Dog Haus, Top 100 Brunch Restaurants, Off The Hook, Red Lobster, and Bad Ass Coffee lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending April 26, 2026.
1) Dog Haus Unveils Transformational Franchise Model, Redefining Ownership, Leadership and Operator Power
Dog Haus is revolutionizing the franchise industry by introducing a collaborative partnership model that grants operators significant equity stakes and board-level influence. This strategic shift empowers top-performing partners to take on senior leadership roles, ensuring the brand’s long-term growth is driven by the very people running the restaurants.
2) Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in America for 2026
OpenTable’s comprehensive list highlights the most exceptional brunch destinations across the country, curated from over 10 million verified diner reviews and key performance metrics. Ranging from coastal seafood bars to upscale urban steakhouses, these top-rated establishments represent the gold standard for mid-morning dining experiences in 2026.
3) Off The Hook Partners With Stalekracker To Launch “The Stalekracker Stacker” – A Bold New Cajun Burger Experience
Off The Hook has teamed up with viral social media sensation Stalekracker to debut a bold new menu item inspired by his award-winning competition recipe. This limited-time Cajun burger features double Angus beef patties, candied jalapeños, and signature house-made sauce to deliver an authentic taste of Louisiana culture.
4) Red Lobster Brings Back Endless Shrimp for a Limited Time
Red Lobster has reintroduced its iconic all-you-can-eat shrimp promotion, featuring a selection of classic preparations and a brand-new dish inspired by popular culinary trends. This limited-time event emphasizes the company’s focus on guest satisfaction by bringing back a beloved tradition for dine-in seafood enthusiasts nationwide.
5) Bad Ass Coffee Perks Up Its Growth Strategy With a Shot of Marketing
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is accelerating its national expansion by integrating authentic Hawaiian storytelling with a disciplined marketing framework through its specialized The BAM Connection agency partner. This strategic approach leverages unique product innovations like Coffee Cubes and a robust franchise model to build emotional connections while driving consistent same-store sales growth.
6) New $2/Day Restaurant Management Software from Foodservice Training Portal Targets Industry’s Biggest Profit Leak
Foodservice Training Portal has launched ParCount, an affordable management bundle designed to eliminate common profit leaks through integrated inventory control and waste management tools. By combining real-time software tracking with manager-focused financial training, this system provides independent operators with a streamlined solution to optimize margins and improve operational accountability.
7) Home Frite Expands with Halal Location in Clayton, NC; Announces 6th Unit Under Construction in Delaware
Home Frite has reached a major expansion milestone with the launch of its fifth location in North Carolina, featuring a specialized Halal-certified menu and signature grass-fed burgers. With a sixth unit already under development in Delaware, this high-volume concept is now targeting experienced franchise partners to bring its premium fast-casual model to the Philadelphia and New Jersey markets.
8) Melting Pot Breaks Records in Q1, Including Unprecedented Valentine’s Day Sales and Highest-Ever St. Jude Thanks and Giving Donation
The Melting Pot has achieved a historic first quarter by surpassing system-wide sales records and securing multiple new franchise agreements across key expansion markets. This impressive momentum follows the successful rollout of the evolved “Melting Pot Evolution” design and a revitalized menu strategy that continues to drive significant guest traffic and unit-level growth.
9) Farmer’s Table Reaffirms Its “Feel Good Food” Philosophy with Clean, Community-Driven Dining Experience
Farmer’s Table is redefining health-conscious dining in South Florida by adhering to strict “never-ever” ingredient standards that exclude all chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics from its menu. This community-focused destination provides a versatile all-day experience where guests can enjoy clean, responsibly sourced meals and wellness-driven elixirs in a welcoming atmosphere.
10) East Coast Wings + Grill Invites Fans to Create its Next Menu-Worthy Flavor
East Coast Wings + Grill has launched an interactive culinary competition inviting guests to submit original flavor combinations for a chance to see their creation featured on the brand’s national menu. This strategic initiative combines guest engagement with menu innovation, rewarding the top creator with a grand prize trip while celebrating the diverse tastes of its loyal fan base.
