Biscuit Belly, Cracker Barrel, Shoney’s, Applebee’s, and Birdcall lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending January 11, 2026.
1) Biscuit Belly Finishes 2025 Strong and Looks Ahead to a 20-Unit Footprint in 2026
Following a strong performance in 2025, Biscuit Belly is accelerating its expansion into three new states with a strategic roadmap to reach 20 operating locations by the end of 2026.
2) Cracker Barrel Welcomes Winter with the Return of Beloved Classics and Addition of New Favorites, All on the Meals for Two Menu Starting at $19.99
Cracker Barrel is warming up the season with the return of nostalgic favorites like Hamburger Steak and Eggs in The Basket, now featured on a new $19.99 Meals for Two value menu.
3) Shoney’s Chairman and CEO David Davoudpour Inspires Franchise Partners to Embrace AI To Perform Beyond Expectations Through 2030 and Yes, Beyond
Shoney’s Chairman and CEO David Davoudpour is leading the brand into a new era by integrating AI technology and a modernized architectural blueprint to drive performance beyond 2030.
4) Melt Into the New Year with Applebee’s NEW O-M-Cheese Burger for $11.99
Applebee’s is kicking off 2026 with the debut of the O-M-Cheese Burger, featuring a sizzling skillet of molten queso and a value-driven price of $11.99.
5) Birdcall Accelerates Expansion with New Five-Restaurant Franchise Development Deal in Southwest Denver
Birdcall announces a five-store franchise deal in Southwest Denver with partners Niraj Aryal and Rebecca Michael, fueling the brand’s goal of 200 locations by 2028.
6) KFC Is Giving Your January Food Choices a Glow-Up with a Comfort-First Value Lineup
KFC is redefining New Year’s resolutions by launching a comfort-focused value menu featuring five $5 Bowls, including a new poutine-inspired collaboration with chef Matty Matheson.
7) Savory Fund Welcomes Clay Dover as CEO; Promotes Shauna Smith To Managing Director
Savory Fund has appointed restaurant industry veteran Clay Dover as CEO while promoting co-founder Shauna K. Smith to Managing Director to accelerate the growth of its multi-brand portfolio.
8) Pizza Hut Teams up With Tom Brady To Kick off “Pizza Before the Hut” Campaign and Celebrates Pizza Hut’s Biggest Pizza for the Biggest Games, Now $10
Pizza Hut has partnered with legendary quarterback Tom Brady to launch the “Pizza Before the Hut” campaign, featuring the 16-inch Big New Yorker pizza for a limited-time price of $10.
9) Krispy Kreme Introduces Cozy Winter Seasonal Collection, Kicking Off Year-Round Campaign of Limited-Time Seasonal Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme has launched its new Winter Seasonal Collection, featuring four indulgent flavors like Caramel Dulce and Chocolate Truffle as part of a new year-round seasonal campaign.
10) Huddle House Announces Bob Campbell as Brand President
Huddle House begins a new era of strategic growth with the appointment of Bob Campbell as Brand President, bringing over 25 years of casual dining expertise to the iconic 60-year-old legacy brand.
11) Applebee’s Brings Back $6 Smoocho Sips Valentine’s Day Cocktails
Applebee’s is celebrating the season of love with the return of $6 Mucho Smoocho Sips, featuring premium cocktails like the Tipsy Cupid and the new non-alcoholic Prickly Melon Rush mocktail.
12) Resolution-Ready: Subway’s New Year Lineup Delivers Protein Power and Bold Flavor at Unbeatable Value
Subway is launching a high-protein New Year lineup featuring all-new $3.99 Protein Pockets and a rotating $4.99 Sub of the Day value menu to help guests meet their 2026 wellness and budget goals.
13) Bojangles Serves Up Bowls All Day with New Breakfast Bowl and Fan-Favorite Chicken Rice Bowl
Bojangles is expanding its all-day menu this winter with the debut of a hearty Southern-style Breakfast Bowl and the highly anticipated return of the fan-favorite Chicken Rice Bowl.
14) Pizza Inn Rings in the New Year with All You Can $8 Deal
Pizza Inn is celebrating the new year by expanding its All You Can $8 Buffet to select locations, offering guests unlimited pizza, pasta, and salad at an exceptional weekday value through January 30.
15) Big Cravings. Bigger Savings. Whataburger Introduces New Whatadeal Menu
Whataburger is kicking off the new year with the launch of its Whatadeal menu, offering fan-favorite items like the Big Ranch Wrap and Bacon and Cheese Whataburger Jr. starting at just $3.
16) Powerhouse+Co. Proudly Expands Restaurant Client Roster With Addition of Stonefire Grill
Powerhouse+Co. has been selected as the strategic communications partner for Stonefire Grill, tasked with leading public relations and influencer programs as the Southern California restaurant celebrates 25 years.
17) Papa Murphy’s Named No. 1 Pizza Chain for Customer Service by Newsweek
Papa Murphy’s has been recognized as the top pizza chain for customer service in Newsweek’s annual rankings, outperforming major competitors through its commitment to guest experience and quality take ‘n’ bake meals.
18) Urban Bird Hot Chicken Opens 24th Location in Killeen, Texas
Urban Bird Hot Chicken held the grand opening of its 24th location in Killeen, Texas . . . bold halal flavors, hand-breaded sandwiches, and more about new franchise options.
19) Blaze Pizza Turns up the Protein With New Limited-Time “Protein-zza,” Meeting Growing Demand for GLP-1-Friendly Options
Blaze Pizza is meeting the rising demand for GLP-1-friendly and high-protein dining with the launch of the new Protein-zza, featuring a cauliflower crust and 56 grams of protein.
20) Burger King Kicks Off the Year with a New Guest-Inspired Creation: The Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper
Burger King launched the guest-inspired Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper and warm Cinnamon Apple Pie as part of its ongoing “Whopper by You” innovation series.