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Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Jollibee, Konala, Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America, and Olive Garden lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending July 19, 2026.
1) Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Breaks Into Texas With Multi-Unit DFW Franchise Agreement
Happy Joe’s is entering the Texas market for the first time through a multi-unit franchise agreement with BB3 Hospitality Co. The expansion strategy will introduce the brand’s family-centric dining experience, specialty pizzas, and ice cream treats to Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.
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| Stand Mixers | Blenders | Food Processors | Waffle Makers | Wine Racks |
| Chef Knife Sets | Fry Pans and Skillets | Stock Pots | Coffee Mugs | Money Counters |
2) Seven Franchise Groups and a Clear Path Toward 330 US Franchise Units by 2030: Jollibee Builds Mid-Year Momentum in 2026
Jollibee has accelerated its North American expansion by adding three new multi-unit franchise developers to its portfolio during the first half of the year. This developmental push aligns with the brand’s strategic framework to expand its footprint and establish 330 franchise locations across the United States by the end of the decade.
3) Konala Signs Five New Franchise Leases in One Month to Expand Healthy Drive-Thru Footprint
Healthy fast-food pioneer Konala is accelerating its regional growth through a dynamic multi-unit franchise agreement targeting key markets across Idaho and Utah. The expansion brings the brand’s signature high-protein bowls, nutritious salads, and convenient drive-thru format to health-conscious consumers in the Intermountain West.
4) Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America for 2026
OpenTable has released its latest dining guide spotlighting premier hotel dining destinations shaped by millions of verified guest reviews. The data highlights a growing trend of travelers anchoring their travel itineraries and lodging selections around prominent culinary experiences.
5) Olive Garden Announces the Return of its Iconic Never-Ending Pasta Pass
Olive Garden brought back its highly anticipated Never-Ending Pasta Pass after a six-year hiatus to celebrate guest loyalty. A limited number of passholders secured 13 weeks of unlimited pasta combinations, homemade sauces, and toppings alongside the traditional soup, salad, and breadsticks.
6) Teriyaki Madness Leaves Fast Casual Competitors in the Dust With Stronger Same-Store Sales, Traffic and Expansion Momentum
Teriyaki Madness outperformed fast-casual industry averages during the second quarter, generating a systemwide sales increase of nearly 31 percent. The Seattle-style teriyaki brand drove this momentum by opening 12 new locations, securing agreements for 11 future shops, and achieving record-setting daily revenue from strategic menu promotions.
| RESTAURANT WEBSITE DOMAINS FOR SALE | ||||
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| RestaurantRecruiter.com | RestaurantFoodCost.com | Restaurant-Owner.com | RestaurantChef.net | |
| FreeTacoDay.com | FreeNachosDay.com | FreeSliderDay.com | FreeWingsDay.com | |
7) Ojos Locos Launches Casa de Fantasy Draft, Giving Leagues a New Home for Draft Night
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina introduced its Casa de Fantasy Draft promotion to provide football leagues with a high-energy venue for hosting draft parties. Group reservations receive food perks and beverage savings, while league commissioners secure exclusive gift card rewards for future dining.
8) Dalmoros Fresh Italian Announces Major Nationwide Expansion Into Key U.S. Markets
Dalmoros Fresh Italian announced a strategic rollout that introduces its quick-service Italian cuisine to several high-profile retail and metropolitan markets across the United States. The upcoming locations will feature the brand’s signature build-your-own fresh pasta bowls alongside scratch-made sauces, custom sandwiches, and convenient take-home packages.
9) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Aggressive Growth in Texas with New Wichita Falls Location
The Peach Cobbler Factory extended its growth footprint across Texas with the addition of a new location in Wichita Falls. Local owners Jen and Matt McFarland will operate the store, introducing the brand’s signature fresh-baked cobblers, banana puddings, and premium dessert creations to the surrounding community.
10) Rock N’ Roll Sushi Amplifies Knoxville’s Dining Scene
The rock-themed restaurant concept Rock N’ Roll Sushi is expanding its presence in Tennessee with a new location in the Hardin Valley area of Knoxville. This upcoming venue will merge creative American-style sushi rolls, sizzling hibachi entrees, and savory ramen bowls with an immersive, music-fueled atmosphere.
