Next generation of leadership aligns within Emerging Concepts' expanding portfolio

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerging Concepts, a national retail real estate brokerage platform and strategic growth partner, today announced a new partnership to accelerate its next phase of growth. Robert Johnson has purchased half of the company's shares from founder Mathew Focht and will assume the role of Managing Partner, overseeing day-to-day operations.

This marks a significant milestone for the company Focht founded 15 years ago. Under his leadership, Emerging Concepts has grown to be a trusted partner to some of the most dynamic restaurant and entertainment concepts in the US and UK, including Puttshack, Museum of Ice Cream, Flagship Restaurant Group, Sandbox VR, and F1 Arcade, offering national tenant representation, data-backed real estate strategies, and investment support.

"Emerging Concepts has been pivotal in scaling some of the most successful restaurant and entertainment concepts in the country," said Mathew Focht and "Robert has been instrumental in building our foundation over the last decade. His leadership, passion, and strategic insight make him the ideal partner to lead our next chapter."

Focht will remain actively involved in the company's vision while shifting his focus to capital allocation through The Emerging Fund, a vehicle he established to invest in next-generation hospitality and experiential brands. Emerging Concepts and Emerging Fund will continue to work in close collaboration, aligning real estate strategy with early-stage growth equity. 

Robert brings with him a decade of experience in national tenant representation and real estate investment across the U.S. and U.K. and has played a key role in guiding the expansion of some of the industry's most notable concepts. With over $1 billion in flagship transactions completed across the country, he has a proven track record of delivering high-impact tenants to the nation's most exciting retail real estate projects.

"Emerging Concepts has become a preferred partner for best-in-class restaurant and retail brands growing across the country," said Robert Johnson. "We see real potential for growth, driven by strong demand from industry leading operators who are seeking strategic guidance on key expansion decisions, and a partner who truly cares about their long-term success."

Emerging Concepts has built a national reputation by acting as an in-house partner to restaurant and entertainment brands, managing everything from customer data intelligence and site selection to transaction services and investor alignment. With its deep bench of local market experts, proprietary data tools, and a strong investment lens, the company is uniquely positioned to support both early-stage innovators and established players looking to scale.

As Johnson steps into his new role, the firm's mission remains clear: partner with best-in-class restaurants and experience-driven brands and support them with the strategic infrastructure needed to thrive nationally.

For more information, visit https://emergingconcepts.com/. 

About Emerging Concepts

Emerging Concepts has spent more than a decade specializing in national real estate representation and expansion for food, beverage, and entertainment concepts. With a national footprint and proprietary data platform, the company delivers a full suite of services including strategic national expansion planning, customer data analysis, transaction facilitation and investment partnerships. Partnerships have included Puttshack, F1 Arcade, Flight Club, Museum of Ice Cream, Sandbox VR, Flagship Restaurant Group, Poolhouse, Silverspot Cinemas, JF Restaurants and more.

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SOURCE Emerging Concepts