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Gong cha, Angry Chickz, The Peach Cobbler Factory, Teriyaki Madness, and Restaurantology lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending April 19, 2026.
1) Sip Light and Pretty with NEW Gong cha Leviteas
Gong cha has introduced Leviteas, a new collection of refreshing fruit and matcha beverages designed to offer low-calorie and low-sugar alternatives for health-conscious consumers. Each drink in this light spring lineup features green tea jelly for unique texture and provides a high-value wellness option at participating locations nationwide.
2) Angry Chickz Turns Up the Heat After Record-Breaking First Quarter
Angry Chickz achieved a significant 24.2% year-over-year sales increase in the first quarter, driven by a surge in third-party delivery and a massive 66% growth in its catering channel. The Nashville hot chicken brand continues to strengthen its market position through strategic new openings and a highly scalable operating model focused on digital efficiency.
3) The Peach Cobbler Factory Enters Seven New States in Massive Nationwide Expansion
The Peach Cobbler Factory is significantly increasing its national footprint by entering seven new states through strategic development agreements with seasoned franchise partners. This expansion highlights the brand’s rapid growth as a premier dessert destination, driven by a diverse menu of Southern-inspired treats and a highly scalable business model.
4) Teriyaki Madness Builds Momentum in 2026 With a Breakout First Quarter
Teriyaki Madness launched into the year with a remarkable 28 percent surge in systemwide sales, fueled by strategic menu innovation and strong internal expansion from existing franchisees. The brand is accelerating its national presence with plans to open dozens of new locations while implementing advanced technology partnerships to optimize unit-level performance and profitability.
5) Christina Tosi to Headline Savory Fund’s 8th Annual Restaurantology This September
Savory Fund’s eighth annual Restaurantology conference will feature a keynote fireside chat with Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi, focusing on building brands that leave a lasting impression. This operator-first event brings together hundreds of industry leaders in Salt Lake City for unfiltered conversations on guest experience, team culture, and marketing strategies in the hospitality sector.
6) Denny’s Names Christopher Bode President and Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Bode has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to lead the brand’s transition into private ownership. Under his leadership, the company is launching “Project Grand Slam,” a comprehensive 24-month strategic initiative focused on culinary innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence to modernize the guest experience.
7) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Brings the Crunch to Rockwall with April 18 Grand Opening and Free Layne’s for a Year
Layne’s Chicken Fingers continues its rapid Texas expansion with the grand opening of its newest location in Rockwall, featuring its signature hand-breaded crispy tenders and house-made secret sauce. This latest milestone is led by an experienced multi-unit operator and contributes to the brand’s goal of opening dozens of additional units throughout the year.
8) Bojangles Introduces Bo’s Chicken Rippers – Built to Rip, Dip and Deliver Bold Flavor
Bojangles has launched Bo’s Chicken Rippers, an interactive limited-time offering featuring hand-breaded chicken bites served on soft pull-apart potato rolls. This new menu innovation encourages guests to rip and dip their sliders into a variety of signature Southern-inspired sauces for a customizable and flavorful dining experience.
9) Double the Beef, Double the Cheese, Double the YUMMM: Red Robin Introduces New Towering Double Cheeseburger Sliders Made with King’s Hawaiian Rolls for a Limited Time
Red Robin has partnered with King’s Hawaiian to launch its new Towering Double Cheeseburger Sliders, featuring double beef patties and double cheese stacked vertically on iconic tower stands. This limited-time offering redefines the slider experience by delivering 12 ounces of fresh beef across four indulgent sandwiches designed to provide an over-the-top dining adventure.
10) Golden Chick Deepens Texas Rangers Partnership Through 2026 City Connect Collaboration
Golden Chick has strengthened its long-standing partnership with the Texas Rangers through an exclusive five-year extension and a new collaboration tied to the club’s 2026 City Connect jersey. The fried chicken brand is currently the only sponsor featuring the team’s City Connect primary logo on its crew gear, further integrating its local DFW roots with fan-focused ballpark traditions and community rituals.