11) Redhead Burger Celebrates Newest Location, Now Open in Doral, Florida
The cult-favorite smash burger brand Redhead Burger brought its proprietary beef blend, fresh-cut fries, and milkshakes to the Doral neighborhood with the opening of its third location. This expansion continues the brand’s growth trajectory beyond its original South Beach roots and its presence on the Las Vegas Strip.
12) Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte Team Up With Prince St. Pizza for Limited Edition Tour Pies
Prince St. Pizza partnered with rock icons Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte to launch limited-edition custom pies and collectible boxes during the bands’ North American tour. Available at select locations across the United States and Canada, the collaborative menu features unique creations like a charcoal-infused dough crust and a garlic cream base topped with borage flowers.
13) Applebee’s Introduces New Bacon Cheeseburger Wonton Tacos on 2 for $25 Menu
Applebee’s added the new Bacon Cheeseburger Wonton Tacos to its signature 2 for $25 value menu as a limited-time casual dining option. The neighborhood grill and bar chain also expanded the promotional lineup with three new entrees and a selection of refreshing cocktails mixed with premium spirits.
14) Protein for Every Plate: Golden Corral Offers 20+ High-Protein Selections Daily Featuring NEW Grilled Chicken Tenders and Golden Delicious Shrimp Tossed in Spicy Peach & Garlic Parm
Golden Corral enhanced its summer buffet lineup by introducing four limited-time, high-protein dinner options alongside refreshing seasonal lemonades. The new additions feature Grilled Chicken Tenders and Golden Delicious Shrimp tossed in either spicy peach or garlic parmesan sauce, joining more than 20 protein-packed staples available daily.
15) Paris Baguette Donates More Than 685,000 Pounds of Food, Expands Fight Against Hunger Through City Harvest and No Kid Hungry
Paris Baguette expanded its fight against food insecurity by donating more than 685,000 pounds of surplus food to City Harvest and supporting No Kid Hungry to provide over 2 million meals. Building on this momentum, the global bakery café franchise is set to launch its next fundraising campaign to continue supporting children facing hunger across the United States.
16) Eli Roth Brings the Chills to Irv’s Burgers with ‘Ice Cream Man’ Partnership Kicking off with I-SCREAM Carnival Pop-Up Experience
Irv’s Burgers teamed up with acclaimed film director Eli Roth to celebrate the upcoming theatrical release of his horror movie, Ice Cream Man. Guests can order the exclusive combo meal topped with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and score limited-edition merchandise at all locations through early August.
17) Nick the Greek Records Impressive Midyear Results With Strong Sales, New Menu Innovations and Widespread Industry Recognition
Nick the Greek achieved double-digit same-store sales and transaction growth through the first half of the year while expanding its national footprint past 100 locations. The fast-casual Greek street food chain also accelerated its momentum by introducing new menu items like Spanakopita and Halloumi Fries alongside securing prominent industry accolades.
18) Detroit’s Original Chicken Shack Gives Away FREE Chicken Tenders for a Year to One Lucky Winner per Location
Detroit’s Original Chicken Shack introduced its crispier, juicier new Chicken Tenders, representing the brand’s largest menu revision in over a decade. The product rollout also features a value bundle that includes three tenders, a side, famous Shack potatoes, a sauce, and a drink.
19) Lou Malnati’s Launches Maxwell Polish Sausage Deep Dish Pizza
Lou Malnati’s debuted its new Maxwell Polish Sausage Deep Dish Pizza to celebrate its partnership as the official deep dish partner of Chicago Fire FC. Available for a limited time at Chicagoland and Wisconsin locations, this special item features Vienna Beef Polish sausage, grilled onions, yellow mustard, and sport peppers on the brand’s signature crust.
20) Gong cha Blends Up Summer with NEW Bobaccinos
Gong cha expanded its handcrafted beverage menu with the rollout of Bobaccinos, a new lineup of three creamy frozen drinks inspired by classic coffeehouse flavors and loaded with signature boba. The customizable drink series features Brown Sugar, Coffee Caramel, and Mocha Crunch varieties, which guests can purchase in pairs to receive a complimentary collectible keychain featuring Felix from Stray Kids.
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