Cracker Barrel, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, SPB Hospitality, and KFC lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending October 5, 2025.
1) Cracker Barrel Reinforces Focus on Food and Guest Experience with Leadership and Organizational Structure Changes
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced key leadership promotions and organizational changes to enhance guest experience and menu innovation. The updates include new roles in store operations, menu strategy, retail, and design, all reinforcing the brand’s focus on craveable food and country hospitality.
2) Get Ready to Pass GO: MONOPOLY Game at McDonald’s Returns with More Chances to Win
The MONOPOLY Game at McDonald’s returns to the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade, with new digital game pieces alongside the classic peel-and-win experience. Fans can play for free food, exclusive rewards, dream vacations, a new car, and even a $1 million cash prize.
3) The Big Dinner Box Returns to Pizza Hut Taking Center Stage for National Pizza Month With NFL Star Josh Allen & Pepsi
Pizza Hut is celebrating National Pizza Month with the return of the Big Dinner Box, a new campaign with Pepsi and NFL quarterback Josh Allen, and the launch of its “Hijack the Hut” program. Fans can enjoy two Medium 1-Topping Pizzas, breadsticks, and wings starting at $19.99, plus score exclusive prizes all season long.
4) SPB Hospitality Announces G.J. Hart as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
SPB Hospitality has appointed industry veteran G.J. Hart as its new Chairman and CEO. With decades of leadership experience at Red Robin, Torchy’s Tacos, California Pizza Kitchen, and Texas Roadhouse, Hart steps in to drive growth and strengthen SPB’s diverse portfolio of restaurant brands.
5) KFC’s Big Comeback Continues with More Iconic Throwbacks
KFC is bringing back its legendary Original Honey BBQ, giving fans the sweet and smoky flavor they’ve craved for years. First introduced in the late 1990s, the cult-favorite sauce returns bigger than ever – now available on chicken, tenders, and even the KFC Chicken Sandwich. Guests can also enjoy throwback pricing on the KFC Chicken Sandwich for just $3.99.
6) Jersey Mike’s Appoints Betsy Mercado as Chief People Officer
Jersey Mike’s Subs has named Betsy Mercado as its first Chief People Officer. With over 20 years of HR leadership in franchising and restaurants, Mercado will spearhead people strategies, leadership development, and culture initiatives to support the brand’s rapid growth and commitment to a people-first culture.
7) Firehouse Subs Brings Back Fan-Favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Sub with New Sides for a Complete Holiday Feast
Firehouse Subs is serving Thanksgiving flavors early with the return of its fan-favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Sub, now paired with new holiday-inspired sides including rich gravy, extra cheesy mac & cheese, and a decadent double chocolate chip cookie. Available for a limited time nationwide, this seasonal lineup brings all the warmth of Thanksgiving without the prep.
8) Wendy’s Debuts “Tendys” on Menus Nationwide
Wendy’s introduces its new Chicken Tenders, a crispy, juicy all-white-meat menu item available nationwide. Fans can enjoy three- or four-piece orders with six bold new dipping sauces, including Signature, Sweet Chili, Scorchin’ Hot, Creamy Ranch, Honey BBQ, and Honey Mustard. Tendys are perfect a la carte, in combos, or even in Kids’ Meals.
9) Del Taco Releases New Del Dorado Chicken Lineup and Extends Fan-Favorite Orange Cream Shake
Del Taco introduces the Del Dorado Chicken Menu, featuring freshly grilled, marinated chicken in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and Crunchtadas, all topped with bold new Salsa Roja and spicy jack cheese. Fans can also enjoy the returning fan-favorite Orange Cream Shake. Available nationwide through Nov. 11.
10) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Turns up the Heat With Nashville Hot Limited-Time Menu
Mountain Mike’s Pizza is turning up the heat this fall with its limited-time THIS is Nashville Hot lineup, featuring Nashville Hot N’ Swicy Pizza, wings, and Fire Sticks drizzled with hot honey. Available now through December 31 at all Mountain Mike’s locations nationwide.
