Dog Haus, Dairy Queen, Nothing Bundt Cakes, June Restaurant Deals. and Arc AI lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending May 31, 2026.
1) Dog Haus Inks 50-Unit Deal with Additions to Executive Leadership Team
Dog Haus has secured a massive fifty-unit franchise development agreement to fuel extensive brand growth across multiple target markets. This milestone expansion is supported by a strategic internal leadership restructuring designed to optimize corporate operations and drive long-term systemwide success.
2) New Cash Incentive Program Accelerates Dairy Queen Franchise Growth
Dairy Queen has launched an aggressive financial incentive program designed to accelerate domestic store development for its DQ Grill & Chill restaurants by offering substantial cash rewards to qualified operators. This strategic growth initiative provides meaningful capital support to help new and existing partners open traditional locations across high-potential target markets.
3) Nothing Bundt Cakes Serves Up the Official Cake of Summer With Fan-Favorite Returns and New Pop-Ups
Nothing Bundt Cakes has brought back its S’mores Made With HERSHEY’S flavor, alongside the debut of a brand-new Peach Cobbler personal-sized Bundtlet available from June 8 through June 21. Additional limited-time treats arriving later this season include a new Cinnamon Roll Cake, a returning Lemon Raspberry option, and a Turtle Cheesecake Swirl flavor to round out the summer lineup.
4) June Restaurant Deals for Graduation Season, Steakhouse Month, World Cup, and More!
The restaurant industry is rolling out an exciting lineup of June dining promotions and limited-time offers tailored for graduation celebrations, Steakhouse Month, and international sports tournaments. This strategic roundup highlights valuable consumer savings, festive group dining options, and themed culinary specials designed to help food lovers celebrate the summer season in style and more.
5) Arc, AI Drive-Thru Platform for QSR Operators, Raises $10.76 Million Seed Led by Andreessen Horowitz
Arc AI has secured a substantial seed funding round led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz to accelerate the development of its cutting-edge drive-thru automation platform. The tech startup plans to use the capital to scale its artificial intelligence solutions, helping quick-service restaurants streamline ordering accuracy and improve speed of service for modern consumers and more.
6) Gilbert, AZ, Couple Goes from HB Customers to HB Franchisees
HB Protein Smoothies has expanded its Arizona presence by signing its latest franchise agreement with a local couple who transitioned from loyal brand customers to business owners. The upcoming Gilbert destination will bring the company’s streamlined operational model and signature high-protein, low-calorie blended shakes to active families in the community.
7) How Legends Are Created: Madison Square Garden, Drew Nieporent, The Daily Burger and PleatPak
Madison Square Garden has teamed up with renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent and The Daily Burger to elevate the venue’s concession experience using the innovative PleatPak eco-friendly packaging system. This sustainable wrapping solution keeps the signature premium burgers warm and mess-free, delivering an enhanced, convenient dining experience for sports and entertainment fans on the go and more.
8) Western Retail Advisors Completes Fourth Arizona Lease for Top Fuel Espresso
Western Retail Advisors has successfully brokered a new commercial lease agreement to bring Top Fuel Espresso to a premier retail space in Mesa, Arizona. The incoming drive-thru coffee concept will offer the vibrant local community a high-energy beverage destination featuring specialty espresso drinks, premium energy blends, and convenient grab-and-go options and more.
9) Suzu to Celebrate Grand Opening in Cincinnati this July
Suzu has made its highly anticipated market entry with a beautiful new Japanese restaurant grand opening in Cincinnati. The stylish destination brings authentic culinary traditions to local diners, offering an immersive menu of expertly crafted sushi, regional small plates, and premium sake pairings and more.
10) Sunny Street Café Soaks Up Summer with Fresh Brunch Favorites and Seasonal Sips
Sunny Street Café has launched its limited-time summer brunch lineup featuring loaded carnitas breakfast tacos, a freshly baked mixed berry muffin, and a vanilla bean cold brew beverage. This refreshing, sun-soaked seasonal menu is available daily at all participating locations nationwide through August 31.
