Golden Corral, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Yelp, Cracker Barrel, and Paris Baguette lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending February 16, 2025.
1) Golden Corral Reinvents the Buffet with a Digital Overhaul
Golden Corral, the nation’s largest buffet restaurant chain and the only brand in its segment to thrive post-pandemic, is evolving beyond its in-store dining roots with a full-scale technology transformation.
2) Layne’s Chicken Fingers To Open Three New Restaurants in February
The Soon to be Famous chicken franchise will open restaurants in Warrenton, Virginia and San Marcos and Tyler, Texas this month, pushing its total open unit count to 24.
3) Yelp Unveils its 12th Annual Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States
Yelp, the company that connects people with great local businesses, has unveiled its 12th annual list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., showcasing the best dining destinations across the country.
4) Spring Has Sprung at Cracker Barrel: New Seasonal Menu Brings Fresh Flavors and Sweet Indulgences to the Table
From OREO Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes to Shrimp n’ Grits, Cracker Barrel is introducing delicious new dishes to celebrate the arrival of spring.
5) Paris Baguette North America Announces Expansion With First North American Manufacturing Plant in Texas
Paris Baguette, the beloved bakery café franchise known for its artisan, handcrafted pastries and breads, has announced a major milestone in its North American expansion with the construction of its first-ever bakery manufacturing plant in Burleson, Texas.
6) Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Bolsters Leadership Team to Propel Growth
Seasoned executives Lawrence Brown and Carmela Hughley to drive development, innovation and brand expansion.
7) Wahlburgers Hits The Jackpot With Oklahoma Debut
Wahlburgers, the popular restaurant brand founded by brothers Mark, Donnie and Chef Paul Wahlberg, is bringing its signature gourmet burgers, sandwiches and more to Oklahoma for the first time.
8) Red Lobster Declares This Year’s Lobsterfest the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time
Red Lobster is doubling down on its lobster authority, rolling out 10 mouthwatering dishes alongside the ultimate Lobsterfest upgrade: a Create Your Own option.
9) Restaurant Industry Poised for Growth in 2025: Industry Expected to Employ 15.9 Million People and Reach $1.5 Trillion in Sales
Driven by a positive economic environment and resilient consumer demand, the restaurant industry is expected to reach $1.5 trillion in sales and add more than 200,000 net new jobs in 2025, bringing total restaurant and foodservice employment to 15.9 million by year-end.
10) The Watch Kitchen & Spirits to Bring Lowcountry Flavor to Asheville
The Watch will feature distinct bar, restaurant, and lounge areas, including a new private dining room for up to 40 guests, creating a comfortable setting for everything from relaxed lunches to celebratory gatherings.