2015 trends: Rise of local chains

What we’re seeing:

Mom-and-pops are being replaced by strong operators with multiple locations, each tailored to fit in the local dining scenes. We’ll admit, we liked it more when you knew if you were supporting the community rather than a large corporation. As multiconcept operators build small brands that cater to communities, the lines are getting blurred.

What they’re saying:

Serge Romero: What a great trend. Every niche, every city, every market is part of a greater community. It’s awesome that restaurateurs are taking notice and doing their part to cater to specific communities and help promote local purveyors. All markets have different culinary trends and eating habits, so being adaptable to those nuances only helps you become a part of that market.

In the kitchen:

• Sage Restaurant Group has opened two Urban Farmer locations (Portland and Cleveland), each locally sourced and paying homage to community farmers. There are five more Urban Farmer locations in the pipeline, and the rumor mill says another local concept from Sage is in the works.

• Consilient opened American Food and Beverage in Fort Worth in January and will open a second location in Atlanta in December and a third in Houston in 2015. Each will reflect the tastes and ingredients of the location.

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