Thorntons Inc.
Segment: Convenience store
Units: 182
HQ: Louisville, Ky.
Hook: Thorntons recently remodeled a store in its hometown to feature hot breakfast, lunch and snack items that are prepared freshly on site. Menu items include breakfast burritos and an ice-cream bar with a variety of toppings. It’s the most recent in a series of locations meant to heighten Thorntons’ reputation as a foodservice destination.
Federal Donuts
Segment: Quick service
Units: 5
HQ: Philadelphia
Hook: This Philly spot focuses on three things—doughnuts, fried chicken and coffee—and does them really well. Doughnut varieties include milk and coffee and apple pie, while the fried chicken comes in an array of seasonings including a chili garlic glaze and coconut curry.
U.P.
Segment: Fine dining
Unit: 1
HQ: New York
Hook: Want to know what the inventor of the Cronut is up to now? Book a reservation at his new concept. Short for Unlimited Possibilities, U.P. serves an eight-course tasting menu of chef Dominique Ansel’s desserts. You might discover the next big, scalable pastry trend—just make sure Ansel hasn’t trademarked it fırst.
Target Corp.
Segment: Mass merchandiser
Units: 1,799
HQ: Minneapolis
Hook: In a 14-store test, Target is replacing its foodservice kiosks with fancifıed pizza, fresh salads and pressed juices. Fast-casual chain Freshii will go into nine stores, Pizza Hut will open in three stores with a menu of “artisan” pies, and two Minneapolis stores will receive outposts of local spot D’Amico & Sons.
Salata
Segment: Quick service
Units: 52
HQ: Houston
Hook: When Salata rolled out its new prototype in July, it did away with menu boards. The move reflected the design-your-own style of the salad concept and also helped the chain tackle menu-labeling regulations in the face of its completely customizable menu. Now, calorie counts appear in front of the ingredients on the line.
Man’oushe Street
Segment: Fast casual
Units: 20
HQ: Dubai
Hook: The rapid growth of the United Arab Emirates is launching a new generation of restaurant concepts. Not only are U.S. brands attempting to crack the market, but the country itself is also rolling out unique spots worth watching. Man’oushe Street focuses on Lebanese flatbreads baked in brick ovens. It’s looking at expansion stateside.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.