Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

How one tiny drive-thru coffee concept is looking to plant a flag, even as the big chains get bigger

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 11, 2026

The founders of Moe's Coffee in Washington State feel they have found the right balance between beverages and food in an efficient, modular unit. Will it have legs to grow?

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PennePazze aims to make fresh pasta affordable

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 03, 2026

This soon-to-be-four-unit chain has big plans to capture the fast-casual Italian space, along with a secondary gelato concept.

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Emerging Brands

How this Japanese company thinks differently about restaurant M&A

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 29, 2026

Create Restaurants Group just made its third U.S. acquisition with the purchase of Hazelwood Food and Drink. What to expect? Not much change.

Emerging Brands

Japan-based multiconcept group acquires Hazelwood Food and Drink in Minnesota

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 27, 2026

Tokyo-based Create Restaurant Group, which also owns U.S.-based Il Fornaio and Wildflower, also bought two one-off sister brands. All were part of Nova Restaurant Group.

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Sip Fresh positions to bring the beverage boom to non-traditional settings

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 21, 2026

It started in malls, but this healthfully indulgent fruit drink brand sees an opportunity for stadiums, universities and more.

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Emerging Brands

When it comes to food halls, some are better than others

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 14, 2026

Dock Local has found a niche as a food hall seafood concept. Owner Brett Curtis looks for venues with a strong sense of community and social atmosphere.

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Emerging Brands

For Postino WineCafe, ambiguity is an advantage

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 14, 2026

The wine-and-bites chain has enjoyed a surge of popularity in part because it offers a little bit of everything. “You can do whatever you want in this restaurant,” says CEO Lauren Bailey.

Emerging Brands