May 26, 2016
Project Profile: Old Crow Takes Flight with Kicked-Up Design
Transforming a restaurant from one distinctive brand to a very differently themed establishment is hard enough. Try renovating the space while keeping the old business open. That was the top challenge for owner Sam Sanchez in a project that turned an Irish pub, John Barleycorn, into a hip honky-tonk barbecue joint, Old Crow Smokehouse, in Chicago’s River North area.
Lee’s Sandwiches Opens First East Coast Stores
Lee’s Sandwiches, a San Jose-based quick-serve restaurant chain specializing in Bánh Mì Vietnamese sandwiches, gourmet coffee and other Euro-Asian food products, has opened its first East Coast location in Falls Church, Va.
Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria Announces Expansion
Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria signed a franchise agreement with Chicago entrepreneur Greg Dunn to open at least three Persona Pizzeria restaurants in metropolitan Chicago.
Joy District Opens in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood
Chicago’s bustling River North neighborhood saw a new addition to its nightlife scene with Joy District, a new, multilevel restaurant and lounge from the team behind Hubbard Inn, Barn & Company and Pomp & Circumstance.
Smoothie Factory Partners with Gold’s Gym
Smoothie Factory, a natural juice and smoothie concept founded by U.S. Olympian James Villasana, has partnered with Gold’s Gym, another Dallas-based company, to test several locations inside gym locations.
New Restaurant Design Part of Taco Bell’s Growth Plans
As part of its expansion plans to open 2,000 new restaurants by 2022, Taco Bell plans to test 4 new restaurant designs. |