11) East Coast Wings + Grill to Enter Florida with First Tallahassee Location
East Coast Wings + Grill has signed a strategic regional development agreement to introduce its family-focused dining experience to the Florida Panhandle market. The upcoming regional expansion will bring the brand’s extensive lineup of award-winning wing flavors, craft beers, and casual American fare to local sports fans and diners in the state capital.
12) Pizza Hut Debuts New Crispy Parm Pan Pizza and Turns Crust Leavers Into Crust Lovers
Pizza Hut has launched its new Crispy Parm Pan Pizza, upgrading its classic 1980 recipe with a bold, parmesan-baked outer edge and an extra layer of cheese across the entire pie. This savory crust innovation is available nationwide at participating locations.
13) Velocity | Sim Racing Lounge Accelerates Into Dallas with Texas’ Largest Virtual Racing Venue
Velocity | Sim Racing Lounge is bringing an immersive entertainment concept to Dallas, combining the thrill of high-speed virtual racing with a premium food and beverage experience. Guests can look forward to piloting state-of-the-art racing simulators while enjoying a curated menu of craft cocktails and upscale lounge bites perfect for group outings and corporate events and more.
14) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Opens Second McKinney Location, Expanding Dallas-Fort Worth Presence
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has expanded its Texas footprint with the opening of its latest family-friendly restaurant location in McKinney. The new venue features a crisp, modern architectural style, dynamic sports viewing areas, an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, and a dedicated kids’ arcade area for local community gatherings.
15) Red Bicycle Coffee Co. Named One of Homebase’s 2026 Best Places to Work
Red Bicycle Coffee has achieved prestigious national recognition by being named to Homebase’s annual list of the best places to work. The celebrated coffee brand earned the spotlight for its outstanding commitment to building a supportive employee culture, offering competitive team benefits, and fostering an exceptional workplace environment and more.
16) Del Taco Brings Back Value Starting at Just $1
Del Taco has introduced its revamped Real Deal$ Value Menu, offering an array of budget-friendly items priced starting at just one dollar. The updated lineup features classic snacks and filling options including the new pinto bean taco, a crispy chicken roller, snack-sized quesadillas, and small freshly brewed iced teas available at participating locations nationwide.
17) Whaling Station Steakhouse Elevates Its Iconic Prime Rib with American Wagyu from Snake River Farms
The Whaling Station Steakhouse has enhanced its menu with the addition of four-week aged American Wagyu beef sourced from Snake River Farms. Guests can now order slow-roasted prime rib in both 12-ounce and 16-ounce cuts, alongside signature appetizers like prime rib egg rolls and a full selection of bites from the popular bar menu.
18) Chocolate Bash Reopens Irvine Location, Expanding Flagship Presence in Orange County
Chocolate Bash has welcomed back guests to its newly updated Orange County destination, which now operates out of a high-profile storefront positioned directly in front of the local Regal cinema. This enhanced flagship venue boasts an upgraded layout alongside a full menu featuring the brand’s popular chocolate-drizzled crepes, stacked waffles, fresh strawberry treats, and viral dessert innovations.
19) Taco John’s Expanding Footprint in Fargo
Taco John’s is expanding its regional footprint with a new freestanding restaurant location to better serve the local community. The upcoming destination will feature a modern drive-thru and a full dining room where guests can enjoy signature menu items like Potato Olés, street tacos, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
20) Shoney’s Launches ‘Sunshine and Shoney’s’ Summer Initiative Featuring Its New Smashburger and Classic Coke Float
Shoney’s has rolled out a fresh summer initiative headlined by its brand-new Smashburger, which is grilled directly over onions to lock in a savory flavor profile. Running through September 7, this seasonal promotion also brings back the classic, creamy Coke Float alongside a lineup of traditional favorites like strawberry pie and hot fudge cake.