Emerging Concepts

Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News

Pepper Lunch Announces New Opening in Phoenix

Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept with more than 560 locations across 17 countries, announced the grand opening of its newest restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona. Located at 2945 W Dove Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85085, the restaurant will officially open its doors on March 26. Hours of operation will be daily from 11am – 9pm. To celebrate […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, News, Start to Finish: What Inspires Execs, Story

6 Questions with Randy’s Donuts CEO Mark Kelegian

When I bought Randy’s Donuts in 2015, I knew I wasn’t just stepping into a business, but instead I was becoming part of a cultural icon. For more than 70 years, the original Inglewood location has been a landmark recognized around the world, appearing in films, music videos, and countless photos from customers who grew […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News

Ludlow Coffee Supply Opens Third South Florida Location

Ludlow Coffee Supply, the Lower East Side-born coffee brand celebrated for its neighborhood-first energy and meticulously sourced single-origin coffees, is opening its newest location at Domus Brickell Park this spring. This marks Ludlow’s third South Florida location, second in Miami – embracing the city as the “Sixth Borough” – and its first to debut an all-day café […]

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Beverage, Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Franchising, News

HB Protein Smoothies Inks Deal to Grow in South Florida

HB Protein Smoothies, a protein-first smoothie concept built for today’s health-conscious consumer, has signed its first franchise development agreement. Restaurant investor John Oswald has committed to opening five locations across South Florida, with the first planned for the Naples market. Oswald brings decades of experience investing in and advising restaurant brands. A CPA, attorney and […]

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Emerging Concepts, Employee Management, Fast Casual, News, Operations

Chili Shack Names Elizabeth Orona COO

On the heels of announcing plans to grow its national footprint via franchising, Chili Shack—the popular Denver-based restaurant chain known for its Mexican-American fare smothered in green chili—has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of Elizabeth Orona as Chief Operating Officer. At Chili Shack, Orona will oversee all employees, operational growth, innovation, and franchise […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Fast Food, News, Story

CEO to CEO: Timber Pizza’s Chris Brady and Bun Mee’s Denise Tran

On this episode of QSR’s CEO to CEO: Behind the Counter series, Timber Pizza’s Chris Brady and Bun Mee’s Denise Tran quiz each other on life leading emerging restaurant brands. From bootstrapping the early days to find real estate to separating from the competition, they candidly dive into what it takes to develop and scale […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News

Mike’s Red Tacos Opens Third San Diego Location

Mike’s Red Tacos, the San Diego-born Birria brand named as a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), is proud to announce the grand opening of its third San Diego location, on Tuesday, March 10, at 9089 Mira Mesa Blvd.   The 2,600-square-foot Mira Mesa restaurant seats 72 guests and includes an outdoor patio built for group and family […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Franchising, News, Story

Greg Levin’s CEO Journey at Starbird Begins with Storytelling

Greg Levin refers to his operating style as being a “service and hospitality hawk.” He doesn’t conduct a ton of interviews or get out front and speak publicly about his plans. What he likes to do, though, is sit in restaurants, pull up a table, and watch customers engage with the brand. This approach followed […]

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Beverage, Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, News, Story

Growing Black Rock Coffee Bar Stays the People-Driven Course

Black Rock Coffee Bar ended fiscal 2025 with 181 stores after opening 32 across the year. It’s pacing toward 1,000 by 2035. There are a bevy of reasons to lend CEO Mark Davis confidence in the projection. But there’s one he often returns to. Ninety-eight percent of the 2008-founded brand’s employees above the barista level […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Food, Marketing & Promotions, Menu Innovations, News

Birdcall’s Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich Returns

Birdcall—the beloved Denver-based craft chicken chain that specializes in all-natural chicken, award-winning sandwiches, and more—is thrilled to announce the return of one of its most talked-about creations. Back by overwhelming demand, the Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich rejoins the menu as part of the brand’s “Birdcall Presents” limited-time lineup. Available from March 1 through April 30, longtime fans and […]

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