The new franchise explosion isn’t done yet! With McDonald’s and other mainstream restaurant chains losing ground at a breakneck speed, more restaurants than ever before are working to fill up that gap with new concepts, new brands, and new ways to enjoy food with friends.
We’ve gone through some of the biggest names popping up across the country, as well as some more indie brands that are poised to make it big. Here come five more restaurants that you should watch for when they come to your neighborhood below!
Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar
I’ll admit it; I put this in the article simply because I couldn’t stop laughing at the name. That being said, this 16-location, Harrisburg-based restaurant chain is rapidly expanding thanks to their upscale eats and casual ambiance.
This is a venue where you can grab Wagyu beef burgers, gluten-free goodies, and all the draft beer you can want. If you love the idea of hitting a sports bar, but can’t stand low-quality food with a high price tag, Arooga’s is going to be a major hit with you.
Bluestone Lane
Bluestone Lane is one of the only franchises in this series to be based out of the United States, but that only seems to make it more popular. This Aussie cafe chain is all about bringing a uniquely modern, cozy ambiance to coffee enthusiasts who want to sip artisan brews and eat Insta-worthy treats.
Out of all the new chains we’ve seen, Bluestone Lane has the most Instagram-friendly menus and setting. Visually speaking, it’s great. Food-wise, it’s wonderful. We’re thrilled to see its flagship store in New York City, and smell the goodness from their Brooklyn roastery.
Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar
Considering how popular wine culture has become among Millennials, it’s not surprising that at least one semi-casual wine bar would end up on this list. Zinburger is a wine bar that also served up burgers, shakes, and bar food, all made from scratch.
Low-lit, intimate settings with upscale bar food seem to be a serious winner with its audience. Though the Arizona-based chain only has about two dozen locations, it’s pretty clear that it will expand fairly rapidly in the near future.
Public School on Tap
No, it’s not a restaurant that serves those foul-smelling chicken nuggets you remember from lunch period. Public School on Tap, also known as PS on Tap, is an ultra-upscale gastropub that is all about educating people on fine, seasonal meals complete with complementary beer pairings.
Though this restaurant chain has under 10 locations, the sheer amount of press it’s gotten is a testament to its serious potential. Each restaurant venue has its own number, too, just like regular public schools. Anyone who wants a little whimsy with their artisan wings will definitely appreciate what’s on the plate here.
Cantina Laredo
If you’ve been wondering where all the delicious Tex-Mex food went to, here it is. Cantina Laredo is a chain restaurant that is focused on delivering modern Mexican cuisine in an upscale surrounding. Genuine Mexican fare with an elegant presentation make this a real unique venue among a sea of kitschy cookhouses.
This venue is extremely popular in Texas, which says something pretty serious when it comes to the kind of food you should expect here. After all, Texans always seem to know where the best food will be.
