Emerging Concepts

Beverage, Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News

HB Protein Smoothies Plans Expansion in Arizona

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 […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News

Dooogh Smoothie Shop & Pita’ria Opens at Asheville’s S&W Market

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. […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Finance, News, Story, Women in Restaurant Leadership

Stefanie Lee Wants to Build Starbird’s Future

Starbird just announced Stefanie Lee as its newest CFO— and she is ready to build out the infrastructure to fuel the brand’s growth as it expands beyond its California home market.  Lee spent 18 years building financial infrastructure at massive brands like Dine Brands, Krispy Kreme, and TITLE Boxing Club. Now she’s coming back home […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News

Angry Chickz to Open in Santa Maria, California

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 […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News

Bushfire Kitchen Opens Store in Rancho Bernardo, California

Bushfire Kitchen, the elevated fast casual restaurant group serving scratch-made comfort food, has opened its latest outpost in Rancho Bernardo, a suburb north of San Diego. The opening marks the brand’s third location in San Diego County and its 11th unit overall.  To thank the Rancho Bernardo community for their support, Bushfire Kitchen is hosting […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News, Story

Cousins Maine Lobster Evolves with New Fried Seafood Concept

Fourteen years into building Cousins Maine Lobster into a national food truck powerhouse, Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac weren’t necessarily looking to start over. They have about 100 units, a proven operating model, and a brand synonymous with premium lobster rolls served out of brightly wrapped trucks across the country. But about a year ago, […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News

Love & Honey Fried Chicken Signs 20-Unit Deal in Florida

Love & Honey Fried Chicken (“Love & Honey”), the premium fast-casual concept known for chef-driven fried chicken, heartfelt hospitality, and a loyal Philadelphia following, is kicking off its next chapter of franchise growth with the signing of a 20-unit development agreement in Florida. The agreement will bring Love & Honey to communities across Southeast Florida and south of Orlando.  A Strategic Growth Milestone for Love & Honey  Founded in […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News

Jeff’s Bagel Run Awards 20 Franchise Locations in South and Mid-Atlantic Markets

Jeff’s Bagel Run, the rapidly growing scratch-made bagel concept known for baking hot bagels throughout the day, has awarded 20 new franchise locations, further expanding the brand’s presence across the South and Mid-Atlantic. The newly signed agreements build on strong 2026 momentum, with the company having already opened 10 new shops year-to-date, bringing the system […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News, Story

Why Gnocchi on 9th is One to Watch

Eight stores in 20 months.  That’s how quickly Ariel Strizower and Mike Salzano built their New York City–based Italian chain Gnocchi on 9th.  This cuisine wasn’t even their initial goal.  In early 2024, Salzano, working as a realtor at the time, and Strizower found themselves on a train in NYC, pursuing Strizower’s long-standing dream of […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News, pizza

Timber Pizza Co. Inks Deal to Expand in Atlanta Metro Area

Timber Pizza Co., the award-winning, neighborhood-oriented pizza brand, has signed a new franchise development deal to bring its signature pies to the Atlanta metro area. The agreement includes plans for two locations, officially marking the brand’s entry into the Georgia market as it continues its strategic expansion across the Southeast. The first location is slated for […]

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