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Emerging Brands

New brands and soon-to-open concepts worth watching

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.?

Emerging Brands

The Biscuit Bar is forced to close all units after sale falls through

 By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 16, 2025

The six-unit fast-casual chain filed bankruptcy in Texas earlier this year and had a buyer lined up. But key stakeholders refused to buy in. Owners said they had no other choice but to shutter, leaving about 100 workers without jobs.

Emerging Brands

Following acquisition, CRU Wine Bar & Bistro takes flight

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 11, 2025

This Dallas-based concept hopes to capture a new generation of wine drinkers by taking pretention out and offering better value.

Emerging Brands

This U.K.-based coffee brand hopes to find a niche in America's overcaffeinated beverage landscape

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 03, 2025

Black Sheep Coffee is growing in Texas and Florida with bolder beans, upgraded matcha and a hand-held Norwegian waffle.

Emerging Brands

Israeli chef Eyal Shani makes the case for the 'most genius' sandwich in the world

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 19, 2025

Miznon is just one growing brand within the Tel Aviv-based chef's growing Good People Group. But the fast-casual concept has become a "translator of cultures," he contends.

Emerging Brands

7th Street Burger keeps it simple and affordable

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 14, 2025

This New York City-based smashburger concept is expecting to go from 26 to 100 units in the next two years, all company owned. Now the founders are growing a second brand.

Emerging Brands

Pura Vida Miami wins growth investment from TSG Consumer

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 13, 2025

The fast-casual wellness chain is growing in Florida, New York and Southern California as a high-end, all-day cafe.

Emerging Brands

Gavin Kaysen's restaurant group is preparing to double in size in four weeks

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 10, 2025

A godfather of the Minneapolis dining scene, Kaysen says his restaurants are busier than ever. Consumers may be pulling back, but they're still looking for an experience.

Emerging Brands

La La Land Kind Cafe wins growth investment from backer of Erewhon

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 31, 2025

Equity firm Stripes has made an undisclosed strategic investment in the Dallas-based coffee shop chain. With 24 units, the plan is national expansion.

Emerging Brands

Vicious Biscuit sees the Southern staple as the base for growth

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 29, 2025

This fast-casual franchise brand Vicious Biscuit is growing outside the South, and expects to double in unit count by the end of 2026.

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