Judy Kneiszel

“Franchising is a great way to grow,” says Nicolas Jammet, one of the three Georgetown University graduates who founded the concept during their last year of college.

“There are good franchising business models, but we’re having a lot of fun doing it all ourselves...

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has the look and feel of a mid-20th century hamburger joint, despite having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

“We tried to give Freddy’s a ’40s and ’50s type of look and feel and convey the values of that...

Grilled cheese sandwiches have traditionally been made at home or at full-service diners. A few higher-end places have experimented with gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with ingredients like watercress and Brie, and some sub shops offer toasting to melt their cheese. But generally, a...

Tin Drum AsiaCafé is rooted in tradition, but focused on innovation.

Steven Chan, founder of Tin Drum, says the quick-serve Pan-Asian concept is named after the tin drummer, who in ancient cultures served as the local newscaster and wake-up caller. Each morning, he walked the streets...

Bullritos is a quick-serve Tex-Mex concept created by Russell Ybarra, owner of two Houston-based full-service chains, Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen and Jimmy Changas.

The name was inspired by Ybarra’s experience running with the bulls through the streets of Pamplona, Spain. While...

There’s been no lack of new faces and places on the frozen dessert landscape in the past 10 years, but with innovative flavors like Wildberry Lavender ice cream and Riesling Poached Pear sorbet, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams stands out in the crowd.

In 2000, Jeni Britton Bauer...

When asked what makes Russo’s New York Pizzeria stand out from the competition, CEO Anthony Russo says without hesitation: “The right ingredients.”

“Our product is totally different because our sauce is made differently,” Russo says. “Other chains use...

Not all of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop locations are near college campuses, but that’s how the chain got its start, and college towns are still a preferred destination for the purveyor of Baja Tacos and Jumbo Burritos.

“We offer generous portions at a fair price,” says Paul...

Umami Burger has been causing a stir in Southern California since its inception in 2009 because its burgers are made from freshly ground beef, soft buns, and something extra: umami, or “the fifth taste.” In fact, just a little more than a year after the concept was launched, GQ named...