11) Red Pine Restaurant & Bar Brings an Elevated, Shareable Chinese Dining Experience to Boca Raton, FL
Red Pine has debuted in Boca Raton as a premier destination for elevated Chinese cuisine, featuring a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu of authentic, scratch-made dishes. This new culinary landmark emphasizes high-quality ingredients and artisanal cocktails to provide a refined, upscale dining experience for the South Florida community.
12) Teriyaki Madness Brings Mad Vibes to First-Ever Westchester County Location
Teriyaki Madness has expanded its New York presence with a new location in New Rochelle, bringing its signature Seattle-style teriyaki bowls and fresh, made-to-order appetizers to Westchester County. Local diners can now enjoy a customizable menu featuring high-quality proteins and fresh vegetables in a vibrant, fast-casual atmosphere designed for both convenience and flavor.
13) Feed Your Inner Child: Kura Sushi USA Rolls Out a Tamagotchi Dining Experience this May
Kura Sushi USA has launched a nostalgic collaboration with the iconic Tamagotchi brand to offer diners exclusive themed prizes and a limited-edition menu through its interactive Bikkura Pon prize system. This unique partnership enhances the gamified dining experience by integrating digital pet aesthetics with premium sushi, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans of both brands.
14) Chipotle Kicks off the Summer Season With the Return of Highly Popular Chipotle Honey Chicken
Chipotle has brought back its fan-favorite Chicken al Pastor, featuring a bold signature marinade of seared morita peppers, ground achiote, and a splash of pineapple. This premium protein returns as a limited-time menu offering across North America and Europe, providing guests with a sophisticated balance of heat and sweetness in every bowl or burrito.
15) Nick the Greek Opens Second Reno Location
Nick the Greek has expanded its presence in Northern Nevada with the opening of a second location in Reno, offering its signature authentic Mediterranean street food to the South Reno community. This new establishment continues the brand’s rapid growth strategy, providing locals with high-quality gyros, bowls, and traditional Greek flavors in a vibrant fast-casual setting.
16) Marvelous and Memorable Mother’s Day Buffet with Magnificent Views at The St. Regis Deer Valley’s Award-Winning Restaurant RIME
The St. Regis Deer Valley is hosting an exquisite Mother’s Day brunch at its signature restaurant, RIME, featuring an extensive selection of gourmet carving stations, chilled seafood, and artisanal pastries. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated dining experience paired with breathtaking mountain views, making it an ideal destination for a memorable family celebration.
17) Gong cha Turns National Bubble Tea Day Into a Freebie Filled Celebration
Gong cha is celebrating National Bubble Tea Day by offering guests a free pearl topping with any drink purchase and a chance to win free bubble tea for an entire year. This nationwide promotion rewards loyal fans through the brand’s mobile app while highlighting its premium, customizable beverage menu at participating locations.
18) Winsome Prime Invites Houston to “Taste Around the World” With FIFA-Inspired Cocktail Experience
Winsome Prime is launching a premier global cocktail series in Houston designed to celebrate the upcoming FIFA World Cup through a sophisticated curated menu of international flavors. Guests can experience a rotation of signature drinks representing diverse nations, offering an immersive cultural journey for soccer fans and spirits enthusiasts alike.
19) Detroit Wing Company Relishes the Tang with New Spicy Dill Menu
Detroit Wing Company has unveiled a bold new flavor profile featuring Spicy Dill seasoning available on a signature wrap and fries. This limited-time offering combines tangy pickles with a kick of heat to provide a unique zesty experience for wing enthusiasts looking for a fresh twist on classic sides.
20) Fresh Pasta Favorite – Dalmoros Fresh Italian – Returns To St. Petersburg, Florida On Friday, May 1
DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go has opened its newest location in St. Petersburg, bringing authentic, scratch-made Italian pasta and signature sauces to the local community in a convenient fast-casual format. This expansion allows Florida diners to enjoy premium, customizable pasta dishes served in portable packaging designed for high-quality dining on the move.