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Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

Emerging Brands

Bankruptcy judge approves liquidation of vegan chain Planta

 By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 12, 2026

The once 18-unit chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2025, but sought to convert to Chapter 7 after a sale to its lender.

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.

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.

Emerging Brands

Keith Lee jumps from restaurant influencer to investor

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 03, 2026

The famed social media reviewer has made his first restaurant investment in Brooklyn Dumpling Shop in a multi-year partnership.

Emerging Brands

Life happens at Norms. So, apparently, do movies

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 02, 2026

In the movie "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," unlikely heroes are found at the LA diner chain when the world needs saving. It's the latest movie role for the restaurant chain that is working on its own happily-ever-after story.

Emerging Brands

Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole files for bankruptcy

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 02, 2026

The entrepreneur behind the plant-based burger brand owes nearly $1.4 million in debt and back taxes, according to court documents.

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.

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.

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