Top Emerging Concepts News

De Babel is opening its second Scottsdale location at The Edge, introducing a distinctive format that brings together made-to-order Middle Eastern food, elevated hospitality and a carefully curated market of essential Middle Eastern products. Located at 8980 N. 90th St., Suite 124, the new restaurant preserves the familiar flavors, quality and consistency established at De […]

Maepole, the Athens-born fast-casual restaurant putting a fresh, modern spin on Southern comfort food, will open its first standalone restaurant with a drive-thru pickup lane in Cumming later this year, marking a major step in the Georgia brand’s plans for regional growth. Maepole’s expansion is backed by Tony Townley, co-founder of Zaxby’s and a principal […]

Mike’s Red Tacos, the celebrated San Diego-born beef Birria brand named as a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), has signed a 15-unit agreement with Michael Khalil to bring its signature drip to the Great Lakes State.  The agreement, spearheaded by experienced restaurant owner and operator Michael Khalil, is expected to bring Mike’s Red Tacos’ signature birria […]

Birdcall—the Colorado-born franchise known for its naturally superior chicken, award-winning sandwiches, and elevated guest experience—has officially opened its first-ever franchise location in Starkville, Mississippi, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing national expansion. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant is located adjacent to the city’s historic State Theatre, bringing new life to one of Starkville’s most iconic […]

Mike’s Red Tacos, the celebrated San Diego-born beef Birria brand named a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), has bolstered its executive team, bringing veteran business leaders onboard to lead the brand’s growth.  Founder Mike Touma, who grew the brand from a San Diego food truck into two brick-and-mortar restaurants before the launch of its […]

Skinny Louie will open its fifth New York City restaurant Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Penn District. The restaurant is located at PENN 1 East Plaza next to Roberta’s. To mark the opening, the first 100 guests in line will receive a complimentary single-patty Skinny Louie Cheeseburger. The offer is available on a […]

Konala, the healthy drive-thru franchise known for its high-protein bowls and streamlined operating model, has signed five new franchise leases across Utah and Idaho, continuing the brand’s rapid expansion as demand for healthier, more convenient dining options grows. The latest leases include four locations from Speedy Foods LLC, a multi-unit franchise group developing 25 Konala […]

On the heels of its acquisition of Daddy’s Chicken Shack, Esperto Hospitality Group, the New Jersey multi-concept operator behind COVO Italian Steakhouse, Local House Kitchen + Bar, and four other concepts, named Todd Madlener as President & Chief Development Officer and Ryan Murrin as Chief Marketing Officer. The appointments signal Esperto’s intent to move quickly, pairing a veteran franchise […]

Today, Ugly Bagel brings its hand-rolled bagels and small-batch spreads to Mt. Juliet with the opening of its third location at Everette Downs. The opening marks the Nashville-born brand’s third store in 18 months, as hospitality veterans and co-founders Jeff Crabiel and Jake Strang continue to build in the Middle Tennessee communities they call home. “I keep […]

Merit Coffee Company, the Texas specialty coffee roaster known for its community-driven cafés and award-winning coffee program, announced its expansion into Houston with plans to open three new cafés across the city, beginning with its first Houston location in the West University neighborhood in early July. Located at 5115 Buffalo Speedway, the West University café […]

Summer is in full bloom, and co-owners Ka-wana Jefferson and Patrick Cruz are bringing even more sweetness to Upper Manhattan with the opening of Lost Borough Ice Cream, the brand’s second location. Opening during National Ice Cream Month, the new shop is located at 4791 Broadway (between Cumming Street and Academy Street) in the heart […]

What began nearly a decade ago in Alief as a small fruit trailer has entered an exciting new chapter: Gaspachos Mexican Bites, the concept known for its colorful Mexican fruit creations and street-style snacks, has just opened its first fast-casual restaurant space at 2103 Lyons Avenue, Suite 310, Houston Texas, 77020, marking a major milestone for founder Jennifer Perez […]

Mike’s Red Tacos, the celebrated San Diego-born beef Birria brand named as a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), has signed an 18-unit agreement with franchise ownership group JM Foods to bring the concept to Los Angeles and Orange County.  The agreement, led by experienced restaurant owners and operators Victor Fiss and John Thomas, will grow […]

Chef Olivia Ostrow, the Miami-based chef and restaurateur behind Maison Ostrow in North Bay Village, announces Maison Baguette, a new kosher artisan sandwich concept reimagining the world’s most iconic sandwiches through a French lens all served in signature house-baked baguettes available via pickup at Maison Ostrow (1666 79th Street Causeway Suite 102, North Bay Village, […]

HB Protein Smoothies, now expanding internationally, is deepening its roots in Arizona with franchisees who believed in the brand before they ever signed a deal. Gilbert couple Michael and Samantha Marquez were loyal HB customers first. Now they’re bringing the brand to their own backyard. At the same time, the brand is preparing to open […]

The S&W Market is excited to announce the grand opening of Dooogh Smoothie Shop & Pita’ria in the food hall’s front window space. Co-owners Brian and Laura Smith, who recently opened Baba Nahm, are now introducing this breakfast-focused concept, bringing one of downtown Asheville’s few dedicated smoothie and fresh-juice destinations to locals and visitors alike. […]

Angry Chickz is bringing the heat to Chino. The fast-growing Nashville hot chicken brand will open its first location in the city on June 5 at 16287 Main St., Suite 150, marking its 34th restaurant in California and 39th systemwide. The Chino restaurant introduces Angry Chickz’s signature approach to Nashville hot chicken, including bold flavor, customizable heat levels […]

Angry Chickz is continuing its California growth with a new stop on the Central Coast. The Nashville hot chicken brand will open its first Santa Maria location on June 5 at 2102 S. Bradley Road, marking its 33rd restaurant in California and 38th nationwide. With its arrival, Angry Chickz brings a menu centered on bold, made-to-order hot chicken […]