Dog Haus, Twin Peaks, Shoney’s, Restaurant News Bites, and Erbert & Gerbert’s lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending September 13, 2026.
1) Dog Haus Debuts 25 New Menu Items in its Biggest Menu Evolution in 15 Years
Dog Haus has unveiled 25 new menu items in its largest culinary expansion in 15 years, highlighted by a brand-new dedicated Grilled Chicken category. Alongside humanely raised chicken options like the Cali Chick sandwich, the updated lineup introduces a new Bacon Onion Jam smashburger, fresh shareables, and expanded craft soft drink choices.
2) Twin Peaks Debuts New Menu with Bigger Shareables, More Ways to Customize and Lunch Under $10
Twin Peaks has launched a major menu revamp introducing value-focused weekday lunch items priced under $10 alongside expanded shareable appetizers and new customization options. The updated lineup features enlarged favorites like an expanded six-item sampler platter, new dips, and fresh entrées including a smoked bone-in pork chop and street corn quesadilla.
3) Value Ages Well: Shoney’s Gets More Relevant by the Day
As consumers nationwide increasingly seek out restaurant value, Shoney’s is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to generous portions, consistent quality, and Southern hospitality. The iconic brand highlights its signature All You Care to Eat Fresh Food Bar and Family Meals To-Go as core examples of delivering meaningful culinary choice rather than temporary promotional discounts.
4) Restaurant News Bites: Windows on the World, America’s Drive-In Restaurants, Legendary Desserts, and More!
This Restaurant News Bites roundup explores diverse foodservice industry headlines, including a look back at the legacy of Windows on the World alongside shifting trends in hotel breakfast concepts and drive-in culture. Additional coverage dives into current operational topics, ranging from the business impact of restaurant influencers and local search visibility to automated pizza technology and regulatory challenges facing street vendors.
5) Erbert & Gerbert’s Expands Campus Presence with Two New University Locations
Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop is growing its non-traditional footprint by opening two new college campus venues operated in partnership with Sodexo. Situated at the University of Central Missouri and Indiana Wesleyan University, these additions aim to introduce the brand’s signature sandwiches and soups to a new audience of student diners.
6) New Pit Master Takes Over San Bernardino Dickey’s, Brings Fresh Perspective to Hometown Restaurant
Local franchise owner Tuan “Danny” Nguyen has taken over the San Bernardino Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, bringing a renewed focus on community connections and local catering growth. As the new Pit Master, Nguyen aims to introduce more residents to the brand’s slow-smoked Texas barbecue and family-friendly dining experience.
7) Angry Chickz to Open in Avondale Sept. 11
Angry Chickz has expanded its state footprint and nationwide presence with a new restaurant in Avondale, marking its fourth location in Arizona and 47th overall. Guests can enjoy the brand’s signature Nashville hot chicken tenders, sliders, and bowls customized with spice levels ranging from heat-free to waiver-required intensity.
8) Nick the Greek Brings Authentic Greek Street Food to Santa Clarita
Nick the Greek has expanded its California footprint with a new fast-casual location in Santa Clarita. Led by local operator Nader Shenouda, the restaurant serves authentic street-food favorites like house-roasted gyro meats, charbroiled souvlaki, and traditional baklava.
9) Mo’ Bettahs Makes Waves in Indiana With New Zionsville Restaurant
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is expanding its presence in the Indianapolis area with a new restaurant in Zionsville, marking its second location in the state. Guests can enjoy traditional Hawaiian plate lunches featuring teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, and katsu chicken served alongside macaroni salad and white rice.
10) Farmer Boys Celebrates the Opening of Its First Santa Clarita Location
Farmer Boys has broadened its Southern California reach by bringing its first restaurant to Santa Clarita, helmed by veteran franchisee Omar Mawas. Local diners can enjoy the chain’s fresh, made-to-order lineup, featuring signature burgers, all-day breakfast dishes, specialty sandwiches, and hand-chopped salads.
11) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Opens Wilsonville Location, Expanding Oregon Presence
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has bolstered its Pacific Northwest footprint by welcoming a new family-style restaurant to Wilsonville, Oregon, under local franchisee John Sharma. The spacious venue features big-screen televisions, an arcade area, an outdoor patio, and a weekday all-you-can-eat pizza and salad buffet.
12) Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom Kicks Off Cheers to Cheese Menu and Weekly Gameday Deals
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom has introduced a limited-time “Cheers to Cheese” fall menu alongside weekly football game day drink and food specials through the playoffs. Guests can pair new cheese-forward dishes like the Spicy Double Cheese Pepperoni Pizza and Steakhouse Burger with handcrafted margaritas or featured craft drafts while watching the games.
13) Kura Sushi USA Reveals New Kura Reserve Menu Featuring Flame-Kissed Black Cod and Sweet, Savory Saltwater Eel
Kura Sushi USA has launched a systemwide menu overhaul across all participating Kura Revolving Sushi Bar locations, highlighted by the debut of its premium Kura Reserve lineup featuring selections like flame-kissed black cod and sweet saltwater eel. The expanded menu introduces a diverse variety of culinary creations, including seared sushi rolls, crispy tempura rolls, and savory ramen alongside refreshing specialty drinks and authentic Japanese desserts.
14) Shawarma Press Takes Catering to New Heights With Lunch Boxes for the University of Kansas Football Team
Shawarma Press in Lawrence, Kansas, elevated its local catering operations by supplying 115 customized chicken shawarma wrap lunch boxes to the University of Kansas football team. Co-owners and sisters Atrooba and Tahima Hashim collaborated with the Jayhawks’ team nutritionist to deliver fresh, grab-and-go Mediterranean meals for players and coaching staff.
15) Applebee’s Celebrates National Cheeseburger Day with One-Day $8.99 Burger & Fries Deal
Applebee’s is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day by offering guests a Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger paired with fries for $8.99, available for dine-in, online, or mobile app ordering. Fans looking to upgrade their meal can also try the chain’s new O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger, available dine-in only on the 2 for $25 value menu.
16) Pizza Inn and Dr Pepper Bring Back the Pepp Rally with SEC Championship Sweepstakes, Sending One Winner to Atlanta
Pizza Inn has partnered with Dr Pepper to revive its fall “Pepp Rally” campaign, bringing back the sweet-and-spicy Pepp Rally Pizza topped with pepperoni, Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha Sauce, and Mike’s Hot Honey. The promotion includes an SEC Championship Sweepstakes that offers one grand prize winner a trip for two to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
17) Polly’s Pies Brings Oktoberfest Flavor to the Table With Seasonal Favorites and German-Inspired Fare
Polly’s Pies has rolled out a seasonal Oktoberfest menu featuring German-inspired fare alongside its signature scratch-made pies. Guests can sample traditional entrees like Pork Schnitzel and a Bavarian Pretzel Cheeseburger, accompanied by German-style beers and freshly baked autumn desserts.
18) Beyond Juicery + Eatery Expands Breakfast Menu With Protein-Packed Fall Favorites
Beyond Juicery + Eatery has enhanced its menu with a limited-time fall breakfast lineup featuring customizable, protein-rich scrambled egg bowls and a bakery-inspired smoothie. Guests can choose from savory options like the Bacon & Avocado Scramble, the Chicken Sausage & Pepper Scramble, or a creamy Cinnamon Roll Smoothie blending almond butter and vegan protein.
19) Feng Cha Builds Anticipation for New Pumpkin Series with Exclusive First Taste Creator Event
Feng Cha built early seasonal anticipation by gathering more than 100 influencers and creators for an exclusive First Taste preview event. Guests sampled the upcoming fall beverage lineup – featuring the Pumpkin Tea Latte, Pumpkin Cafe Latte, and Ube Pumpkin Milk – while engaging in interactive DIY charm and flower activities.
20) Sunny Street Café Brings Back Fan-Favorite Pumpkin Pancakes with Fresh Takes on Fall Brunch
Sunny Street Café has revived its fan-favorite Pumpkin Pancakes alongside a refreshed lineup of autumn brunch offerings across all locations. Morning diners can pair the signature fluffy pancakes with new seasonal additions like the Pumpkin Chai Cold Brew, Apple Cider Mimosa, and scratch-made Pumpkin Roll Muffin.