Secrets Of a Fast Casual Empire In The Making - Modern Market
In the world of the fast-casual restaurant scene, few stories are as stirring as that of Anthony Pigliacampo and his creation, Modern Market Eatery. Launched in 2009 with his business partner, Rob McColgan, in Boulder, Colorado, the restaurant rapidly became a darling of diners seeking wholesome, scratch-made meals. Today, nearly 15 years later, what's become of this culinary pioneer and his empire of eateries?
A Revolutionary Concept Evolves into a Multi-Brand Powerhouse
Originally, the concept was revolutionary yet simple: create a chain of restaurants that prioritized quality, locally-sourced ingredients with a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs. This vision wasn't just for the health-conscious or those with dietary restrictions; it appealed to anyone seeking a delicious, guilt-free meal.
Modern Market Eatery's commitment to accessibility and high standards led to its rapid growth and, by 2018, caught the attention of Los Angeles-based Butterfly Equity. The acquisition by Butterfly Equity and subsequent merger with Lemonade Restaurants bolstered Modern Market into a combined entity with 58 locations across key markets like Denver, Austin, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
In recent developments, Modern Restaurant Concepts (MRC), born from the merger and now inclusive of QDOBA Mexican Eats, has become a national multi-concept restaurant platform focusing on 'better-for-you' options. With nearly 800 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, MRC continues to expand its reach. The acquisition of the fast-casual Mexican chain Qdoba has further diversified its portfolio, allowing MRC to sell the 20-unit Lemonade in a strategic move to concentrate on growing Qdoba and Modern Market Eatery. Additionally, the launch of franchising for Modern Market Eatery has seen the introduction of a new franchisee who is set to open 41 new locations, enhancing the brand’s footprint significantly. Under the leadership of CEO John Cywinski, formerly of Applebee’s, MRC is poised for substantial growth, leveraging its strong foundation in quality and innovation to meet the evolving demands of diners nationwide.
Where Are They Now?
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of fast-casual dining has evolved dramatically, influenced by factors like technological advances and changing consumer behaviors. But what of Pigliacampo, the mind behind Modern Market?
Interestingly, Anthony Pigliacampo has transitioned from the culinary arts to the art of engineering with Joseph Machine Company (JMC), where he currently serves as CEO. At JMC, Pigliacampo applies his knack for innovation to the manufacturing sector, focusing on machinery and software that enhance efficiency and quality in industries as diverse as solar energy and transportation.
From Kitchens to Cutting-Edge Technology
At JMC, Pigliacampo's impact is palpable. The company is a leader in the North American market, known for its advanced CNC panel routers and the unique Alu Loader system, among other technologies. This pivot from fast casual to fabrication might seem a leap to some, but those familiar with Anthony's drive for innovation see it as a natural progression of his entrepreneurial spirit.
A Legacy of Innovation
While Anthony Pigliacampo's career trajectory has taken a sharp turn from the world of fast casual dining to high-tech manufacturing, the thread of innovation remains consistent. His journey serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship and the importance of evolving with changing market demands.
As we look at the impact of his work, both in Modern Market and JMC, it's clear that whether it's crafting a menu or manufacturing machinery, Pigliacampo's approach to business is about creating systems that serve people better—making life a little more efficient, a little easier, and a lot more enjoyable.
Whether you're biting into a Buddha bowl or watching a high-speed CNC machine smoothly cut through materials, you're experiencing a piece of Pigliacampo's vision—a vision that continues to influence and inspire across industries.
 | A guest post by
|