Nation’s Restaurant News announces 2026 Hot Concepts award winners

• Emerging Chains

Awarded annually, Hot Concepts recognize emerging chains from around the U.S. that have impressive growth momentum and the potential to become household names.

Four brands will receive the coveted award recognizing emerging restaurant chains with growth potential

June 8, 2026

Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN), the premier publication serving the entire foodservice industry, announced four winners for its annual Hot Concepts awards.  

This year’s Hot Concepts, powered by The Coca-Cola Company, recognize emerging chains from around the U.S. that have impressive growth momentum and the potential to become household names. The winners will be recognized during a session at CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs, held at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., this July 20-22. 

“Hot Concepts is one of the most exciting reports we publish each year, giving us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the innovative spirit of emerging restaurant chains around the U.S.,” said Sam Oches, editor-in-chief of Nation’s Restaurant News. “We’ve scoured the country for buzz-worthy concepts that represent the present and future of the restaurant industry, and have selected four brands that we think could achieve major success in the years ahead.” 

This year’s Hot Concept honorees are: 

• Mike’s Red Tacos: This fast casual started as a San Diego food truck specializing in birria tacos in 2021, and it’s now rapidly franchising beyond its three brick-and-mortar locations, with help from investor and former Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Bill Phelps;

Mike’s Red Tacos: This fast casual started as a San Diego food truck specializing in birria tacos in 2021, and it’s now rapidly franchising beyond its three brick-and-mortar locations, with help from investor and former Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Bill Phelps;

• Ggiata Delicatessen: The East Coast-inspired deli concept is springing up around Los Angeles, offering traditional Italian deli fare with high-quality ingredients and creative twists at its seven locations;

• Sushi by Bou: Sushi by Bou is an omakase-style sushi concept out of New York City that offers an intimate, high-end dining experience at accessible price points at its 20 locations;

• Matcha Magic: This matcha specialist out of the Seattle area offers a range of health-forward beverages, alongside açaí bowls and loaded toasts, at six locations, with more to come through franchising. 

Ggiata Delicatessen: The East Coast-inspired deli concept is springing up around Los Angeles, offering traditional Italian deli fare with high-quality ingredients and creative twists at its seven locations;

Sushi by Bou: Sushi by Bou is an omakase-style sushi concept out of New York City that offers an intimate, high-end dining experience at accessible price points at its 20 locations;

Matcha Magic: This matcha specialist out of the Seattle area offers a range of health-forward beverages, alongside açaí bowls and loaded toasts, at six locations, with more to come through franchising. 

“Cheers to the 2026 Nation’s Restaurant News Hot Concept winners!” said Barb Poremba, Vice President of Industry Leadership at The Coca-Cola Company. “These extraordinary brands and their visionary leaders embody the creativity and resilience that drive our industry forward. Their innovative spirit is a beacon for the next generation of restaurateurs, inspiring them to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. We are proud to stand alongside them and celebrate their achievements at CREATE in California this year.”

Past Hot Concepts winners have included major chains such as Panda Express, Raising Cane’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Jamba, and CAVA. Last year’s cohort featured Houston TX Hot Chicken, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, Tacotarian, Brassica, and Joyland.

“The restaurant industry has an amazing diversity of brands, menus, and leaders that are emerging around the country and finding a national audience,” Oches said. “Our Hot Concepts winners are a perfect example of that diversity, and we’re excited to welcome this next generation of restaurant leadership to our CREATE event in July.”

CREATE will be hosted at the Terranea Resort outside Los Angeles this July 20-22. Restaurant leaders can register for CREATE for free by clicking here.

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