Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch, SUPER CHIX, Twin Hospitality Group, and Effin Egg lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending May 18, 2025.
1) Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay Expands Arizona Footprint With Deal for Multiple New Restaurants in Phoenix Area
The new deal comes from franchisee and veteran restaurateur Joe Sample, who recently opened his first Bobby’s Burgers location in Orem, Utah, in December 2024.
2) Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch Heads to the Pacific Northwest with Multi-Unit Deal in Portland, Oregon
This will be the first time introducing Huckleberry’s to the state of Oregon, marking a major milestone in its national expansion.
3) SUPER CHIX Opens Its 5th Location in Washington
SUPER CHIX is the premium counter-casual dining experience bringing together superior, fresh ingredients with first-class preparation methods and recipes.
4) Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Announces Appointment of Kim Boerema as Chief Executive Officer
Boerema will draw on his over 30 years of industry experience, scaling and optimizing high-volume, full-service restaurant operations, to continue driving forward the rapid growth trajectory of the ultimate sports lodge, Twin Peaks.
5) Effin Egg Opens First Las Vegas Franchise!
Vegas will also offer a fun and inviting atmosphere, with friendly service and a welcoming vibe that will make guests feel right at home.
6) Toastique Expands in Midwest With Summer 2025 Opening in Rapid City
Opening in summer 2025, Toastique Rapid City will offer gourmet toast creations, smoothie bowls, nutrient-rich cold-pressed juices, smoothies, espresso, coffee, and grab-and-go options.
7) Savory Fund’s Sale of Mo’ Bettahs Named 2025 Food & Beverage Deal of the Year by Mergers & Acquisitions
The Mo’ Bettahs deal was distinguished not by headline value, but by its premium growth valuation – executed in a challenging environment for restaurant M&A.
8) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Opens Third Clark County Location With New North Las Vegas Restaurant
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, is now open in North Las Vegas, marking the brand’s third restaurant in Clark County and sixth in Nevada.
9) Golden Corral Turns Up the Flavor with All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Tenders & Baby Back Ribs for a Limited Time
America’s leading buffet launches premium summer lineup featuring chicken tenders, slow-cooked ribs, and refreshing Minute Maid fruit-flavored beverages.
10) Nick the Greek Introduces New Salads Inspired by Authentic Mediterranean Flavors
Nick the Greek, a Northern California-based chain serving up authentic Greek street food, is expanding its menu with two new salads: the Tahini Crunch Salad and the Chopped Salad.
11) Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar Unveils All-New Happy Hour with Bold Bites and Crafted Cocktails
Revamped Happy Hour menu features an irresistible lineup of innovative small plates, refreshing handcrafted cocktails, and unbeatable value – all served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
12) South Block To Bring Its Fresh Flavors to North Carolina
The award-winning acai and smoothie brand will open two new locations in Charlotte this year – marking its first expansion outside the DMV market.
13) Dog Haus Expands to Louisiana with Three New Locations
Dog Haus, the renowned burgers, brats and brews concept, is taking its one-of-a-kind dining experience into the Bayou State.
14) Ono Hawaiian BBQ Partners With Disney a Second Time to Launch Collectible Stitch Bags for Keiki and Ohana Meals
Ono Hawaiian BBQ, the family-owned Hawaii-inspired fast casual restaurant chain known for its plate lunches, is celebrating a new collaboration with Disney’s upcoming Lilo & Stitch movie with the launch of special Keiki and Ohana Meals, each served with limited-time collectible Stitch bags.
15) Hot Head Burritos and Flarie Team Up to Launch New Branded Game for ‘Cinco de Montho’
The interactive mobile game, Leroy’s Buddy Bounce, brings the brand’s popular mascot to life in a playful, digital experience that rewards fans for joining the fun.
16) Sloan’s Ice Cream Serves Up Sweet News with Latest Franchise Sale in Sarasota
Sloan’s Ice Cream, the international franchise celebrated for its over-the-top, Instagram-worthy treats and frequent media spotlights, is continuing its nationwide expansion with the announcement of its newest franchise sale.
17) Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ Launches New Location in Louisville, Kentucky
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is making significant strides in expanding its presence across the United States with select sites inside Walmart stores.
18) la Madeleine Brings Joyful Dining Back With ‘le Pick 3’ for Just $8.99
With the new le Pick 3, guests can select a half sandwich, side and beverage – all made fresh, served with care and enjoyed in the welcoming charm of la Madeleine’s French-inspired cafés.
19) Wings and Rings Heats up Summer With Refreshing New Flavors – And Continues 40% off Wings Tuesdays Indefinitely
The 85-unit sports restaurant and bar franchise is launching a summer LTO lineup featuring the Summer Crisp Salad, Pesto Chicken Wrap, Huli Huli Wing Sauce and Cinnamon Roll Pretzel Bites – plus, the fan-favorite Tuesday promotion is here to stay.
20) Tender Greens Delivers the Sizzle with Backyard Ribs and Family Feasts
These new offerings showcase St. Louis-style ribs, slow-roasted and finished with a housemade chipotle honey barbecue sauce that delivers sweet heat and smoky depth – a signature of Tender Greens’ chef-driven culinary style.
