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Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

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.

Emerging Brands

Ford's Garage is ready to step on the gas

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 04, 2026

The casual-dining chain will accelerate new openings in the coming years after finding strong demand for its retro, car-themed restaurants.

Emerging Brands

Former BJ's Restaurants exec Greg Levin named CEO of Starbird

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 03, 2026

Levin is tasked with leading the "super-premium fast food" chain's next growth phase outside California.

Emerging Brands

How to turn a regional concept into a national chain

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 28, 2026

Former Panera Bread and Tatte Bakery executive Shawn Utke has joined The Friendly Toast as CEO. His plan is to grow this New England brunch-all-day restaurant without killing its welcoming spirit and unconventional vibe.

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