IHOP, Moxies, OpenTable, baldinos Giant Jersey Subs, and Krispy Krunchy Chicken lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending September 21, 2025.
1) IHOP Introducing First Everyday Value Menu, Available Seven Days a Week for Just $6
IHOP is launching its first-ever Everyday Value Menu, offering complete breakfast meals for just $6 ($7 in some locations). Available daily from 7AM to 10PM, the new Value Menu includes guest favorites like pancakes, omelettes, French toast, and scrambles – delivering variety, quality, and affordability nationwide.
2) Moxies Accelerates U.S. Expansion, Announces Seven New Openings
Moxies, the premium casual restaurant brand known for globally inspired dishes and cocktails, is expanding across the U.S. New openings include Washington, D.C., Nashville, Austin, and multiple Florida cities, with franchise opportunities available.
3) US Foods Fall Scoop Product Line-Up Helps Operators Do More With Less
US Foods has launched its Fall 2025 Scoop, featuring 18 versatile, on-trend products designed to help foodservice operators boost profitability, cut costs, and streamline operations. From labor-saving classics like corn ribs and ribbon-cut hash browns to bold flavors like dragon fruit and pineapple pico de gallo, the new line helps operators do more with less across every menu daypart.
4) OpenTable Launches All-in-One Marketplace for Private and Group Dining
OpenTable has launched a new all-in-one private and group dining marketplace, simplifying the process of finding and booking spaces for birthdays, corporate events, and celebrations. The platform connects diners with real-time availability and transparent pricing while helping restaurants maximize revenue from underutilized dining spaces.
5) baldinos Giant Jersey Subs TURNS 50
Since 1975, baldinos Giant Jersey Subs has been serving authentic Jersey-style subs packed with freshness and flavor. Founded by Bill Baer, a New Jersey native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, baldinos grew from a small shop outside Ft. Bragg into a beloved chain recognized for its quality, community impact, and loyal following across the South.
6) Krispy Krunchy Chicken Partners with Cumberland Farms For Florida Expansion
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is teaming up with EG America’s Cumberland Farms to expand across the Florida panhandle, starting with the Santa Rosa Beach store opening September 22, 2025. The partnership will bring the popular hot food concept to multiple convenience store locations, strengthening the brand’s national presence.
7) Pepper Lunch Sizzles into ASU with Grand Opening of State’s First Restaurant
Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born fast-casual brand with 540+ locations worldwide, is opening its first Arizona restaurant at Arizona State University on September 20. Guests can enjoy sizzling Beef Pepper Rice and other signature dishes, with grand opening giveaways and BOGO offers. The new ASU location marks a major milestone in Pepper Lunch’s North American expansion.
8) New Mexican Sugar in Addison Opens Sept. 22
Mexican Sugar is bringing bold Latin flavors and agave-fueled cocktails to Addison with its new 9,000-square-foot restaurant opening Sept. 22. Guests can enjoy exclusive wood-fired menu creations, a 360-degree bar, and an immersive hacienda-style atmosphere.
9) Nick the Greek Debuts in Tennessee With Nashville Location
Nick the Greek has officially opened in Nashville, marking the brand’s Tennessee debut and first location in the Eastern U.S. The new restaurant at Nashville Yards introduces authentic Greek street food to the city, with plans to expand across Greater Nashville and Chattanooga.
10) Step Right Up! Krispy Kreme Unveils All-New Fall Fair Doughnut Collection
Krispy Kreme is bringing the magic of the midway to life with its new Fall Fair Collection. Featuring four limited-time doughnuts – Cotton Candy, Kreme Puff, Blue Ribbon Apple Pie, and Caramel Churro – this seasonal lineup captures the nostalgic flavors of the fair. Available now at participating shops for pickup, delivery, or by the dozen.
11) Perkins American Food Co Invites Guests To Take Some “Pancake Time Off” on National Pancake Day
Perkins American Food Co. is celebrating National Pancake Day on Sept. 26 with a well-deserved PTO (Pancake Time Off) promotion. Guests who visit participating locations in their pajamas and mention the holiday will enjoy two free buttermilk pancakes with any purchase.
12) East Draper Gets a Taste of the Islands as Mo’ Bettahs Opens 67th Location
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is bringing authentic island flavors and the spirit of ‘Aloha’ to East Draper with its newest restaurant opening Sept. 19. Guests can enjoy Hawaiian-style plates, grand opening festivities, and exclusive rewards as the brand expands to 67 nationwide locations.
13) Juice It Up! Opens New Location in Westlake Village
Juice It Up! has opened a new location in Westlake Village, California, expanding its Los Angeles County presence. The store, operated by local franchisees Sanjay and Arti Biswas, offers signature açai bowls, smoothies, raw juices, and snacks designed to fuel an active lifestyle.
14) The Smoking Crab Reels in First Missouri Franchise Location, Spurs Brand’s National Expansion
The Smoking Crab, famous for Southern-style crab legs and fresh Gulf Coast flavors, has secured its first Missouri franchise. Founded by Chef Bobby McCullum and Jonathan Benjamin, the fast-growing seafood brand now boasts over 10 locations and offers scalable franchise opportunities nationwide.
15) East Coast Wings + Grill Rolls Out Refreshed Menu with Bold New Flavors Led by Consumer Insights
East Coast Wings + Grill has launched a refreshed menu featuring bold new items, enhanced fan favorites, and two exciting new flavors. Guided by research and guest feedback, the updates include Coconut Shrimp with kamikaze sauce, Sweet Heat Chicken Tacos, and an upgraded Buffalo Shrimp entrée, all designed to deliver more variety, flavor, and value to guests and franchisees alike.
16) Roy Rogers Restaurants Brings Back Fan-Favorite Tumbleweed Burger and Chicken Sandwich
Roy Rogers Restaurants has brought back the fan-favorite Tumbleweed Burger and Chicken Sandwich. Guests can also upgrade to The Outlaw Combo, pairing their sandwich with iconic Holster Fries and a large soft drink for a classic Roy Rogers experience.
17) Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que Serves Up Big Flavor, Big Fun and More Reasons to Dine Together Starting at $14.99
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is rolling out a new fall lineup of Southern favorites with hearty meals, family feasts, and crave-worthy BBQ starting at just $14.99. Available beginning Sept. 25, guests can enjoy slow-smoked classics, generous portions, and Southern hospitality for a limited time.
18) The Restaurant CPAs Unites Industry Leaders to Help Restaurants Find the Right Financial Partners
The Restaurant CPAs (RCPA) introduces its leadership team of seasoned industry experts to strengthen its mission of connecting restaurant companies with top-tier accounting firms. By building a national alliance of specialized accountants, RCPA eliminates the guesswork for operators seeking the right financial partner to drive profitability and growth.
19) The Future of Fast: Why Every QSR and Fast Casual Restaurant Operator Needs This Complimentary eBook
Starfleet Research has released a complimentary eBook, The Future of Fast, revealing how QSR and fast casual restaurants are using handheld POS devices and self-service kiosks to scale smarter. Backed by insights from 264 operators, the report highlights proven strategies to boost throughput, increase average checks, and improve guest satisfaction.
20) Shake It Up: Burger Lounge Partners With KLIMON for Dairy-Free Indulgence
Burger Lounge has introduced new dairy-free shakes made with KLIMON plant-based ice cream at all 25 California locations. Available in five flavors plus a dairy-free Root Beer Float, the shakes deliver indulgent taste with a clean, allergen-friendly ingredient profile.