2018 RH 25: Fox Restaurant Concepts

The 2018 class of Restaurant Hospitality's annual RH 25 looks at bold moves made by multiconcept operators — the companies that are crossing segments, shifting operations, building big or pivoting in some way. There is no ranking. These are companies to watch. See all concepts >>

HQ: Phoenix

Leadership: Sam Fox, founder

Systemwide sales FY2017: Not disclosed

Concepts: North Italia (13), Flower Child (11), Culinary Dropout (6), Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar (5), Blanco Tacos Tequila (4), Olive & Ivy Restaurant Marketplace (2), The Henry (2), Doughbird, The Arrogant Butcher, Wildflower American Cuisine and The Greene House

Founder Sam Fox

Fox Restaurant Concepts has long been a fertile creator of innovative restaurant brands, attracting powerful strategic partners ranging from P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. to The Cheesecake Factory. And Fox is about to give birth again.

The group is planning a new concept in Coronado, Calif., scheduled to debut next year. The restaurant, yet to be named, will have a coastal California vibe, both in design and in fare. It will also generate revenue in all three dayparts: Quick-service in the morning with coffee and pastries, and then full-service for lunch and dinner.

The Western operator is also moving into the East Coast for the first time with seven openings of existing concepts planned for the Washington, D.C., area — part of the operator’s plan to launch 18 new restaurants by early 2019. Fox also recently eliminated plastic straws systemwide and is about to debut its first mobile app via fast-casual concept Flower Child.

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