BIGGBY COFFEE, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Pepper Lunch, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Wahlburgers lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending March 30, 2025.
1) Celebrating 30 Years of BIGGBY COFFEE: A Legacy of Growth and a Bright Future
The high-energy coffee franchise is celebrating three decades of growth with a nationwide party and looking forward to its continued impact as it supports people in building lives they love.
2) Dickey’s Barbecue Launches First of Three Locations in Collaboration with Gaubert Oil’s Go-Bears Food Marts
Dickey’s Barbecue, the, the legendary Texas barbecue chain known for its authentic “Legit. Texas. Barbecue.,” has announced its partnership with Gaubert Oil and its wholly owned subsidiary, Go-Bears Food Marts, to bring the unmistakable flavors of Texas barbecue to even more Louisiana communities.
3) Pepper Lunch Coming Soon to Hawaii with Three Locations Set to Open in the Next 12 Months
Pepper Lunch, a one-of-a-kind Japanese fast-casual concept with more than 500 locations across 17 countries, has announced its official expansion into Hawaii.
4) As Restaurant Prices Rise, Logan’s Roadhouse Introduces a Three-Course Meal for Less Than Fast Food
Logan’s Roadhouse, the original roadhouse known for its Mesquite-grilled steaks and made-from-scratch rolls, is launching the Real Deal Meal – a three-course, full-service dining experience starting at just $11.99.
5) Wahlburgers Launches Pepperoni Smash, Announces Partnership with Boston Deli Boys
The Pepperoni Smash features two 100% Certified Angus Beef patties stacked high with melted provolone, crispy julienne pepperoni, Chef Paul Wahlberg’s signature rosemary tomato jam, and a savory garlic butter finish – packing layers of flavor in every bite.
6) Teaspoon Fuels Explosive Growth with Three New Franchise Deals, Bringing More Boba to California and North Carolina
Teaspoon, the rapidly growing boba tea brand known for its out-of-this-world creations and unique flavor combinations, has announced the sale of three new franchise territories as it continues its expansion across the United States.
7) Cork’s Cajun Fried Fish and Shrimp Launches Franchise Model, Bringing Bayou Flavors to Untapped Markets Nationwide
The fast-casual franchise is gearing up to expand throughout the U.S., offering franchisees a proven operational blueprint and a one-of-a-kind Cajun drive-thru model.
8) National Restaurant Association Show Reveals 39 Recipients of 2025 FABI Awards
This year’s standout products – 10 of which earned the prestigious designation of FABI Favorites – reflect growing trends in globally inspired flavors, clean-label ingredients, innovative plant-based alternatives, and convenience-driven solutions that simplify kitchen operations.
9) la Madeleine Signs Deal To Reintroduce Classic Café to the Woodlands, Texas
Founded in Dallas in 1983, la Madeleine has since grown to nearly 100 locations across the United States and internationally, serving French cuisine made with simple, fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes.
10) Now Showing: Fried-Chicken Fan Favorite, Jollibee, Premieres Its NEW 100% Certified Angus Beef Burgers
Jollibee is bringing its signature quality and expertise to three mouth-watering burger options: the Angus Cheeseburger, Angus Deluxe Burger and Angus Aloha Burger.
11) Haywire Rides Into Austin With Texas-Sized Hospitality
Haywire’s farm-to-fork menu delivers a modern cowboy experience, featuring locally sourced ingredients and heritage recipes from every corner of Texas.
12) Panera Brands Names Paul Carbone Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Carbone previously served as Chief Financial Officer for the company and was appointed to the role of Interim CEO in January 2025.
13) JINYA Holdings Debuts Saijo: An Immersive Japanese Dining Experience in Los Angeles
From the brand behind JINYA Ramen Bar and Robata, new 25-seat counter-style restaurant specializes in temaki and kushiyaki.
14) A Game-Changing Integration to Streamline Restaurant Cost Management
With this acquisition, GoTab expands its capabilities beyond front-of-house solutions, offering restaurants a fully integrated system that connects teams from the point of the guest to the kitchen to accounting.
15) Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Tri Cities Launches Quirky New “Dickey Ducks” Promo
Guests who order a 3-meat plate can take home one of the colorful, collectible Dickey Ducks – a clever, fun new twist on the dining experience inspired by the RV and Jeep “ducking” trend.
16) City Barbeque Names Champion Agency of Record
Following a year of PR wins, City Barbeque strengthens its partnership with omnichannel marketing leader.
17) The Big Biscuit Celebrates Oklahoma Expansion With New Restaurant Opening
The Big Biscuit, a modern All-American breakfast and lunch franchise concept known for its classic comfort food served with genuine hometown hospitality, is officially open in Oklahoma City.
18) Ryl Tea Joins Forces with Sydney Thomas and Glenny Balls to Launch a Flavorful Ryl-lationship
Innovative beverage brand partners with top influencers to highlight a love built on functional, antioxidant-powered iced tea.
19) Friendly’s Celebrates 90 Years with ‘Legacy in Bloom’ Spring Menu Full of Fresh, Flavorful Delights
America’s iconic diner-style family chain commemorates 90 years of smiles, scoops and shared moments with new menu offerings.
20) Houston TX Hot Chicken Spices Things up With Fourth California Location Opening in Bakersfield
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.
