This week’s Best Bites from the RestaurantNews.com Feed spotlight dining trends from horror-themed haunts in Ohio and Elvis Presley’s favorite Memphis spots to California’s iconic Mel’s Drive-In and Del Taco’s 91-year old co-founder who still runs his original locations. Gas station eateries are winning praise, Chili’s is thriving as rivals stumble, and diners are reshaping habits by ordering kids’ meals and dining solo. We also look at some possibly tired restaurant appetizers, new breakfast items, best burgers in every state, and vanishing classic steakhouse fare. These are the restaurant news bites that caught our eye this week:
The Spooky Ohio Restaurant With A Menu That Pays Homage To All The Classic Horror Films
The Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, delivers a fully immersive horror-themed dining experience, complete with menu items inspired by beloved horror films – like the Texas Chainsaw Burger with Fries and the Sunrise on Elm Street mocktail – and décor adorned with horror memorabilia and large murals.
The Classic California Chain That Inspired Two Iconic TV Show Restaurants
Mel’s Drive-In, a classic California carhop diner founded in 1947 with leather booths, neon décor, and space for over 110 cars, inspired the iconic on-screen diners seen in TV’s Happy Days and Alice. Its real-life prominence was boosted by its appearance in American Graffiti and its enduring retro aesthetic continues to influence nostalgic Americana.
Want To Eat Like Elvis? These 5 Memphis Restaurants Were His Favorites
Several of Elvis Presley’s favorite Memphis dining spots remain popular today, including the historic Arcade Restaurant – the city’s oldest diner where he famously sat in a booth while enjoying his beloved fried peanut butter and banana sandwich – and Coletta’s Italian Restaurant, known for its invention of barbecue pizza and a private “Elvis Room” filled with memorabilia.
Best Gas-Station Restaurants Defy Food Conventions With Fresh Burgers and Country Ham
A surprising lineup of gas station restaurants across the U.S. is earning national attention, offering gourmet-style fare – from burgers and country ham in Arkansas to Hawaiian comfort food in Washington and tapas in Miami – crafting flavorful detours that defy conventional expectations. These roadside gems are celebrated not just for their unique menus but also for the historic or quirky venues they occupy, turning everyday pit stops into memorable culinary destinations.
Almost Half of Adults Say They Are Ordering Kids’ Meals. Here’s What’s Behind the Trend.
About 44 percent of U.S. adults report ordering kids’ meals for themselves, driven primarily by smaller portion sizes, simpler options, and lower prices amid rising dining costs. Experts suggest that this shift reflects changing consumer behavior – particularly economic concerns – with the kids’ menu increasingly seen as a practical, not just nostalgic, choice.
This California Fast Food Empire Is Still Run by One Man
Ninety-one-year-old Ed Hackbarth, the co-founder of Del Taco, still operates a trio of uniquely nostalgic “Original Del Taco” locations in Barstow, California – distinct from the nearly 600 corporate-owned Del Tacos nationwide – preserving original menu items, table service, and personalized touches that celebrate his legacy. These Barstow eateries continue to attract loyal fans and road-trippers with their “Barstow Classics” like the bun taco, and Hackbarth occasionally makes appearances to serve customers himself.
Why Is Chili’s Thriving When So Many Other Restaurant Chains Are Struggling?
Chili’s has emerged as a standout in the casual dining sector, thriving while many restaurant chains struggle – thanks to winning strategies like modest menu price increases, operational enhancements, and strong investments in marketing and service quality. This approach has helped maintain solid customer traffic and reinforced its appeal amid economic pressures and changing dining preferences.
Are We Entering the Decisive Diner Era?
The latest research highlights key trends in dining behavior – including the rise of intentional solo dining (now at 55%), increased preference for “grown-up” kids’ menus, and growing tip fatigue – all signaling that diners are becoming more decisive and expectation-driven. In response, operators are advised to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction by streamlining service through unified POS systems, optimized seating layouts, faster order delivery, and seamless payments
Restaurants Are Calling Out Customers Who Leave Unfair Reviews
Restaurants are increasingly pushing back against unfair or misleading online reviews by publicly responding to negative feedback and presenting evidence – like timestamps or security footage – to set the record straight. This shift toward transparency helps defend staff, enhance brand credibility, and move toward a more balanced and fair review culture.
6 Restaurant Behaviors That Scream ‘I’ve Worked in Food Service’ Without You Realizing It
People who have worked in food service often reveal their background through habits such as neatly stacking dishes after a meal without realizing it. They also tend to unconsciously “read the room” in restaurants, spotting operational issues before others notice.
The Ultimate Guide To The Best Burger In Every US State
The feature serves up a delicious and diverse lineup of standout burgers across all 50 states – such as Delaware’s rich double cheeseburger from Nothing Better, LLC and Florida’s fiery Hawaii 5-OHHH burger at BurgerRobs – highlighting quintessential local flavors and creative signature builds. It promises a burger for every palate, celebrating regional crafting techniques, imaginative ingredient combinations, and the unique restaurant personalities behind each state’s best bite.
12 Chain Restaurant Starters That Desperately Need A Refresh
Many classic chain restaurant starters – such as loaded fries, raw oysters, fried pickles, shrimp cocktails, spring rolls, spinach-artichoke dip, cheeseburger sliders, and blooming onions – are losing appeal due to their heavy indulgence, outdated execution, or lack of quality. The article advocates for smarter, fresher spins using lighter ingredients, inventive flavor combos, and elevated preparation techniques to reinvigorate these tired menu staples.
10 Classic Steak Dishes That Vanished From Restaurant Menus
Dishes like Steak Diane, Steak Oscar, Tournedos Rossini, Salisbury steak, and minute steak – once beloved staples – have largely disappeared from dining room menus as contemporary tastes favor simpler, meat-forward preparations. These retro steak entries, often elaborate or cost-conscious in origin, are now seen as relics of a bygone culinary era, sparking calls for their deserved revival.
7 Wild New Breakfast Items Hitting Restaurant Menus Right Now
Restaurants are pushing breakfast boundaries with inventive new dishes like the Crab-ocado Scrambler at Eggs Up Grill – featuring crab and avocado mixed into eggs – and indulgent creations such as Churro Crunch French toast and Banana Berry Bliss Pancakes. These imaginative additions are part of a broader trend expanding beyond traditional fare, transforming breakfast menus with bold flavor combinations and playful presentations.
9 Old School Restaurants Celebrity Chefs Love
Celebrity chefs – including Anthony Bourdain, Alton Brown, Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and Martha Stewart – rave about longtime, no-frills restaurants that honor culinary tradition through consistent quality, not hype. These age-old spots, such as San Francisco’s Tadich Grill and LA’s Musso & Frank Grill, are cherished for staying true to their roots and serving dishes that stand the test of time.
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