Pappas Restaurants, On The Border, Huddle House, Bonrue Bakery, and Cracker Barrel lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending May 11, 2025.
1) Pappas Restaurants Prevails at Auction for On The Border To Expand Its National Footprint
Acquisition will bring together two iconic Texas-based restaurant brands and expand Pappas’ presence in the Tex-Mex category by adding a nationally recognized concept that offers bold flavors at an accessible price point.
2) Huddle House Announces Brand Renovation for A New Generation of Guests
Huddle House unveils a reimagined brand identity and positioning based on months of guest research, new menu innovation improving on the quality of core products for current guests and developing new products for new guests, and a trio of new restaurant prototypes to accelerate the brand’s geographic expansion.
3) New Name, Same Stead: Farmstead To Become ‘Bonrue Bakery’
Following trademark complications, the beloved bakery in St. George will change its name – but the warmth, community, and premium pastries remain.
4) Cracker Barrel Commences Summertime with the Return of its Iconic Campfire Meals
Cracker Barrel’s guest-favorite Campfire Meals, including a new Campfire Shrimp Skillet, return for a limited time, paving the way for a summer reminiscent of evenings spent around the campfire with loved ones.
5) Beachside Diner Now Offering Franchise Opportunities
Generating over $3.3 million in annual revenue, Beachside Diner has become a local favorite with a proven business model – and now, the brand is ready to expand.
6) Paris Baguette Closes a Strong Q1 With 76 New Signings, Preparing for 100 Café Openings in 2025
Paris Baguette’s Q1 surge sets the stage for another record-breaking year, fueled by strong sales, rapid expansion and continued strategic investments.
7) DQ Fans Tie the Knot in Texas: Meet the New Mr. & Mrs. Blizzard
Newlyweds Olivia Morris and Bradley Blizzard are officially Mr. and Mrs. Blizzard – and their sweet love story has captured hearts far beyond the wedding aisle.
8) Perkins Griddle & Go Sells Out Ocean County, New Jersey with Multi-Unit Agreement
Lisa Dalton and Anthony Degrande have become the largest franchisees of Perkins Griddle & Go with the signing of six new units in Ocean County, New Jersey.
9) Former NFL Star and Super Bowl Champion Vernon Davis Is Scoring Big in the Restaurant Industry
For the sportsman turned entrepreneur, “It’s not just about business; it’s about building experiences that resonate and endure.”
10) Juice It Up! Heats up Menu With Mike’s Hot Honey Partnership
For a limited time, Juice It Up! is teaming up with Mike’s Hot Honey, America’s original and leading brand of hot honey, to offer guests a hot honey topping option on any Juice It Up! menu items including its popular açai bowls and new toasts.
11) Urban Bird Hot Chicken Opens 19th Location in Arlington, TX, with 10 More Openings Scheduled for 2025
Urban Bird’s menu features a variety of offerings, including tenders, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, and the fan-favorite Urban Fries – fries topped with mac and cheese, Nashville Hot Chicken, and signature Bird Sauce.
12) Chipotle Names Jason Kidd Chief Operating Officer, President and Chief Strategy Officer Jack Hartung Sets Retirement Date
Kidd brings over 25 years of operations and retail experience to the company’s Executive Committee.
13) Konala Tapped by Webstaurant Sister Company, Clark National Accounts for Exclusive Franchise Supply Platform
Clark National Accounts, Webstaurant sister company, known for working with major national brands, is building a custom ordering portal for Konala to streamline – a rare move for an emerging franchise.
14) Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Offers 20% Off for Nurse Appreciation Week
Nation’s largest barbecue brand serves up a helping of gratitude to healthcare heroes with special offer May 6–12.
15) The Point Pub & Grill Celebrates Major Franchise Milestone with First Multi-Unit Deal in Utah
Rapidly growing neighborhood pub concept is expanding with new locations in Davis and Weber counties, with franchise opportunities available nationwide.
16) Houston TX Hot Chicken Spices Things up With Second Idaho Location Opening in Post Falls
With a menu that includes hot chicken sandwiches, tenders and more, HHC offers fresh (never frozen), all-natural, antibiotic-free and hormone-free food alongside an exciting and elevated service standard.
17) Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar Debuts “Frontier Fresh” Seasonal Menu Featuring Bold New Flavors and Fresh Ingredients
This limited-time offering introduces vibrant new entrées, sharables, desserts, and cocktails crafted to invigorate the palate and welcome the warmer season.
18) Knot To Be Missed: Papa Murphy’s Launches Garlic Knots to Satisfy Guest Cravings for Savory, Shareable Sides
New menu addition delivers fresh-baked, buttery goodness – perfect for pairing with pizza or enjoying on their own – and joins the brand’s popular Mix ‘n’ Match lineup.
19) Poké House Expands California Footprint with Two New Franchise Signings, Sets Sights on First Los Angeles Opening
Franchise momentum grows for Poké House as Brentwood and Davis locations join the poké franchise’s network; LA launch this summer marks a milestone for the brand.
20) PJ’s Coffee Brings Back Southern Wedding Cake Drinks
PJ’s Coffee is walking down the aisle with flavor once again as one of its most swoon-worthy lineups makes its grand return: Southern Wedding Cake, available in hot, iced and frozen varieties.
