise growth with an added layer of potential for revenue: brand partnerships.

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?

Emerging Brands

Did your independent restaurant make more than $11M last year? You might make the Top 100 list

By Restaurant Business Staff on Aug. 19, 2026

The submission deadline for the 2026 Top 100 Independent Restaurants is Aug. 31. Here's how to submit.

Emerging Brands

Tavern in the Square finds sweet spot in polished casual dining

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 19, 2026

Buzzworthy Brands: A little more than a year after the acquisition by Authentic Restaurant Brands, this concept is starting to move out of New England. Could it go national?

Emerging Brands

What really happened to Salad and Go

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 14, 2026

The rapid rise and fatal fall of this quick-service chain offers lessons on the perils of aggressive growth and a loss of focus on quality.

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