Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is expanding into Illinois for the first time with a multi-unit franchise agreement covering Chicago suburbs of Elgin, Geneva/St. Charles, and Algonquin. Franchisee Castro Rafeedie, an experienced restaurant operator from Youngstown, OH, will develop the locations. First location slated to open late 2027.
J. Alexander’s
J. Alexander’s is opening its fourth Georgia location in Peachtree City, south of Atlanta. Upscale wood-fired cuisine, classic American fare. Plans to hire 90-100 front- and back-of-house staff. Hiring begins June 22, 2026 at on-site hiring center. Set to open late August 2026.
Pepper Lunch
Franchisee Sizzling Hospitality (led by Bobby Shaw) has secured four Pepper Lunch locations in Texas: Leander, Hutto, and Kyle (Greater Austin) and Missouri City (Greater Houston). The first location at 516 East San Gabriel Parkway, Suite 130 in Leander is set to open by end of 2026. Additional locations in Hutto, Kyle, and Missouri City […]
Konala
Konala, a healthy fast-food drive-thru bowl concept, has a franchise opening slated for ‘next month’ (July 2026) in New Jersey. The brand converts former fast-food drive-thru locations into health-forward destinations. Over 40 franchise units signed nationwide. The primary future lead is the upcoming NJ location; the Utah/Provo location has already opened.
Rock N’ Roll Sushi
Rock N’ Roll Sushi’s first Michigan location, marking the brand’s 78th restaurant nationwide. Rock-themed American-style sushi concept offering Halal-friendly menu options. Owned and operated by Silvia Maruncic and Hicham Bazzi. No alcohol served. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm.
Naked Tomato
Chef Eyal Shani has opened Naked Tomato in Miami, with a Brooklyn location to follow. The Miami location has already opened, but the Brooklyn location is a future opening.
Unnamed American Tavern and Steakhouse (Major Food Group)
Major Food Group (Carbone, Torrisi) is opening an unnamed American tavern and steakhouse in the former Tribeca Grill space at 375 Greenwich Street in Tribeca, NYC. Co-founders Rich Torrisi, Mario Carbone, and Jeff Zalaznick are behind the project. The menu will feature steaks, steakhouse staples, and dishes reflecting New York’s multicultural food scene, including a […]
Wagshal’s Grand Bodega
Wagshal’s Grand Bodega is a 5,000 sq ft neighborhood grocer/market concept from the historic Wagshal’s Family of Fine Foods brand (founded 1925). The new Downtown DC location will offer catering, grab-and-go dining, fresh coffee, and donuts. Construction is progressing and signage is up. Target opening is around July 1, 2026.
Kura Revolving Sushi
Kura Revolving Sushi is opening a 3,200-square-foot location at Short Pump Station shopping center, in the former Persis Indian Grill space. Features conveyor belt sushi, robots, and prizes for returned plates. Website lists location as ‘coming soon’ with a representative stating they hope to open in fall 2026.
Joe and The Juice
Copenhagen-based juice bar and cafe opening a new location at Union Station DC, in the space previously occupied by Corner Bakery and Le Pain Quotidien. Menu includes juices, smoothies, sandwiches, breakfast bowls, coffee, and tea. No specific opening date available, but signage is up, construction is underway, and staff recruitment has begun.