Peach Cobbler Factory, Fun Fast Food Franchise Facts, and Top Restaurants for Outdoor Dining lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending May 25, 2025.
1) The Peach Cobbler Factory Is Coming to DFW International Airport With Two Locations
Slated to debut later this year in Terminal D followed by a second location in the new Terminal C Pier in 2026, these spots will serve the Peach Cobbler Factory’s signature warm peach cobbler, decadent banana pudding, cobbler shakes, and other sweet delights to millions of travelers from all over the world.
2) Fun Facts About Fast-Food Franchises
Some of the most iconic names in fast-food do so much more than satisfy cravings – they spark nostalgia, serve up quick and affordable meals and bring smiles with fun mascots, timeless menu items and catchy jingles that stay in your head forever.
3) Top Restaurants for Outdoor Dining 2025
New research from OpenTable shows that over half of Americans (55%) prefer sitting outdoors to dine when the weather is nice and a dedicated third (34%) would rather brave unexpected weather than surrender their open-air table.
4) Happy Joe’s Unveils New Prototype Leading to a Record-Smashing Opening on the First Coast
The new Happy Joe’s prototype restaurant opened its doors, and patio garage doors, to a record turnout and shattered sales records, making it the most successful franchise opening in the brand’s 52-year history.
5) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Expands National Footprint With Virginia Development Deal
Three-unit agreement continues Mountain Mike’s rapid growth across the country, expands its coast-to-coast footprint and reinforces its segment position as a national pizza player.
6) Pizza Inn Ate and Left No Crumbs – $8 Buffet Deal is Serving All Summer
Now through July 27, weekdays are for feasting with the “I $8 at Pizza Inn” promotion – an all-you-can-eat buffet stacked with hot-from-the-oven pizzas, pastas, a fresh salad bar, and a lineup of irresistibly sweet Pizzerts – all for just $8, Monday through Friday, at participating locations.
7) Sammy’s Sliders Brings Chef-Driven Excellence to Fast Casual Dining
In an era where consumers expect more from quick-service meals, Sammy’s Sliders is raising the bar with a chef-crafted menu that brings fine-dining quality to the fast casual space.
8) Perkins American Food Co. Honors Veterans With Free Breakfast
Known for its homestyle meals and breakfast-all-day, Perkins is honoring military personnel this Memorial Day with a Free Magnificent Seven Breakfast.
9) South Block Taps Industry Veteran Steve Heeley as President
With over two decades of leadership experience at some of the nation’s most recognizable fast-casual brands, Heeley – alongside South Block’s founder and CEO Amir Mostafavi – will guide the concept through its next phase of growth and national expansion.
10) Chipotle Introduces “Summer of Extras” With $1 Million in Free Burritos for Rewards Members
From June 1 through August 31, Chipotle Rewards members who opt in to Summer of Extras will earn extra points and exclusive badges for completing up to four milestones per month, plus gain sweepstakes entries for a chance to score free burritos for a year and a limited-edition stainless steel gift card.
11) Rodizio Grill Launches First-Ever Cheese Fest
From Parmesan-topped sirloin and roasted cheese with honey to rich, cheesy side dishes and even cheesecake with a Brazilian twist, Rodizio Grill’s Cheese Fest is sure to delight its guests.
12) Sunny Street Café Whips Up Brunch-Worthy Summer Menu
Sunny Street Café is serving up a sunshine-filled summer with a limited-time menu packed with feel-good favorites and a few fun surprises – all designed to make the next breakfast, brunch or lunch visit a little brighter.
13) Toastique To Open First Cleveland Location at Orange Village’s Pinecrest This Summer
The new café will serve the brand’s signature lineup of elevated toast creations, smoothie bowls, nutrient-rich cold-pressed juices, and espresso drinks – all within a space that reflects Cleveland’s growing appetite for health-focused, fast-casual dining.
14) Dickey’s Celebrates BBQ Month with Retail Deals at Sam’s Club
This National Barbecue Month, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is turning up the flavor and turning down the price for backyard pitmasters and barbecue lovers nationwide.
15) LOOMIS and Golden Chick Debut “Sandwich Senses” Campaign for New Crave-Worthy Pimento Crunchwich
Developed by Dallas-based ad agency LOOMIS, the new campaign launches with the Pimento Crunchwich, a crave-worthy chicken sandwich that sounds just as good as it tastes.
16) Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Dares Doubters in New Ad Campaign
The campaign leans into humor, showing doubters eating their “famous last words” after just one bite of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. It marks the next phase in the brand’s evolution following a major rebranding effort in 2023.
17) Ruby Slipper and Ruby Sunshine’s Summer Brunch Is Jam-Packed with Flavor
The “Very Berry” lineup celebrates all things ripe, sweet and brunch-worthy, starring and welcoming back two decadent dishes that channel summer in every bite.
18) Moultrie Huddle House Makes a Smashing Comeback
The Moultrie Huddle House was previously owned by a franchisee who has since retired. The location was then converted to another brand before being reclaimed by Huddle House.
19) Straw Hat Pizza Launches Updated Website With Sociavore
Straw Hat Pizza is improving their online ordering experience for customers to make ordering online a breeze for everyone. Straw Hat Pizza has partnered with Sociavore as their solution for web ordering. The newly designed website, which is available now, are very intuitive and easy to use.
20) Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Honors the Legacy of Matriarch Mary Alice ‘Memer’ Hallett with Free Pie Giveaway on May 20th
Mary Alice Hallett, affectionately known as “Memer” by family and friends, was the heart of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que when it first opened its doors in Pleasant Grove on October 19, 1974.