11) Birdcall’s Proprietary Poncho Technology Launches with New Restaurant Concept Brya Zan Thai Noodle + Brew in Plano, Texas
Birdcall introduces its proprietary Poncho technology with the launch of Brya Zan Thai Noodle + Brew in Plano, Texas. This innovative tech system streamlines restaurant operations, from POS and kitchen management to loyalty programs and online ordering, enhancing both guest and employee experiences in a fast-casual setting.
12) Nick the Greek Expands San Diego County Footprint With Mira Mesa Opening
Nick the Greek has opened a new location in Mira Mesa, marking its second San Diego County restaurant. The fast-growing Greek street food chain, with over 90 locations nationwide, continues its expansion with authentic gyros, souvlaki, and Mediterranean flavors that have made it a fan favorite.
13) Papa Murphy’s Brings Back Crowd-Pleasing Jack-O Pizza and “Scream of a Deal” Bundle for October
Celebrate Halloween and National Pizza Month with Papa Murphy’s Jack-O Pizza and “Scream of a Deal” bundle. Featuring festive Jack-O-shaped dough, classic toppings, and a sweet chocolate chip cookie dough pairing, these limited-time offerings bring families together for an easy, flavorful Halloween dinner.
14) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Proudly Kicks off Season Eight as the Official Pizza of the San Francisco 49ers
Mountain Mike’s Pizza is teaming up with the San Francisco 49ers for an eighth straight season as the Official Pizza of the Faithful. Fans can celebrate with exciting promotions like the Legendary Game Day Experience sweepstakes, When the 49ers Win, You Win discounts, and the Red & Gold Feast, all while enjoying the brand’s legendary pizzas and family-friendly deals.
15) Smiles on Wheels: Happy Joe’s Brings Joy to Communities with New Food Truck
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is hitting the road with its first branded food truck, bringing pizza, ice cream, and celebration to neighborhoods, schools, and events nationwide. Launching in early October, the mobile pizzeria will serve community festivals, private parties, sports events, and more while showcasing the brand’s family-friendly spirit.
16) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Celebrates Standout Achievements at Annual TazCon
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café recently wrapped up TazCon, its annual conference that brought together more than 200 leaders, franchisees and partners for three days of inspiration, recognition and innovation. The event featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions and an awards dinner celebrating top performers across the brand, while also unveiling new digital initiatives and a nationwide fundraiser.
17) Jason’s Deli Welcomes Autumn with Seasonal Dishes and Catering Options
Celebrate fall at Jason’s Deli with a limited-time menu featuring hearty autumn-inspired dishes, including Beef Stew, Harvest Turkey Sandwich, Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake, and seasonal catering options perfect for Friendsgiving and holiday gatherings. Available now through December 31.
18) National Franchise Sales Announces Key Leadership Promotions
National Franchise Sales (NFS), the nation’s leading franchise M&A advisory firm, has promoted Rebecca Black to Principal and Caitlyn Willett to Partner. These leadership advancements strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver expert guidance, innovative solutions, and consistent client support.
19) Krystal Turns 93 With Loyalty Program Launch, Birthday Treats and Eating Contest
Krystal celebrates its 93rd birthday with the nationwide launch of the Club Krystal loyalty program, festive birthday treats like the Birthday Cake Shake and Glaze Bombs, and the Krystal Slider Showdown eating contest. Fans can earn rewards, enjoy exclusive offers, and savor limited-time fall menu favorites across participating locations.
20) Sunny Street Café Serves Up A Dill-icious First: Pickle Waffles
Sunny Street Café is serving up a bold new breakfast twist with its Pickle Waffle, available through Nov. 14 in celebration of National Pickle Day. Guests can enjoy a golden waffle loaded with shredded cheddar and crunchy dill pickles, paired with chipotle ranch, or indulge further with the Spicy Chicken & Pickle Waffle topped with hand-breaded fried chicken, whipped butter, syrup, and house hot sauce.