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Emerging Brands

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.

Emerging Brands

It started with granola. Now these female CEOs hope to take this brunch-all-day concept national

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 21, 2026

The Granola Bar is preparing to open two units in Manhattan that could change the trajectory of this suburban casual-dining brand. What makes it work is the partnership behind it.

Emerging Brands

Why Salad and Go will fail, according to its founders

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 20, 2026

Tony and Roushan Christofellis sold the drive-thru salad concept to private equity in 2021 and then watched things go wrong. Now they are growing a new brand they believe will prove healthy food can be affordable.

Emerging Brands

Why a bundt cake concept sees booming growth ahead

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 15, 2026

Nothing Bundt Cakes has found success with one menu item and a simple operating model. Most people still haven’t heard of it, but the chain is working to change that.

Financing

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill carves out a niche in polished casual

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 13, 2026

The full-service chain is hitting a sweet spot for value-conscious consumers, who are trading up and down to visit the growing brand, even at lunch.

Emerging Brands

Among Artistry Restaurant's stable of 7 brands, Oak & Stone is designated for growth

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 09, 2026

The value-positioned casual-dining concept has a Tap Wall with about 50 beverage offerings, from craft beer to cocktails. The Florida-based multi-concept group is moving the brand into Texas for the first time this year.

Operations

Salad and Go to shutter all remaining units in Texas and Oklahoma

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 07, 2026

The latest wave of closures includes 32 restaurants and follows 41 that closed last year, leaving the chain with 70 outlets in Arizona and Nevada, less than half of the count at the end of 2024.

Emerging Brands

The World Cup is coming. So is the milanesa

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 17, 2025

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi is a partner in the 70-unit Argentinian restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa. The focus: a breaded veal cutlet that serves as a canvas for a world of flavors. Will it work in the U.S.?

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