Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

Tutta Bella acquires Gnocchi Bar

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 25, 2021

The five-unit wood-fired pizza concept plans to expand the retail reach for the handmade gnocchi.

Even as it opens new scoop shops, Salt & Straw is eyeing a multi-pronged approach to selling ice cream

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 24, 2021

The small-batch brand, which received funding from restaurateur Danny Meyer, just opened its first stores away from the West Coast but is also pushing nationwide delivery and ghost kitchens.

Emerging Brands

5 things to know about Knead Hospitality & Design

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 23, 2021

How full-service restaurant design is changing to meet consumer needs during the pandemic and why there’s reason to be hopeful.

Emerging Brands

Applebee's adds a Cheetos-inspired virtual wings concept

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 17, 2021

Wings and other finger foods will be offered for delivery-only from 1,300 Applebee's restaurants starting today.

Emerging Brands

How Dave’s Hot Chicken sped up its growth during the pandemic

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 10, 2021

CEO Bill Phelps said he has been “shocked” by the interest in franchising.

Emerging Brands

5 things to know about: Viva Chicken

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 09, 2021

How a fast-casual Peruvian chicken chain is trying to bring its charcoal-fired pollo to the masses.

Emerging Brands

Fast-casual brand Dig tries to dig out of a pandemic-fueled pit

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 04, 2021

The Danny Meyer-backed farm-to-table chain has temporarily closed more than half its stores, laid off 40% of its workforce and has hired a bank to help raise funds.

Emerging Brands