Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

By Heather Lalley on Oct. 19, 2021

Denver-based Mici Handcrafted Italian has some big-name advisors, well-oiled operations, a thriving rewards program, and it’s starting a major growth push after 17 years building its foundation.

Emerging Brands

How a boozy brunch chain pushed through the pandemic

By Heather Lalley on Oct. 12, 2021

The Toasted Yolk Cafe is going head-to-head with others in its growing full-service breakfast-lunch category.

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Emerging Brands

Why bubble tea concepts seem to be popping up everywhere

By Heather Lalley on Oct. 08, 2021

The bright-colored drinks, studded with tapioca pearls, are social media darlings and the segment is growing fast. But will supply chain challenges get in the way?

Emerging Brands

Eggs Up Grill finds success in hot ‘better breakfast’ segment

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 05, 2021

The 50-unit chain is breaking sales records with a proven concept and some pandemic-era adaptations.

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Emerging Brands

Oath Pizza readies for a franchising push

By Heather Lalley on Oct. 01, 2021

The fast casual, with two former Chipotle Mexican Grill execs in its C-suite, said it doesn’t want to be the “Chipotle of pizza,” although there are some notable similarities.

Emerging Brands

Savory Fund launches $1M contest for independent restaurants

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 30, 2021

Savory Fund launches $1M contest for independent restaurants

Emerging Brands

Why a fast-casual sandwich chain is putting its money behind hot chicken

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 28, 2021

The latest episode of the “Buzzworthy Brands” podcast features Michael Goldberg, CEO of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, which recently made a major investment in three-unit hot chicken concept Bangin’ Buns.

Emerging Brands