Golden Corral, James Beard Foundation, Sixty Vines, Urban Bird Hot Chicken, and Cannoli Kitchen Pizza lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending March 2, 2025.
1) Golden Corral Introduces New ‘Golden Corral Favorites’ Concept
This new fast-casual concept offers a selection of the brand’s signature foods in a streamlined, quick-service format, delivering the same great flavors with added convenience.
2) The James Beard Foundation Releases 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report
The report is a nationwide study providing a data-driven look at the current state of independent restaurants and their outlook for 2025, examining factors from rising costs and labor challenges to shifting consumer behavior.
3) Sixty Vines Brings Wine Country to Las Olas Boulevard
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, the highly anticipated restaurant marks Sixty Vines’ third South Florida location, offering guests 60 wines on tap paired with vineyard-inspired dishes designed for sharing.
4) Urban Bird Hot Chicken Opens New Location in Plano, Texas
Urban Bird Hot Chicken is a veteran-owned and operated restaurant specializing in original Nashville-style hot chicken.
5) Cannoli Kitchen Pizza Announces Continued Robust Growth Strategy for 2025
After successfully launching a brand expansion with new franchise agreements in 2024, the pizzeria company rolls out plans to keep the momentum going with new restaurants, more franchise agreements, enhanced location support and more.
6) Kelly Operations Group Announces Acquisition of Craft Brewery Group
Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch, Seven Bridges and Denver ChopHouse restaurant and breweries were included in the acquisition.
7) Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen Brings Back Popular Fish Fry Menu
Just in time for Lent, Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen is prepared to host guests with their 2025 Fish Fry Menu, featuring wild-caught Alaska Cod, shrimp platters and more.
8) This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q Expands Product Line, Emerges as King of Tips
Metro Atlanta restaurant chain’s dual announcement of an expanded product line and new moniker as “King of Tips” fulfills the profound words of the founder’s beloved mother.
9) Logan’s Roadhouse Introduces Cajun-Inspired Spring Menu
Just in time for Lent, Logan’s new offerings showcase fresh, coastal flavors with crave-worthy dishes like Cajun Seafood Dip, Shrimp Stacked Trout, and Blackened Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo.
10) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Debuts in Greenfield, Marking First Wisconsin Location
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 Greenfield, marking the brand’s first restaurant in Wisconsin and debut in the Midwest.