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Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

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

Once known as a spirits-free bar, Bandbox adds a splash of alcohol

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 16, 2026

Consumers are drinking less, but not necessarily giving up booze entirely. This bar concept wants to be the place where everyone can gather for a cocktail, with or without alcohol.

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.

Emerging Brands

Parent company of Chopt and Dos Toros acquires Protein Bar & Kitchen

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 15, 2026

Founders Table Restaurant Group will expand its fast-casual portfolio with the addition of the 19-unit health-focused concept.

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.

Emerging Brands

The Sports Bra wins investment from WNBA champion and team owner Renee Montgomery

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 09, 2026

An owner of Atlanta Dream, Montgomery will also serve as creative advisor to the women's-sports-centric bar based in Portland, Oregon. The franchise chain is expanding into four more cities.

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