Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

Pepper Lunch hopes to put experiential sizzle into Asian fast casual

By Lisa Jennings on May 22, 2023

This Japan-born chain has 500 units across Asia and in May launched franchising in the U.S. and Canada with an eye on university settings.

Emerging Brands

Area 15 Ventures takes full ownership of Daddy's Chicken Shack

By Lisa Jennings on May 12, 2023

The private-equity firm had already made an investment in the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich brand, but now has acquired the remaining equity.

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Emerging Brands

Co-founder of Whole Foods Market launches new Love.Life restaurant in Los Angeles

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2023

John Mackey and several former Whole Foods execs are building a restaurant brand around the notion that food is medicine. The plant-based restaurant is only one part of the brand, which will later include medical services and wellness programs.

Emerging Brands

How Jared Galbut turned his Florida-born taqueria into a dining and nightlife destination

By Patricia Cobe on May 04, 2023

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s winning combo of street tacos, frozen drinks, DJs and bar food is positioning the concept for growth.

Emerging Brands

Bobby Flay-created fast food burgers may be coming to a city near you

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 13, 2023

The Bobby's Burgers concept is already in six nontraditional locations, in casinos and Yankee Stadium. Now the first multi-unit franchisee agreement will bring a street side version to Chicago.

Emerging Brands

Remembering the restaurant boom that fooled investors 20 years ago

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 11, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Meal assembly concepts were going to be big. But their implosion was what made the loudest noise.

Emerging Brands

David Chang's Fuku will be feeding Yankee fans this baseball season

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 23, 2023

The spicy-chicken sandwich chain will become a concession option for sports arena contractor Legends Hospitality. Its fast foods will also be offered on the suites catering menu of Yankee Stadium.

Emerging Brands

Chipotle reveals details of its new Farmesa concept

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 15, 2023

The “California-inspired fresh eatery,” slated to open in Santa Monica, Calif., will help the fast-casual burrito restaurant chain test and learn for future growth.

Emerging Brands