Culver’s, The Rustic, Super Bowl Deals, Valentine’s Day Deals You’ll Love, and Krispy Kreme lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending February 8, 2026
1) Culver’s Reveals Bold New Menu Plans for 2026
Culver’s has unveiled its 2026 menu strategy, featuring a bold lineup of pub burger releases, pumpkin-inspired desserts, and new Flavors of the Day that blend Midwest traditions with culinary innovation.
2) The Rustic Takes Center Stage as The Colony’s New Headliner
The Rustic is expanding its Texas footprint this summer by bringing its signature blend of wood-grilled cuisine and live Americana music to a new location in The Colony’s Grandscape entertainment district.
3) Super Bowl Deals from Leading Restaurant Brands
Check out these wings and more Super Bowl Deals from Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Detroit Wing Company, Dog Haus, Eddie Merlot’s, Hash Kitchen, Hot Head Burritos, Newk’s Eatery, Party Fowl, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Teriyaki Madness, The Greene Turtle, and Via 313.
4) Valentine’s Day Restaurant Deals You’ll Love: Heart-Shaped Pizzas, Sweet Sips, Special Menus, Diamond Giveaways, Weddings and More!
Discover the best Valentine’s Day 2026 restaurant deals featuring everything from heart-shaped pizzas and romantic steakhouse dinners to unique experiences like fast-food weddings and luxury caviar pairings.
5) Skip the Card this Valentine’s Day: Say It with Doughnuts! Krispy Kreme Debuts All-New Valentine’s Day Collection
Krispy Kreme is celebrating the season of love with its new Valentine’s Day Doughnut Collection, featuring four heart-shaped and seasonal flavors available at participating shops.
6) Connect Media, Nation’s Leading Commercial Real Estate News Platform, Acquires Networld, Expanding Firm’s B2B Media and Conference Platforms
Connect Media has acquired Networld Media Group, expanding its B2B news and conference platform with brands such as FastCasual, PizzaMarketplace, QSRweb, and more.
7) Ono Hawaiian BBQ Opens New Barstow, CA Location with Grand Opening Celebration
Ono Hawaiian BBQ expanded its California presence with a new restaurant in Barstow, featuring a grand opening celebration on February 6 with live performances and a buy-one-get-one-free special.
8) The Postcard Broker Celebrates 25 Years of Fueling Restaurant Growth Through Direct Mail Marketing
The Postcard Broker is celebrating 25 years of providing restaurants nationwide with specialized direct mail marketing solutions designed to drive guest traffic and support long-term business growth.
9) Potbelly Debuts in New Jersey with its First 15 Shop Multi-unit Development Agreement
Potbelly Sandwich Works is officially entering the New Jersey market through a 15-shop development agreement with PBNJ LLC, bringing its iconic neighborhood sandwich experience to the Garden State over the next eight years.
10) The C Society Launches to Redefine Hospitality Leadership with Fractional Executive Model
Founded by industry leader Toni Ronayne, The C Society has launched as an elite collective of fractional executives providing emerging restaurant brands with high-level leadership to accelerate growth and profitability.
11) Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ Enters the New Year With a Pipeline, a Refreshed Smaller-Footprint Model, and New Stores Coming to Multiple States
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is accelerating its nationwide expansion with a new, smaller-footprint restaurant model designed to enhance efficiency and scalability as new locations prepare to open in New Mexico, New Jersey, and beyond.
12) Starbird Appoints Greg Levin as Chief Executive Officer to Lead National Expansion
Starbird has appointed former BJ’s Restaurants CEO Greg Levin as its new Chief Executive Officer to spearhead the brand’s national expansion while founder Aaron Noveshen transitions to Chairman of the Board.
13) Mamma Mia: Hat Creek Launches Ultimate Pizza Burger for a Limited Time
Hat Creek Burger Company is partnering with influencer @foodguyjack to launch the Ultimate Pizza Burger, a limited-time mashup featuring pepperoni, mozzarella, and Michaels of Brooklyn Pizza Sauce at all Texas locations.
14) Mo’ Bettahs Says ‘Aloha’ to Eagle with Grand Opening Celebration
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is expanding its Idaho presence with the opening of its 75th systemwide location in Eagle, featuring a grand opening celebration and a special buy-one-get-one-free promotion.
15) 4×4 Capital Acquires Bob Evans Restaurants, LLC from Golden Gate Capital to Enhance Growth
4×4 Capital has acquired Bob Evans Restaurants from Golden Gate Capital, aiming to leverage the brand’s farm-fresh heritage and 400-plus locations to maximize long-term growth and enhance the guest experience.
16) Melting Pot Announces Strategic Expansion Across Canada, Targets Major Hubs for New Growth
Melting Pot is launching a strategic expansion across Canada, building on its long-standing Edmonton presence to target new franchise growth in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa.
17) Eco-Products to Launch Environmentally Responsible Packaging Products in the UK
Eco-Products is officially bringing its portfolio of reusable, recyclable, and compostable foodservice packaging to the UK market through a strategic partnership with its sister company, Vegware.
18) Qu Expands Leadership Team With Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Financial Officer as it Embarks on its Next Growth Chapter
Qu has strengthened its executive leadership by appointing Steve Melamed as Chief Revenue Officer and Joel Abdinoor as Chief Financial Officer to guide the company through its next phase of enterprise growth.
19) JINYA Ramen Bar Expands to Tennessee with First Location in Nashville
JINYA Ramen Bar expanded into Tennessee with the opening of its first Nashville location in the Capitol View neighborhood, featuring a grand opening celebration on February 10.
20) Single Life Just Got Better: Wendy’s Celebrates Singles Awareness Day with a $1 Dave’s Single
Wendy’s is celebrating Singles Awareness Day on February 15 by offering a $1 Dave’s Single with purchase when ordered through the Wendy’s app or Wendys.com.
Related: Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America and 19 More Restaurant News Headliners of the Past Week