North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, Yoshinoya, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, La Stella Cucina Verace, and Broken Yolk Café lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending September 28, 2025.
1) Atomix in New York City Is Named No.1 in the Inaugural List of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025
Gastronomic leaders gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, to celebrate the unveiling of the inaugural list of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Atomix from New York City was named The Best Restaurant in North America.
2) Yoshinoya Debuts 101st Restaurant Featuring Double Drive-Thru and Large-Scale Mural Painted by Local Artist
Yoshinoya has opened its newest restaurant in Compton, California, marking the brand’s 101st U.S. location and debuting its first-ever double drive-thru. The milestone opening also features a large-scale community mural by local artist Mel Depaz and Yoshinoya’s signature lineup of bold beef bowls, chicken, shrimp, and fresh vegetables.
3) Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Fires Up Expansion With 46 New Openings and Global Momentum
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is on a major growth streak in 2025, opening 46 new locations across 17 U.S. states and internationally in Canada and the Philippines. The Texas-born brand continues to expand its global footprint while empowering franchisees and communities with authentic slow-smoked barbecue.
4) La Stella Cucina Verace Welcomes New Leadership as It Enters Next Chapter
La Stella Cucina Verace, Dallas’ premier Italian restaurant, welcomes an experienced new leadership team to guide its continued growth. With internationally trained chefs, hospitality veterans, and expert sommeliers joining the family-owned restaurant, La Stella is poised to expand its acclaimed menu and service, including a new Addison location later this year.
5) Broken Yolk Café Signs 4-Unit Deal in Dallas-Fort Worth
Broken Yolk Café, the award-winning breakfast and brunch restaurant, is bringing four new locations to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Known for hearty morning favorites, flavorful brunch classics, and a laid-back atmosphere, Broken Yolk is ready to become a go-to spot for the best breakfast and brunch in North Texas.
6) Sixty Vines and Jorge Ordóñez Selections Partner to Bring Spain’s Iconic Wines to Taps Nationwide
Sixty Vines has partnered with Jorge Ordóñez Selections to bring three iconic Spanish wines on tap nationwide. Guests can now enjoy La Caña Albariño, Nisia Verdejo, and Triton Tinta de Toro – authentic wines from Spain’s most celebrated vineyards – served fresh, sustainable, and straight from the keg.
7) Via 313 Named No. 1 in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for Best Gluten-Free Pizzeria
Via 313 Pizza has been named the nation’s top gluten-free pizzeria in USA TODAY 10Best’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Known for its Detroit-style pies, dedicated gluten-free crusts, and dairy-free options, Via 313 delivers inclusive, high-quality pizza for dine-in, takeout, and catering across Texas, Colorado, and Utah.
8) Checkmate and FreedomPay Partner to Power Frictionless Online Ordering
Checkmate has achieved certification with FreedomPay, enabling enterprise restaurant brands to adopt its direct ordering solutions – including web, mobile app, and catering – without added compliance hurdles. The partnership delivers faster adoption, enhanced security, and unified guest data across in-store and digital channels.
9) Del Taco Expands In North Carolina With New Kernersville Restaurant
Del Taco has opened its first Kernersville location, marking its debut in the Triad market and second restaurant in North Carolina. Guests can now enjoy Del Taco’s signature Ameri-Mex menu of tacos, burritos, burgers, fries, and more – all made fresh and served with unbeatable value.
10) I Scream Gelato Franchise Celebrates New Location Coming Soon to Frisco, Texas
I Scream Gelato is expanding in Texas with a new franchise location coming soon to Frisco, led by franchise partner Quratulain Ali. The brand’s nationwide growth continues with recent openings in Colorado and Florida, plus multiple new stores planned across Texas and Arizona. Known for handcrafted Italian gelato made with premium ingredients, I Scream Gelato is attracting franchise partners and fans alike in 2025.
11) la Madeleine Fuses Fall Flavors With French Tradition for Unique Seasonal Menu
la Madeleine welcomes autumn with a limited-time seasonal menu featuring pumpkin praline French toast and crêpes, a prime rib & provolone sandwich, broccoli cheddar soupe, and the decadent Parisien Hot Chocolate experience. Available through January 2026, these fall flavors are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat.
12) Moxies Enters D.C. Dining Scene with Flagship Debut in the Nation’s Capital
Moxies is set to debut its flagship Washington, D.C. restaurant at 1111 20th Street NW, just south of Dupont Circle. Led by longtime Moxies culinary leader and new franchise partner Brandon Thordarson, the 8,000+ square-foot space will bring the brand’s globally inspired cuisine, signature cocktails and vibrant atmosphere to the nation’s capital.
13) Party Fowl Brings the Heat, Hype and Hot Chicken to Vanderbilt at Aertson
Party Fowl is heating up Midtown this October with its new Vanderbilt (Aertson) location, bringing Nashville hot chicken, boozy slushies, and a rowdy patio vibe just steps from Vanderbilt Stadium and Music Row.
14) Original ChopShop to Open New Midtown Phoenix Shop with Convenient Pick-Up Window
Original ChopShop is opening a new location in Midtown Phoenix on Oct. 15. The brand’s 11th Arizona Shop will feature customizable bowls, salads, sandwiches, juices, and all-day breakfast, plus the debut of Phoenix’s first Fast Fuel Pick-Up Window. Opening-day festivities include giveaways for the first 75 guests and a donation to Mental Health America of Arizona.
15) Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Expands to Slidell with U.S. Veteran Owners Christopher and Ashante Shivers
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opens its first Louisiana location in Slidell, led by U.S. Air Force veterans Christopher and Ashante Shivers. The grand opening on Sept. 26 will feature free treats, family-friendly activities, and a community-focused experience, bringing fresh Italian Ice, Frozen Custard, and Gelati to the area.
16) Happy Joe’s Expands Leadership Team with Four Key Executive Appointments
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has strengthened its leadership team with four key executive appointments, bringing decades of experience in marketing, training, supply chain, and restaurant operations. The expanded team will drive growth, enhance franchisee support, and uphold the guest experience as Happy Joe’s continues expanding across the U.S. and internationally.
17) Culver’s Launches New Jalapeño Cheese Curds, CurderBurger Returns as Part of First Annual Curdtoberfest Celebration
Culver’s kicks off its first annual Curdtoberfest with the return of the fan-favorite CurderBurger and the debut of spicy Jalapeño Cheese Curds, celebrating Wisconsin’s beloved cheese curds all October long.
18) New England Patriots Name Krispy Krunchy Chicken Official Fried Chicken Partner
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is now the Official Fried Chicken of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Fans can enjoy Jumbo Chicken Tenders, Cajun Sandwiches, and more at The Beacon and concession stands throughout the stadium on game day.
19) Level Up Your Taco Tuesday: Chronic Tacos’ Exclusive National Taco Day BOGO + $1 Off Deal
Celebrate National Taco Day 2025 with Chronic Tacos’ exclusive Taco Tuesday deal. Loyalty members get Buy One Taco, Get One Free plus $1 off, available one day only through the Chronic Tacos app.
20) The Whataburger Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich Makes a Glorious Comeback
Whataburger has officially brought back its fan-favorite Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich, loaded with crispy chicken strips, Monterey Jack cheese, bold Buffalo Sauce, and Creamy Buttermilk Ranch. Available starting Sept. 30 for a limited time, this crave-worthy classic is joined by the extended Bacon Wrangler Double, giving fans even more big flavors to love.