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On the growth path: 5 restaurant concepts to watch

Here are five small concepts that are entering a new phase of growth, from Detroit-style pizza to Korean tacos

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

January 28, 2020

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Here are five small concepts that are entering a new phase of growth, from Detroit-style pizza to Korean tacos

There is a point when a restaurant concept steps onto a growth path. They may have one or two, or even a handful of locations open. But the shift into growth mode takes strategic thinking, a need to build awareness and often new infrastructure.

We want to highlight five under-the-radar restaurant concepts that are poised for new growth.

These concepts are all on a growth path, whether they are securing investor funding, laying out ambitious plans for new stores, franchising or expanding into new markets. They’re not big chains and they may never be. But they are worth watching as they take various approaches to new growth.

In this installment, we are highlighting out-of-the-box concepts like a New York City-based Detroit-style pizzeria, a build-your-own hot dog concept, a better-chicken chain, fusion tacos and an upscale coffee shop that promises no long lines.

Here are five growth concepts to watch.

Contact Joanna Fantozzi at [email protected] 

Follow her on Twitter: @joannafantozzi

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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