Jack in the Box, Top 100 Brunch Restaurants, Miami Grill, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Enzo’s & CarmelCorn lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending April 27, 2025.
1) Jack in the Box to Close Up to 200 Locations, Exploring Del Taco Sale
Jack in the Box Inc. introduced its multi-faceted “JACK on Track” plan, which includes a comprehensive series of actions to improve long-term financial performance across its restaurant system, strengthen its balance sheet and demonstrate its commitment to running an asset-light business model – all of which will position the Company for sustainable growth in the coming years.
2) Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in America for 2025
With Mother’s Day consistently ranking as the busiest dining day of the year, securing the perfect table is more competitive than ever. To help families navigate this much-anticipated celebration, OpenTable has released its annual list of Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in America for 2025, compiled by analyzing more than 10 million diner reviews, along with diner ratings, reservation demand, percentage of five-star reviews among other factors.
3) Miami Grill Launches New Express, All-Takeaway Concept
Miami Grill’s first all-takeaway concept features a double drive-thru lane and a walk-up window with outdoor seating for the ultimate in fast-casual convenience.
4) Dave’s Hot Chicken Rolls Out Food Truck; Serves Up Signature Sliders and Tenders at Coachella for Third Straight Year
The company announced the launch of its first food truck, with the capacity to serve hundreds of Dave’s famous tenders and sliders, along with all the sides which have made Dave’s an international sensation.
5) Enzo’s & CarmelCorn Launches Franchise Opportunity: Two Iconic Chicago Brands in One Franchise Model
Enzo’s & CarmelCorn, two of Chicago’s longest-standing and most recognizable food names, have announced the launch of a joint franchise opportunity.
6) Pepper Lunch Builds on a Banner 2024 with Continued Momentum
Pepper Lunch, a one-of-a-kind Japanese fast-casual concept with more than 540 locations across 17 countries, is continuing momentum generated from a banner 2024 year, thanks to increases across all sales and guest satisfaction metrics.
7) Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap Kick Off 2025 With Growth, Innovation and Record Sales for Q1
FSC Franchise Co. navigated a challenging first quarter with strategic brand investments, operational refinements and marketing wins that drove sales growth and improved unit performance.
8) Shaver Hall Unveils Designs for Highly Anticipated Midtown Food Hall
Shaver Hall, the highly anticipated food and entertainment destination set to open in Midtown Manhattan later this year, has released design plans offering a first look at the transformation of the historic Lord & Taylor building into an immersive culinary experience.
9) Krispy Krunchy Chicken Opens in Montana, Its 48th State
Krispy Krunchy Chicken, one of the fastest growing hot food concepts in the convenience store business, is now open in Montana, achieving a presence in all 48 contiguous United States and meeting the nation’s need for ridiculously good, Cajun-spiced fried chicken from coast to coast.
10) UKIAH Japanese Smokehouse Set to Debut in Fort Lauderdale Late Spring 2025
The highly anticipated UKIAH Japanese Smokehouse (UKIAH) is set to open its doors in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, late Spring 2025. The new restaurant will bring its signature blend of Japanese flavors and American barbecue techniques to South Florida’s dynamic culinary scene.
11) Papa Murphy’s Brings Back the Taco Grande Pizza for a Flavor-Packed Limited-Time Offer and Refreshes Salad Offerings
Papa Murphy’s welcomes back the Taco Grande Pizza, a take ‘n’ bake favorite that delivers bold taco flavors on a pizza, while introducing a fresh, customizable salad option for a well-rounded meal.
12) Del Taco Launches Brand Refresh and NEW El Big Boxes to Deliver Bigger Flavor, Bigger Value
With a fresh new look and the launch of El Big Boxes, Del Taco leans into its bold heritage, serving up real ingredients, generous portions and unbeatable value this spring.
13) Outback Steakhouse Launches Hot Wing Roo-lette – Can You Handle the Heat?
Outback Steakhouse is turning up the heat and launching Hot Wing Roo-lette, a gamified in-restaurant experience where fans spin a wheel to determine their fate – will they be greeted with a spicy Aussie surprise or enjoy a mild bite?
14) Houston TX Hot Chicken Heats Up Expansion With 25th Location
Since launching in 2021, HHC has experienced explosive growth across the U.S., with locations now in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Michigan. The brand continues to attract a cult-like following for its uncompromising flavor, top-tier service and social media-worthy presentation.
15) Charlie Morrison Appointed CEO of Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, has appointed Charlie Morrison, an industry veteran who has driven long-term growth and international expansion at several of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands, as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 28th, 2025.
16) I Scream Gelato Expands Footprint with Five- Unit Franchise Partnership in Austin, Texas
I Scream Gelato, the premium Italian gelato brand known for its handcrafted desserts and memorable customer experience, has announced the signing of a new multi-unit franchise agreement that will bring five new locations to the Austin, Texas area.
17) Huddle House Upgrades Burger Scene With New Smashed Burger Lineup
Huddle House, the neighborhood gathering place that brings friends and family together over delicious food served from the heart, has rolled out a new Smashed Burger lineup to the permanent menu this spring.
18) Access Denied: The Rise of Black-Market Reservations Disrupting the Restaurant Dining Experience
This disconnect in the reservation process is causing operational challenges for restaurant operators, like costly no-shows, staffing needs to manage the expectations of customers who purchase these third-party reservations, and potential damage to a restaurant’s brand and reputation from a process outside of the restaurant operator’s control.
19) Franchise Growth Solutions Proudly Announces the Return of the New York Franchisor Forum, Hosted by ADP
Franchise Growth Solutions has announced the return of the New York Franchisor Forum, a must-attend, high-impact event designed for emerging franchisors and franchise development professionals.
20) Founders Table Partners with Tattle to Elevate Guest Experience at Chopt and Dos Toros
Through this collaboration, Founders Table brands will leverage Tattle’s advanced AI technology to measure omni-channel guest sentiment, enhance guest experience and streamline operations across all locations.