Jersey Mike’s Subs, Dog Haus, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Roosters, and 86DeadStock lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending April 13, 2025.
1) Jersey Mike’s Subs Raises Record-Breaking $30 Million in March for Local Charities
Jersey Mike’s Subs and customers across North America rallied to raise over $30 million to help more than 200 local charities during the company’s 15th Annual Month of Giving in March.
2) Jake Paul and His Team Get Ready to Rumble with Dog Haus Expansion
Following his partnership announcement with renowned burgers, brats and brews concept, Dog Haus, ahead of his history-making fight last fall, Jake Paul, the professional boxer and businessman, is rapidly expanding his franchise portfolio with plans to open 10 additional locations by the end of 2025.
3) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Quadruples Growth in Q1, Targets 45-Unit Mark for 2025
Soon to be Famous chicken finger franchise Layne’s Chicken Fingers is closing another groundbreaking quarter with nine new restaurants opened and two franchise agreements totaling 10 restaurants signed.
4) Roosters Takes Flight: Alabama-Based Latin American Eatery Announces Franchise Opportunity
Founded in January 2017, Roosters has built a loyal following, poured into its surrounding community, and garnered national attention. Now, after years of refining its concept, Roosters is inviting entrepreneurs to bring this dynamic brand to new markets.
5) 86DeadStock is The Hospitality Marketplace for Overstock Woes
Founded by longtime industry professional Jeremy Fitzgerald, 86DeadStock was created to solve this very problem: businesses stuck with excess goods they can’t use, while others struggle to find affordable supplies.
6) South Block Soars to 20 Locations
“This is a major milestone in our journey to build healthier, happier blocks everywhere we go,” said Amir Mostafavi, CEO and Founder. “We can’t wait for more and more guests to experience our good vibes, fresh flavors, authentic ingredients, and community-first mission.”
7) Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Welcomes Key Iowa Markets for Development
Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream, the legendary family-friendly brand known for bringing pizza, ice cream and big smiles to generations of Midwestern families, has officially reopened development opportunities in a trade area rich with history and brand loyalty: eastern and central Iowa.
8) Fresh Ways to Frosty: Wendy’s Reimagines Famous Dessert with April Launch of Frosty Swirls and May Launch of Frosty Fusions
Wendy’s is offering even more ways to love Frosty with new sauces and mix-ins, including OREO cookie pieces and Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers pieces.
9) Newk’s Eatery Opens 97th Location in Pascagoula
Newk’s Eatery, known for its fresh salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, is opening its 97th location in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This marks the brand’s 30th corporate-owned location and the 17th Newk’s in Mississippi.
10) Pizza Hut Creates a First-Of-Its-Kind Innovation: “Pizza Caviar”
Pizza Hut is putting an indulgent twist on the caviar craze sweeping foodie culture with the launch of “Pizza Caviar” – a first-of-its-kind innovation that transforms the fine dining trend into something completely unexpected.
11) Benson Family Revitalizes Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in St. George, Utah
Under Daniel and Rebecca Benson’s leadership, Dickey’s St. George location has undergone a transformation, focusing on exceptional food, customer service and community engagement.
12) Spring Just Got Sweeter: Pizza Inn Unveils Peeps Pizzert
Spring has sprung at Pizza Inn, and this year the Easter Bunny isn’t the only one delivering something sweet. For a limited time at participating locations, the beloved buffet is launching its newest seasonal sensation: Peeps Pizzert.
13) Boba Cucue Expands to Montana with First-Ever Location in Bozeman
The family-friendly, fun-for-all tea house sets sights on Bozeman with exclusive treats, vibrant vibes, and brand-new franchise partners as it continues its franchise expansion across the U.S.
14) Angry Chickz Coming in Hot with Houston Debut
Favorite Nashville hot chicken brand set to open in Webster on April 25 with exclusive giveaways, including limited edition jerseys and the chance to win free Angry Chickz for a year.
15) Cholula and Taco Cabana Ignite Taste Buds with Bold New Partnership Ahead of Cinco de Mayo
Fusing the balanced heat of Cholula with the classic zest of a margarita, this innovative cocktail blends Taco Cabana’s signature frozen margarita, tropical flavors, and Cholula Chili Lime Hot Sauce.
16) Escondido Lounge Opens Second Location in Cape Coral Featuring Artful Cocktails, Small Plates and a Dessert Bar Menu by Acclaimed Chef Bradley Kilgore
Nestled in the heart of downtown Cape Coral on the main drag, Escondido Lounge promises to be a haven for aficionados of craft mixology, innovative bar bites, indulgent desserts, and live music alike.
17) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Maintains Impressive Growth Trajectory Throughout Q1
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, continued its impressive growth trajectory in Q1 2025, building on the momentum the brand created in 2024.
18) Off The Hook Reels In Shrimp Season with TABASCO Pepper Jelly Sauce
Off The Hook Restaurants is getting extra saucy this spring with its inaugural Shrimp Season, teaming up with fellow Louisiana legend Tabasco for a spiced-up celebration of local seafood served fast and straight from the Gulf.
19) Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Rises in Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers
Happy Joe’s rose from #24 to #21 in the ranks on Pizza Marketplace’s highly influential list, reinforcing that its momentum isn’t slowing down.
20) Restaurant Marketing Ideas for May
The entire month is devoted to food as May is National Asparagus Month, National Barbecue Month, National Chocolate Custard Month, National Egg Month, National Hamburger Month, National Salad Month, National Salsa Month and National Strawberry Month.
