Twin Hospitality Group, Rita’s, Applebee’s, Perkins, and Mr Brews lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending October 12, 2025.
1) Twin Hospitality Group Appoints Melissa Fry as Chief Marketing Officer
Twin Hospitality Group, parent company of Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, has named Melissa Fry as Chief Marketing Officer. A restaurant industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience, Fry most recently led major marketing initiatives for Hooters of America and now joins Twin Hospitality to strengthen brand awareness, guest engagement, and growth across its expanding portfolio.
2) Rita’s Accelerates Growth with Strategic Corporate Investment and Sunbelt Market Seeding
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard accelerates growth with its first corporate-owned locations in Savannah, Georgia, marking a new phase of strategic investment. The brand is focusing on drive-thru expansions and Sunbelt markets, creating scalable opportunities for franchisees while strengthening its presence in high-growth regions.
3) Applebee’s Amps up Flavor and Menu Innovation on 2 for $25 Menu with NEW Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger
Applebee’s is turning up the flavor on its iconic 2 for $25 menu with the launch of the NEW Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger and Chicken Parmesan Fettucine. Guests can pair these limited-time entrées with a shareable appetizer or two side salads for just $25, available for dine-in, To Go, or delivery.
4) Perkins American Food Co Heads to Dallas, Texas With New Franchise Partners
Perkins American Food Co. is entering Texas for the first time in its 65-year history, with franchise partners Shaikh Satter and Sanjida Khatoon opening the first location in Crowley near Fort Worth. The new Perkins prototype blends nostalgic charm with modern design and an evolved menu featuring fresh takes on classic American comfort food.
5) Mr Brews Taphouse Opens Doors in Smyrna, Tenn.
Mr Brews Taphouse is expanding its footprint in Tennessee with a new location in Smyrna, operated by local owners Marty and Mindi Bell. Known for its gourmet burgers, rotating craft beer selection, and family-friendly atmosphere, Mr Brews continues to deliver a top-tier dining experience that celebrates great food, community, and local flavor.
6) Mo’ Bettahs Brings Island Hospitality to Pocatello
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is bringing island flavor and aloha spirit to Pocatello with its newest location opening Oct. 10 at 705 Yellowstone Ave. Guests can enjoy authentic Hawaiian plate lunches, festive opening events, and a special buy-one-get-one offer on Oct. 13.
7) Friendly’s Relaunches Breakfast and Celebrates the Holidays with New ‘Savor the Season’ Menu
Friendly’s celebrates the holidays and its 90th anniversary with the launch of its “Savor the Season” menu and a refreshed breakfast lineup. From hearty fall dishes and festive ice cream sundaes to the return of classic Conehead treats, guests can enjoy a nostalgic taste of comfort and joy through Dec. 31.
8) The Peach Cobbler Factory Teams Up with Mike’s Hot Honey for a Sweet & Spicy Collaboration
The Peach Cobbler Factory is spicing up dessert time with a new collaboration featuring Mike’s Hot Honey. Fans can now enjoy a sweet-and-spicy twist on menu favorites like churros, pudding milkshakes, and ice cream, creating a crave-worthy flavor experience that perfectly blends Southern comfort with a kick of heat.
9) Chipotle Introduces “Chip-Or-Treat,” Giving Fans Free Rewards All October
Chipotle Mexican Grill is making Halloween even tastier with its new “Chip-or-Treat” promotion, offering Chipotle Rewards members weekly free treats throughout October. Building on its iconic Boorito tradition, the brand invites fans to earn rewards like free guac, chips, or bonus points simply by purchasing entrées and scanning their Rewards card each week.
10) Champion Named a Top Franchise Marketing Agency for 2025
Dallas-based Champion ranks No. 6 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 Top Suppliers list for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its position as one of the nation’s leading PR and digital marketing agencies for franchise brands. The recognition follows its inclusion in PRNEWS’ Agency Elite Top 120, underscoring Champion’s innovative approach and proven results for top hospitality and franchise clients nationwide.
