It’s here—the summer issue of EMERGING Magazine! Within its pages, we’re exploring some of the top new social entertainment brands as well as the millions pouring into restaurant technology. Today, ResTech is not only helping enhance operations, but it’s also enabling a more sustainable restaurant model.
Do you want to learn how to make one of the popular craft beverages in under 20 seconds? How about adding one of the trending summer cocktails to the menu? And, of course, you won’t want to miss hearing what Mathew Focht, CEO of EMERGING, has to say about one of the most disruptive periods in the restaurant industry.
Let’s turn the pages and see what’s happening as summer hits its peak.
The Must-Visit Dining Tables in Chicago
Yes, you read that right. We’re not talking about the top 10 restaurants to visit, but the top 10 tables. Why? Because that’s what Tablz, an EMERGING investment, is all about. After guests take a whirlwind 3D online tour of a restaurant, they select their preferred table, happy to pay a little extra for the experience. The following represent a few of the most sought-after tables in Chicago.
- RPM Seafood Table 123: Sitting out on a balcony, enjoying breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, and eating the best seafood the city has to offer—need we say more?
- Utopian Tailgate the Ditka Lounge: Outdoor seating at Utopian Tailgate’s rooftop bar is all about fun. From games to live music to a full restaurant and bright colors, it looks more like a playground than a bar.
A few of the many other concepts and tables to consider include Nonna’s table at Gino & Marty’s, 3rd-floor balcony tables at Gibson’s Italia, table 300 at Bar Mar, and table 103 at Le Colonial.
The DrinkBot
What’s under 5 square feet, loves tropical fruits from around the world, and makes over 2,000 craft beverages, including smoothies, bobo tea, and blended frappes, many in 20 seconds or less? If you guessed Botrista, you would be correct.
This barista-turned DrinkBot recently made headlines as investors realized its potential. Restaurants that don’t have the space, time, or labor to invest in the popular non-alcoholic craft beverage trend now see possibilities and profitability. Find out more on page 26.
For your guests who enjoy craft cocktails, check out two of this year’s trending summer beverages, Mezcal Negroni and Peruvian Pepper Tequila Tini, on page 40.
Interview with Industry Leaders
Nick Hogan is the CEO & Owner of the Flagship Restaurant Group, a parent company that’s capitalized on creating exceptional experiences for their guests. Today, their brands encompass Anthem, Blatt Beer & Table, Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Cham Pang Lanes, Clio, Flagship Commons, Ghost Donkey, Memoir, Pyro, Palma, Plank, Revival House, and Roja Mexican Grill + Margarita Bar.
Discover more about these iconic brands on page 18 and then turn to page 20 for an in-depth discussion on the creation of one of their newest additions, PYRO.
Mathew Focht, CEO of EMERGING, co-founder of Consolidated Concepts, and founder of Emerging Concepts, has been in the industry for some time. He’s watched the rise and fall of some of the leading brands, the influx of social entertainment, and the industry’s long-overdue embrace of technology.
On page 14, you’ll find him discussing the EMERGING Fund, a modern fund that’s part capital investments, part mentorships. What started in March 2023 is now comprised of about 70 of the restaurant industry’s movers and shakers—the individuals breaking boundaries and creating once undreamed-of concepts in dining, social entertainment, and technology.
BRKTHROUGH & Beat the Bomb
Social entertainment is on the rise, with brands searching for ways to differentiate themselves. Beat the Bomb and BRKTHROUGH have found a way to do just that. The former is a premier, in-person video gaming experience where players don hazmat suits as they attempt to stay away from paint and foam blasts or play over 15 interactive games.
BRKTHROUGH features 40 immersive high-tech challenges that test your physical and mental prowess as well as your skills. Within its 20,000 square feet, you’ll also find craft beverages and delicious, shareable foods.
Restaurant Technology
Whether you’re interested in which technology companies are receiving the most attention from investors or how AI affects delivery, you’ll find it in the pages of EMERGING Magazine. Explore the high-tech world of drone delivery and underground tunnels designed as delivery networks on page 50. Restaurants are getting in on the ground floor via pilot programs.
Owner.com, a brand that helps restaurants create an online presence, recently raised $33 million. Some of the companies EMERGING Fund has invested in include 1Huddle, Botrista, Overproof, and Tablz.
Are you ready to discover the industry trends as summer takes hold? EMERGING Magazine is here to help.
