John Kunkel

Miami, Florida, United States Contact Info
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Restaurateur John Kunkel, founder and CEO of Restaurant Hospitality magazine’s “Coolest…

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  • 50 Eggs

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Publications

  • The coolest multiconcept companies in the land

    Restaurant Hospitality Magazine

    You’re wondering why a company with only three concepts is on this list. Our reply is simple: John Kunkel. He’s the driving force behind 50 Eggs. Before he launched this company, he created another—fast-casual Lime Fresh Mexican Grill—which he sold to Ruby Tuesday for a sweet $24 million. He could have kicked back and taken it easy. Instead he had a hankering to open full-service restaurants that are so cool even a $24 million man would want to eat there. And that he did, starting off in 2011…

    You’re wondering why a company with only three concepts is on this list. Our reply is simple: John Kunkel. He’s the driving force behind 50 Eggs. Before he launched this company, he created another—fast-casual Lime Fresh Mexican Grill—which he sold to Ruby Tuesday for a sweet $24 million. He could have kicked back and taken it easy. Instead he had a hankering to open full-service restaurants that are so cool even a $24 million man would want to eat there. And that he did, starting off in 2011 with Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, which serves authentic Southern cuisine. It was quickly nominated for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation and its chef, Jeff McInnis, was nominated this year by the Beard Foundation for Best Chef-South. Kunkel followed Yardbird by creating a Thai concept, Khong River House, which also was nominated for a Beard Award—Best New Restaurant. His latest is Swine Southern Table & Bar, a pork-centric spot in a setting that mixes old-school Deep South elements with contemporary touches. All of Kunkel’s places have a cool, elbows-on-the-table feel where everyone feels comfortable. The guy has a Midas touch and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

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  • John Kunkel honored as a Florida Entrepreneur of the Year

    Miami Herald

    Miami foodies know John Kunkel for his crispy friend chicken (Yardbird), tangy northern Thai delicacies (Khong River House) , smokey brisket (Swine) and healthy cheap Mexican eats (Lime Fresh.) The founder and CEO of the 50 Eggs group is also a freshly awarded Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year in the hospitality category. (He previously was honored as one of the Miami Herald’s 20 Under 40.)

    The winners in the highly regarded annual competition were named Thursday night by…

    Miami foodies know John Kunkel for his crispy friend chicken (Yardbird), tangy northern Thai delicacies (Khong River House) , smokey brisket (Swine) and healthy cheap Mexican eats (Lime Fresh.) The founder and CEO of the 50 Eggs group is also a freshly awarded Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year in the hospitality category. (He previously was honored as one of the Miami Herald’s 20 Under 40.)

    The winners in the highly regarded annual competition were named Thursday night by the consulting and accounting firm. Honorees will compete in national competition.

    Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/14/3451049/john-kunkel-honored-as-a-florida.html#storylink=cpy

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  • Ruby Tuesday buys homegrown Miami chain Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

    The Miami Herald

    The sale will allow Lime Fresh Mexican Grill to ramp up its expansion plans both in Florida and across the country.

    Other authors
    • Elaine Walker
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  • Lime Fresh, a Slower Alternative to the Fast-Casual Franchise

    Entrepreneur Magazine

    When John Kunkel looked at the design of casual burrito restaurants, he noticed most put an emphasis on speed.

    "At so many places, like Chipotle or Qdoba or Moe's, it's cold, hard plastic. The interiors scream, 'Finish your food and move along,'" Kunkel says. "At Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, I wanted to provide a place where customers can stay awhile and have a couple beers. I took our cues from Starbucks and tried to make a 'third place,' a social place where people can come to hang out."

    Other authors
    • Jason Daley
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