Emerging Brands

Local Kitchens, the culinary collective and ghost kitchen concept, has shuttered approximately half of its locations in recent months, including its Los Angeles prototype that opened in June and closed less than five months later. The multi-brand restaurant now operates just six Northern California locations in Cupertino, Davis, Lafayette, Mill Valley, Redwood Shores, and San Bruno, down from 13 units at its peak.

London-based Farmer J is bringing its anti-slop-bowl concept to New York City in mid-December, targeting health-conscious young professionals with its signature Fieldtray—essentially a meat-and-two-sides served on compartmentalized trays that separate dishes like old-school cafeteria service. Founded by Jonathan Recanati and his wife Ali in 2014, the fast-casual Mediterranean concept operates 15 UK locations and has raised $23 million for U.S. expansion, positioning itself as an alternative to the customizable bowl craze dominating NYC's fast-casual dining scene.