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Denver-based fast-casual chain Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is continuing a brand refresh that kicked off last October. Headlining the changes is a new "urban" design prototype, introduced at the chain's new 2,300-square-foot location in the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall in downtown Denver.

In late January, Denver's Tavern Hospitality Group raised the curtain on its newest concept, Whisky Tango Foxtrot (WTF). A neighborhood gathering place in the up-and-coming Prospect Park area, the operation was designed by Colorado architecture firm Arch11 as an ode to Denver's pre-Prohibition watering holes, but with decidedly modern twists.

On Tuesday, New York multiconcept operator Gerber Group opened Irvington, a "New American," Mediterranean-influenced bar and restaurant, on the street level of the W Hotel New York – Union Square.

At a breakfast hosted this week at the James Beard House in New York City, nominees for the Foundation's 2015 Outstanding Restaurant Design Awards were announced, along with those in 58 other award categories. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception on May 4 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Paying homage to the former auto dealership and ambulance garage that once occupied the space, designers for Steel & Rye in Milton, Mass., blended existing industrial and historical accents with newly minted blonde wood and innovative fixtures using salvaged building materials.

Great architecture, world class designers and award-winning chefs come together to make Chicago one of the nation’s most exciting restaurant cities. Its newest, most buzzworthy restaurants offer up innovative,  on-trend designs and cuisines while maintaining a welcoming, comfortable vibe. Here we take a look at some newcomers to check out next time you visit the Windy City.

Rob Milich directs design and construction for Hurricane Grill & Wings, the 70-plus-unit casual dining chain based in West Palm Beach, Fla.

When customers enter a fast-casual restaurant, they head straight for the service line. That’s where they view the menu, place their orders, select from ingredients on display and watch staff assemble their customized meals before paying at the other end of the line. It’s also where, in the midst of the action, customers begin to determine whether the restaurant’s brand meets their expectations.