The Louisville, Kentucky-based chain will convert all 34 locations to the Biscuit Belly brand throughout the next 18 to 24 months. Louisville, Kentucky-based bunch concept Biscuit Belly has acquired Maple Street Biscuit Company, a subsidiary of Cracker Barrel. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition adds 34 Maple Street locations to Biscuit Belly’s… Continue reading Biscuit Belly acquires Maple Street Biscuit Company
Author: Ashley Viscardi
A Tech-Infused Pool Hall Start-Up Raises $55 Million
Poolhouse, which was created by the founders of Topgolf and uses technology to track players’ scores, aims to sell its platform to others. Making a centuries-old game flashier and easy to play in a group already produced a big business in the golf simulator experience Topgolf, which at its peak sold in a deal valued… Continue reading A Tech-Infused Pool Hall Start-Up Raises $55 Million
EMERGING Table Stakes: Navigating the New Currency of Hospitality
The hospitality industry has entered a period of profound structural shift. As observed at the 2026 ALIS Conference in Los Angeles, the traditional landscape is being hollowed out, leaving behind a “dying middle.” Today’s consumer is no longer interested in the predictable, mid-tier experiences that defined previous decades. Instead, the market has bifurcated into two… Continue reading EMERGING Table Stakes: Navigating the New Currency of Hospitality
EMERGING Table Stakes: How AI is Shaping the Future of Human Connectivity
As a strategic advisor and investor to some of the world’s most recognized hospitality and entertainment brands, EMERGING has a unique perspective on the intersection of human behavior and technology. In early 2026, two distinct forces are simultaneously reshaping the industry: a widening “human connection deficit” and the rapid maturation of applied Artificial Intelligence. For… Continue reading EMERGING Table Stakes: How AI is Shaping the Future of Human Connectivity
Competitive Social Entertainment Industry Report
Competitive Social Entertainment Industry Report Over the past six years, Competitive Social Entertainment (CSE) has evolved from niche nightlife into a $15–20 billion global industry. What began as a handful of experiential venues has become a defining pillar of modern hospitality, driving engagement, mixed-use development, and recurring social spend. CSE blends entertainment, technology, and premium… Continue reading Competitive Social Entertainment Industry Report
Sports, Entertainment, Hospitality & Restaurants (SEHR) AI Industry Report
Sports, Entertainment, Hospitality & Restaurants (SEHR) AI Industry Report Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from infrastructure-driven growth to applied intelligence across vertical industries. Between 2022 and mid-2025, early-stage AI deals totaled approximately $102B, representing +110% growth since 2022 and a CAGR of roughly 32%. Within this global surge, Sports, Entertainment, Hospitality, and Restaurants (SEHR) stand… Continue reading Sports, Entertainment, Hospitality & Restaurants (SEHR) AI Industry Report