11) Chili’s $10.99 3 For Me Menu Goes After Fast Food’s So-Called “Value” Meals Once Again with the Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Chili’s is challenging fast-food value standards by adding its oversized Big Crispy and new Spicy Big Crispy chicken sandwiches to the popular $10.99 3 For Me menu. This expanded lineup offers guests a hand-battered, high-quality entrée paired with fries, bottomless chips and salsa, and a drink, providing a full-service dining experience at a price that competes directly with drive-thru meals.
12) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Texas Expansion with New Location in Forney, TX
The Peach Cobbler Factory is furthering its rapid Texas growth with a new location in Forney, adding to a statewide pipeline of more than 20 units in various stages of development. This expansion highlights the brand’s versatility across traditional storefronts and high-traffic venues as it delivers a premium menu of nostalgic, Southern-inspired desserts to a growing national audience.
13) Ono Hawaiian BBQ Opens New South Phoenix Location with Grand Opening Celebration
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is expanding its Arizona presence with a new, state-of-the-art restaurant in South Phoenix, featuring a drive-thru and modern dining space. The family-owned concept brings its signature scratch-made plate lunches and aloha spirit to the rapidly growing South Mountain community, supported by a grand opening celebration with live performances and exclusive offers.
14) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Brings the Crunch to Waycross with April 11 Grand Opening and Free Layne’s for a Year
Layne’s Chicken Fingers has entered the Waycross market, marking a key milestone in the brand’s strategic multi-unit expansion across Georgia and Florida. Managed by an experienced local operator, the new location brings the franchise’s signature hand-breaded tenders and secret sauce to the community as part of a larger plan to open dozens of units nationwide this year.
15) Nothing Bundt Cakes Celebrates Opening of 800th Bakery
Nothing Bundt Cakes has achieved a significant milestone with the opening of its 800th bakery in East Bakersfield, California, signaling continued momentum for the nation’s largest specialty cake brand. This achievement marks a key step toward the company’s strategic goal of reaching 1,000 locations by 2027 as it expands its footprint across North America.
16) Snooze Eatery Goes Beyond the A.M. with New Lunch Menu and Breakfast Favorites
Snooze A.M. Eatery has expanded its daytime offerings with chef-driven additions like the Monte Cristo Brioche Toast and vibrant Adobo Roasted Veggie Tostadas. These new selections join an inventive Habanero Pork Belly Breakfast Fried Rice to provide guests with a diverse range of bold, high-quality flavors that transition seamlessly from breakfast to lunch.
17) Wetzel’s Pretzels Celebrates National Wetzel Day With Free Pretzels and ‘Wetz Fest’ Vibes
Wetzel’s Pretzels is celebrating National Wetzel Day by offering a free freshly baked Original Pretzel to every guest who visits participating locationa during the event. This nationwide fan-appreciation initiative aims to spread “Wetz Fest” vibes and thank loyal customers with the brand’s signature hand-rolled treats.
18) Famous Dave’s Fires Up the 2026 All-Star BBQ Series with Eight-City Pitmaster Tour
Famous Dave’s is firing up the pits for its fourth annual All-Star BBQ Series, a traveling competition that pits elite local pitmasters against one another in an eight-city nationwide tour. Attendees can enjoy a high-energy festival atmosphere featuring free barbecue samples, live music, and the opportunity to serve as judges for the fan-favorite People’s Choice wing award.
19) Broken Yolk Café Plans Midwest Expansion with New Multi-Unit Deal
The Broken Yolk Cafe is accelerating its national footprint through a new multi-unit development agreement that marks the brand’s strategic entry into the Midwest market. This expansion underscores the breakfast and brunch concept’s significant franchise momentum as it brings its signature guest experience and diverse menu to several new territories.
20) Farmer Boys Introduces Feed Your Flock Meal Deal in Celebration of The Sheep Detectives Movie Release
Farmer Boys has launched the Feed Your Flock Family Deal in celebration of the theatrical release of The Sheep Detectives, offering four Big Cheese burgers and four orders of fries for $9.99. This shareable meal is available for a limited time at all locations alongside seasonal value offers like the Farmer’s Chopped Cobb Salad.
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