By Katie Belflower

Standing out from the crowd is vital in today’s competitive landscape. We’ve teamed up once again with Technomic for this month’s Concept Watch, where we highlight three restaurants that are showing innovation and inspiration across the country. This edition focuses on Naan Kabob, Eggspectation, and Mandy’s Salades Gourmandes.

Naan Kabob

Platter

Image Source: Naan Kabob Instagram

Instagram: 18,600 followers | Facebook: 5,100 likes

Locations: 10 (Ontario)

Concept characteristics:

Fast-casual concept highlighting Afghan culture and food
Richly decorated interiors with elaborate light fixtures and greenery
Aims to be a community hub that connects people through delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere
Franchising is available to expand the brand’s footprint
Offers catering

Menu snapshot:

Ingredients are sourced from local markets
Meat is all fresh, antibiotic-free, and halal
Starters include Lentil Soup and Fattoush Salad
Grilled Kabob Plates are served with rice, salad, naan, kabob dip and hot sauce dip, and come in varieties such as Tandoori Chicken, Paneer, and Beef Tikka
Dessert menu includes Baklava, Saffron Pistachio Ice Cream, and Firni, a sweet cardamom pudding

Eggspectation

Avo Toast Benny

Image Source: Eggspectation Instagram

Instagram: 12,600 followers | Facebook: 13,000 likes

Locations: 7 (British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec)

Concept characteristics:

Midscale restaurant-café-bar concept serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch
Touts a customer-friendly culture with a passion for all things “breakfasty”
Units average 3,000-5,000 square feet and feature exhibition kitchens
Industrial-chic décor with contemporary artwork
Has expanded internationally, with 30 total worldwide locations

Menu snapshot:

Utilizes free-range brown eggs
Known for its Eggs Benedict, which comes in varieties such as Classic, Smoked Salmon, Lobster, and Crab Cake
Sweet options include Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes, S’mores French Toast, Chocolate Banana Crepe, and Strawberry and Banana Salted Caramel Waffle
Other breakfast favourites include Breakfast Tacos, Bagel and Lox, Breakfast Poutine, and Chicken ‘N’ Waffles

Mandy’s Salades Gourmandes

Sabrosa Salad

Image Source: Mandy’s Salades Gourmandes Instagram

Instagram: 81,100 followers

Locations: 10 (Ontario and Quebec)

Concept characteristics:

Trendy fast-casual concept featuring gourmet salads and bowls
Touted as Montreal’s first create-your-own salad bar
Small-scale interiors feature natural light and a French bistro aesthetic with eclectic wallpaper and a mix of handmade and antique collectibles
Cookbooks and merchandise are on sale for loyal fans of the brand
Catering is available

Menu snapshot:

Lumberjack Salad with avocado, mushrooms, pita chips, mozzarella, bacon, turkey, roasted seasoned chicken, and Caesar dressing
Peanut Satay Salad with mint, cilantro, basil, shredded carrots, purple cabbage, mango, wonton strips, peanuts, peanut mock chicken, and sesame-citrus dressing
Sabrosa Salad with cilantro, avocado, corn, pickled red onions, plantain chips, jalapeño Monterey Jack and chipotle crema
Toscana Bowl with orzo, baby spinach, asparagus, honey harissa roasted squash, Kalamata olives, and parmesan
Wild Sage Bowl with brown rice, kale, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, tempura onions, apples, dried figs, pecans, and goat cheese

Concepts to Watch is based on restaurant and menu concepts and trends noted by Technomic Inc.

Katie Belflower is Associate Editor for Technomic, a Chicago-based foodservice research and consulting firm. Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights, and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions, and results. The company’s services include publications and digital products as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry, including menu trends.

Concepts to Watch feature image via Naan Kabob’s website.