11) Applebee’s Resurrects Fan-Favorite Spooky Sips for Halloween Season
Applebee’s brings back its fan-favorite $6 Spooky Sips for fall, featuring the NEW Tipsy Zombie and Dracula’s Juice cocktails with color-changing $2 Vibe Drops. Guests can also enjoy Dirty Fountain Sodas in fun, fall-inspired flavors or raise a Brewtus glass of Modelo Especial. These limited-time drinks are available now – just in time for Halloween!
12) Move Over, Pumpkin Spice: Ziggi’s Coffee Launches Mike’s Hot Honey Latte
Ziggi’s Coffee is heating up fall with its new Mikes Hot Honey Latte – a bold collaboration that brings the “swicy” sweet-meets-spicy trend to coffee lovers nationwide. Available hot, iced, or blended through November 3, this limited-time drink pairs Ziggi’s smooth espresso with buttery pecan and a drizzle of Mike’s signature hot honey for the perfect balance of comfort and kick.
13) Urban Bird Hot Chicken Heats Up Pearland with Grand Opening
Urban Bird Hot Chicken is bringing its bold Nashville-style heat to Pearland. Known for crispy tenders, loaded Urban Fries, and signature chicken Sandos, the Houston favorite continues expanding across Texas with its all-natural Halal chicken and unforgettable flavor.
14) Sixty Vines Opens in Gaithersburg Monday October 13
Sixty Vines, the restaurant that brings the spirit of wine country to every meal, opens October 13 in Downtown Crown at 212 Ellington Boulevard. Guests can explore 60 wines on tap from around the world, paired with chef-driven dishes, wood-grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and hand-crafted pizzas in a bright, communal setting designed for connection and discovery.
15) CRISP & GREEN Plants Roots in Ohio With Cincinnati Location
CRISP & GREEN is bringing its chef-crafted, health-focused menu to Ohio with the grand opening of its first location in Anderson Township, offering nutritious bowls, salads, smoothies, and more. Marking its 16th state, the brand continues its nationwide expansion through strategic partnerships and franchise growth.
16) It’s a ‘Haus Party’ in Santa Clarita as Dog Haus Opens First Location
Dog Haus brought its award-winning burgers, brats, and brews to Santa Clarita with the grand opening of its first location at the Plaza at Golden Valley. The celebration featured free Haus Dogs for rewards members, drink specials, giveaways, and a full day of festivities hosted by local franchisees Jai and Kyla Coward.
17) No Tricks, Only Treats: Krispy Kreme Unleashes Spooktacular New ‘Trick or Treat!’ Doughnuts so Good, It’s Scary!
Celebrate Halloween with Krispy Kreme’s all-new Trick or Treat! Collection, featuring four spooky and sweet doughnuts including the Candy Bag, Cookies and Skreme House, Jack-O-Lantern, and Spooky Sprinkle. Available in limited-time Halloween-themed boxes at participating U.S. locations, plus enjoy free doughnuts in costume on Oct. 25 and 31.
18) Robeks Puts the ‘Perfect’ in Pumpkin as Its Fan-Favorite Smoothie Returns for Fall
Robeks brings back its fan-favorite Perfectly Pumpkin Smoothie for fall, blending real pumpkin, almond butter, banana, and warm spices into a creamy, nutrient-rich treat available nationwide through December 17.
19) Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza Opening in Southern Trace on October 13
Piesanos is unveiling a bold new chapter with the grand opening of its 15th location in Southern Trace on October 13. The Florida-based stone-fired pizza favorite debuts a modernized 3,000-square-foot design featuring sleek finishes, a new “Volcano” pizza oven, and a dedicated carryout area for convenience – all while serving the handcrafted Italian favorites guests know and love.
20) Ruby Slipper Serves Up Limited-Time Fall Menu Stacked With Pumpkin, Chai and Southern Classics
Celebrate fall at Ruby Slipper with a limited-time menu featuring pumpkin chai beignets, stuffed French toast, seasonal lattes, and the nutrient-packed Buddha Bowl, available through December 2. Enjoy Southern-inspired flavors, festive drinks, and indulgent brunch favorites all season long.