Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 20, 2024

The famed Southern chef is ready to grow his fast-casual concept, saying it’s “a great privilege for somebody to make something as simple as a burger and fries and see how happy it makes people.”

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Emerging Brands

How Tacos 1986 is scaling the magic of a Tijuana-style taqueria

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 12, 2024

It has been a journey that involved pure grit, stretching the truth at times and former first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. But this seven-unit Los Angeles chain is preparing for the next phase of growth.

Emerging Brands

Restaurant development surged to a new high in 2023

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 24, 2024

The data from the online dining guide Yelp shows that restaurants opened at a faster rate last year than they did in pre-pandemic 2019, led by Mexican restaurants and pubs.

Emerging Brands

With 'Cookie Wars' settled, Dirty Dough joins Craveworthy Brands' portfolio

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 23, 2024

The trademark lawsuit made famous on social media is now officially over. Now Dirty Dough's new managing partner has plans for growth that could bring the stuffed cookies to grocery aisles.

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Emerging Brands

The plant-based trend is weakening, but Kevin Hart's growing concept has a superpower

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 18, 2024

The four-unit Hart House plans to more than double in size this year, and some of that growth might come from an acquisition.

Emerging Brands

7-Eleven broadens its restaurant footprint with a $1B acquisition

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 12, 2024

The c-store chain is buying the Laredo Taco Co. fast-food units it doesn't currently own, along with the Stripes c-stores that house them.

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Emerging Brands

How Steve Ells' new Kernel aims to change the labor equation

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 11, 2024

Expected to open in February, Kernel will attempt to reinvent the team member experience. Brand president Stephen Goldstein describes how the concept is designed to benefit both the planet and workers.

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Emerging Brands