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Gong cha, Hot Dog on a Stick, Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch, July Restaurant Deals, and Panda Express lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending July 12, 2026.
1) Gong cha Launches New Campaign To Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Gong cha has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch a limited-edition global campaign celebrating the 25th anniversary of the movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The wizarding world collaboration introduces themed packaging, collectible Hogwarts house merchandise, and a new Elder Wand-inspired beverage featuring lime tea topped with elderflower foaming powder.
2) Stephen Siegel and Amazing Brands Affiliate Acquire Hot Dog on a Stick
Stephen Siegel, founder of the hospitality platform Amazing Brands, has acquired Hot Dog on a Stick through a bankruptcy court-approved transaction. Under this new ownership, the iconic brand will focus on operational excellence and modern innovations while preparing for national and international expansion.
3) Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch Makes Oregon Debut in Gresham
Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch has expanded its footprint into the Pacific Northwest with a new location in Gresham, marking the brand’s state debut. The locally owned restaurant pairs Southern hospitality with Cajun-inspired favorites and classic daytime dishes served inside a whimsical dining room designed to mimic the charm of a Louisiana bayou.
4) July Restaurant Deals for French Fry Day, Hot Dog Day, Chicken Wing Day, and More!
Restaurants across the nation are kicking off a summer lineup of mid-season dining promotions to help guests save throughout July. Palates of all kinds can enjoy limited-time discounts, free sides, and premium menu enhancements timed to food-centric holidays like National French Fry Day, National Hot Dog Day, and National Chicken Wing Day.
5) Panda Express Drops the ‘Swicy’ Sequel Fans Begged For: Hot Orange Chicken Returns for National Orange Chicken Day
Panda Express has announced the highly anticipated return of its viral menu sensation, Hot Orange Chicken, to satisfy strong social media demand for sweet and spicy flavors. The limited-time entree delivers a fiery kick by combining the brand’s signature orange sauce with six times more crushed chilies than the original recipe alongside scorched dried chilies.
6) Irv’s Burgers Makes Green Valley Ranch Casino Debut
The historic California roadside stand Irv’s Burgers has continued its Southern Nevada expansion with a new location inside the Green Valley Ranch Resort Casino & Spa in Henderson. This latest opening introduces the brand’s signature straightforward burgers, iconic hand-drawn doodles, and deep culinary legacy to one of the region’s premier resort destinations.
7) Houston, Texas Joins HB Protein Smoothies’ Growing Footprint with New 6-Unit Deal
HB Protein Smoothies is continuing its national growth streak by signing a six-unit franchise agreement to bring the brand to Houston, Texas. Partnering with a confidential and highly experienced restaurant operations group, the protein-focused beverage concept leverages a streamlined operating model and strong unit economics to expand its rapidly growing footprint.
8) Burger King Expands Its Iconic Original Chicken Sandwich Lineup with Two Bold New Flavors
Burger King is expanding its iconic long-shaped sandwich menu with the introduction of two limited-time variations built on the signature Original Chicken Sandwich. Guests nationwide can choose between the spicy Loaded Jalapeño sandwich featuring a creamy pepper sauce or the elevated Club version stacked with crispy bacon and melted Swiss cheese.
9) Former Firefighter Builds New Future with The Brass Tap in Colorado Springs
The Brass Tap franchise owner Troy Nelson has celebrated the reopening of his newly refreshed craft beer bar and entertainment location in Colorado Springs. Transitioning from a seven-year career as a firefighter, the new owner-operator updated the neighborhood gathering space to enhance the community experience with local brewery offerings, specialty cocktails, and live entertainment.
10) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues North Carolina Expansion
The rapid dessert franchise growth continues across the Tar Heel State with the addition of a new sweet shop in the North Lake community of Charlotte. Owned and operated by franchisee Rhonda McNutt, this latest expansion brings the brand’s extensive selection of premium cobblers, banana puddings, and unique dessert flights to a growing regional audience.
11) Denny’s Names Aaron Howard Chief Operating Officer
Denny’s has named industry veteran Aaron Howard as its new Chief Operating Officer to oversee the brand’s global operations, training, and guest experience strategies. Bringing extensive restaurant leadership experience to the role, Howard will focus on driving operational excellence and sustainable long-term growth across the family dining chain’s extensive franchise system.
12) Kura Sushi USA Delivers a Burst of Sunshine with a Curated Zesty Yuzu Menu
Kura Sushi USA has announced the return of its premium culinary series, Kura Reserve, featuring four limited-time menu items infused with authentic Japanese yuzu. The seasonal collection showcases a balance of citrus acidity and premium ingredients, offering choices like yuzu dashi oil yellowtail, seared yuzu jalapeño alfonsino, and a sweet yuzu honey jelly parfait.
13) Aloha, Minnesota: Mo’ Bettahs Debuts First Restaurant in the North Star State
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is entering the Minnesota market for the first time with a new restaurant location in Burnsville. Founded by brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, the concept brings authentic island hospitality and traditional lunch plates featuring teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, and macaroni salad to local diners.
14) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Brings the Crunch to Cypress with a July 18 Grand Opening and Free Layne’s for a Year
Layne’s Chicken Fingers is expanding its Greater Houston footprint with a new restaurant location in Cypress, Texas. Managed by franchisee Masroor Fatany, this opening represents his twelfth location with the brand and will feature a full menu of hand-breaded crispy tenders, Texas toast sandwiches, and signature dipping sauces.
15) Krispy Kreme Introduces Limited-Time Dozen Inspired by Iconic Girl Scout Cookie Flavors
Krispy Kreme has partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA to launch a limited-time collection inspired by iconic cookie flavors. The assortment transforms fan-favorite profiles into shareable treats, featuring three varieties modeled after Thin Mints, Lemon-Ups, and Coconut Caramel cookies.
16) Houston Restaurateur Rob Wright Continues to Shape Texas Hospitality Through Iconic Dining and Entertainment Concepts
Houston-based entrepreneur Rob Wright has spent more than two decades developing and operating a diverse portfolio of dining and nightlife destinations across the region. Known for blending culinary concepts with community-focused entertainment, his work includes prominent local venues such as Prospect Park, Chapman & Kirby, and Winsome Prime.
17) CHART Honors Sheila Johnson, Founder & CEO of Salamander Collection, with its 2026 Commitment to People Award
The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers has selected Sheila Johnson, Founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, as the recipient of its annual top leadership honor. The accolade celebrates her dedication to employee development, workforce resources, and creating career advancement pathways within the hospitality industry.
18) How to Maximize Restaurant Space with Private Tall-Back Booths
Increasing the back panels of dining booths to lengths between 60 and 72 inches allows commercial dining venues to establish semi-private spaces without constructing extra partitions. This commercial layout technique by ModernLineFurniture optimizes floor plans by allowing operators to attach standard or bar-height seating directly to the reverse side of the structures.
19) City Barbeque Opens Its Doors in Murfreesboro
City Barbeque is expanding its footprint in Middle Tennessee with a new location providing slow-smoked meats and scratch-made sides. The venue features daily on-site smoking over hickory wood and offers a full lineup of dining, carryout, and catering services to the surrounding community.
20) Angry Chickz Expands to Palmdale With First Antelope Valley Restaurant
The fast-casual brand Angry Chickz is introducing its signature Nashville hot chicken and customizable spice levels to Palmdale, marking its first location in the Antelope Valley. This Southern California expansion features an energetic dining experience with popular menu staples like seasoned fries, bowls, and hand-breaded tenders.
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