Zaxby’s, Grumpy’s, GoTo Foods, Atomic Wings, and Golden Corral lead RestaurantNews.com’s top stories for the week ending February 25, 2024.
1) Zaxby’s Expands in Florida With New St. Augustine Location
Saucy chicken chain Zaxby’s is opening its newest location in St. Augustine, Florida at 5350 State Rd. 16. The new Zaxby’s, owned and operated by Contentment Golf Parkway, LLC, will open for both drive-thru and dine-in on Monday, Feb. 26.
2) Grumpy’s Restaurant Looks to Expand in Northeast Florida Territory
Amidst rising popularity in Jacksonville, FL, Grumpy’s Restaurant, an award-winning full-service Americana breakfast, lunch and brunch diner, is continuing its expansion in Northeast Florida as part of their ongoing growth efforts. With business thriving at their five Jacksonville area locations, Grumpy’s Restaurant is looking to continue their growth in the market, setting their sights on St. Augustine as the next home for their delicious food and quality family atmosphere.
3) Introducing GoTo Foods: Focus Brands Unveils New Name and Identity
Focus Brands, the parent company of the Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s brands, signals new era of growth and opportunity with official name change to GoTo Foods. This news comes on the heels of a record development year globally with more than 1,150 signed franchise agreements and 398 store openings, alongside the addition of 4.6 million new loyalty members worldwide across its portfolio of brands.
4) Atomic Wings Enters 2024 With Plans to Nearly Double Footprint, Introduce New Menu Items
Atomic Wings, the 25-unit chicken wing franchise, has seen rapid expansion and continues to see remarkable growth nationwide. Last year, it opened five new restaurants and awarded another 45 under Area Representative contracts, and it’s on track to open at least 20 more by the end of 2024 – nearly doubling the size of its system.
5) Golden Corral All-You-Can-Eat Butterfly Shrimp Makes a Triumphant Return, Joined by Chicken Tender Trio
Golden Corral, the iconic all-you-can-eat buffet chain, received such rave reviews from guests last year, that it was a no-brainer to bring back the fan-favorite Butterfly Shrimp and three Chicken Tender flavors that will leave your mouth watering and wanting more.
6) Pokeworks to Offer Innovative Impact Food Plant-Based Tuna Dishes for Limited Time
As the brand renowned for launching the worldwide poke movement, Pokeworks has maintained an ongoing commitment to give diners new and delicious menu options. Recent menu additions included Keto Bowls, Pressed Sushi and Flame-Cooked Salmon, as well as dishes created to satisfy people seeking vegan, keto-friendly, and both raw and cooked proteins.
7) US Foods CHEF’STORE Continues Steady Growth With Five New Store Openings Planned in 2024
US Foods Holding Corp. – one of America’s leading foodservice distributors – announced today its plan to open five new CHEF’STORE locations in 2024. The new stores will be in Beaverton, Ore.; Hampton, Va.; Hickory, N.C.; Sandy Springs, Ga.; and Virginia Beach, Va. The new locations are expected to open in the second half of 2024. CHEF’STORE offers a one-stop-shop for restaurant operators, food industry professionals, community groups and at-home chefs to quickly stock up or replenish ingredients and supplies by the case and in individual quantities.
8) Houston TX Hot Chicken Flying High With Four More Utah Locations Landing in 2024
Get ready for a heat wave, Utah. Houston TX Hot Chicken – a standout starlet of the “hot chicken” phenomenon – will have six locations across the Beehive State come summer 2024. The next location opening is at 1085 E. Main Street in Lehi (next to Via 313), which will host its grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 2 from noon to 3 p.m.
9) Krystal Makes a Splash With Krabbycake Sliders and Shrimp Combos for Seafood Season
Krystal Restaurants, the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South, is releasing new catches that are shore to delight fans. From now through Sunday, April 28, all participating Krystal restaurants will launch the new Krabbycake Slider, Shrimp Po’Boy and Shrimp Basket.
10) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Proudly Names Seasoned Restaurant Industry Executive Jim Metevier Chief Executive Officer
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain for more than 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, dough made fresh daily, and toppings to the edge, has appointed Jim Metevier as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Metevier previously served as Mountain Mike’s President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2018 and boasts more than 30 years in the restaurant industry – experience that has been instrumental in accelerating the brand’s considerable sales and franchise growth in the last half-decade.