Emerging Concepts

featured articles

Curry Up Now's Plan to Rule the Indian Fast-Casual Scene Inspired by the likes of Kogi BBQ, Chipotle, and Panda Express, this California concept wants to hold the torch for Indian food in America.	Why Danny Meyer-Backed Salt & Straw is One to Watch This ice cream shop boasts local partnerships, backing from a famed restaurateur, and downright eccentric flavors.
Why Chi’Lantro BBQ is Primed for the Next Level What started as a single food truck peddling kimchi-topped fries has become a fusion juggernaut in the Lone Star State.	Luna Grill Continues to Make Up for Lost Time Despite slow beginnings, Luna Grill is well on its way to national prominence.
Why Urban Plates is a Fast Casual to Watch Food market or fast-casual restaurant? This California brand is a bit of both.	Global Brand Paris Baguette Targets Major U.S. Expansion This decades-old South Korean brand is betting on U.S. growth thanks to an Asian twist on the quintessential French bakery.
A Health-Forward Fast Casual Sprouts Back to Life Baby Greens returns to Austin, Texas, with a revamped menu and sense of purpose.	How Chance Encounters Created an Exciting Sandwich Franchise With dishes inspired by comfort-food classics, The Carving Board has thrilled guests and TV audiences. Now, it's time to go national.
Why Farm Burger is One to Watch As one of the earlier better-burger purveyors, this Atlanta-born concept has the gourmet twist and farming chops to wow customers.	Rise Begins its Journey to National Expansion Indulgent, chef-driven breakfast favorites are on the rise at this Southeast-based franchise.

industry headlines

The Founder of Umami Burger is Starting a Coffee Revolution

2017-08-31 From burgers to pizza to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Adam Fleischman has found ways to elevate ubiquitous foods to new territories.

Team Behind Native Grill & Wings Launches Fast Casual

2017-06-16 Guidepost 13—a brand-new “quick craft casual” restaurant concept featuring customized oven-grilled wings, tenders, and flatbreads, along with self-ser...

Café d'Avignon Opens Second Store in Brooklyn

2017-06-16 Pain d’Avignon was founded in 1992 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, by a group of childhood friends.

Former McDonald's CEO Invests in Pizza Fast Casual

2017-05-23 Cleveland Avenue LLC, a Chicago-based accelerator that strategically invests in innovative, consumer-focused restaurant, food, and beverage concepts, ...

New Mediterranean Fast Casual to Debut in Georgia

2017-04-07 Shami Kitchen, a fast-casual restaurant featuring fresh, homemade Mediterranean fare served quickly, will open in Sandy Springs, Georgia, next month.

How Tender Greens is Disrupting Fast Casual

2017-03-02 The fast-casual industry is due for some disruption.

Slapfish Moves In On Utah

2017-02-27 Slapfish will open its newest location in Lehi. The first location in Utah is slated to open its doors at 3320 N.

Four Foods Groups Acquires the Soda Shop

2017-02-24 Four Foods Group (FFG)—a rapidly growing restaurant development, investment, and management company—today announced that it has acquired the Soda Shop...

Slapfish Creator Introduces Two New Concepts

2017-02-24 Chef Andrew Gruel, television personality and founder of Slapfish Restaurant Group, announces the launch of Two Birds and Butterleaf, two new exciting...

A Split From Conventional Fast Casual

2017-02-21 Like Madonna, Cher, Beyoncé, and countless others before them, the Good Food Guys realized that, sometimes, one name is simply all you need. ...

Emerging Concepts