Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

Marc Lore's Wonder is reinventing the meal

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 07, 2023

After conquering e-commerce, the serial entrepreneur set out to fix food delivery. He created a new kind of restaurant in the process.

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Emerging Brands

Salt Bae's restaurants look to start new chapter after poor reviews

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 23, 2023

The celebrity chef’s Nusr-Et steakhouse chain is embracing eatertainment, while the recently closed SaltBae Burger is already plotting a U.S. comeback.

Emerging Brands

Maple & Ash backers say they have proof of PPP cheating

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 18, 2023

Newly unsealed court documents contend the evidence abounds, potentially complicating the legal battles involving the high-volume concept.

Emerging Brands

Designing the ideal restaurant that is good and does good

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 14, 2023

Writer and activist Mark Bittman is pitching a new concept called Community Kitchen that will attempt what some might say is impossible: Offering healthful food in a way that benefits the planet, pays workers well and is affordable. Can it make a profit?

Emerging Brands

Wing Zone debuts new concept with hot chicken

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 07, 2023

The new Wing Zone Hot Chicken and Wings is described as a next-generation variation designed for off premise, with hot chicken tenders and a sandwich along with new flavors for bone-in wings.

Emerging Brands

Pizzerias face growing competition from convenience stores

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 20, 2023

Wawa and Casey’s are upping their pizza games, threatening to take share from other pizza players.

Emerging Brands

Smash Park pickleball concept wins private-equity investment

By Lisa Jennings on Jun. 29, 2023

The amount was not disclosed, but the investment will allow the soon-to-be four-unit eatertainment venue to expand to more markets.

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Emerging Brands

Indian food is finally carving a niche among U.S. fast casuals

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 22, 2023

Several forces are coming together to push Indian mainstream through the fast-casual model after years of fits and starts. But the major players are going slow, following a path of smart growth.

Emerging Brands