McDonald’s, Prince St. Pizza, Gong cha, The Melt, and Wendy’s lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending April 5, 2026.
1) McDonald’s USA Introduces New Under $3 Menu and $4 Breakfast Meal Deal to the McValue Menu
McDonald’s revamped its morning offerings and is introducing a new “McValue” breakfast menu that featured several popular items priced at under $3 to provide more affordable options for early-morning diners. This strategic shift focused on delivering significant savings through a tiered pricing structure, allowing guests to mix and match classic staples like McMuffins and McGriddles at a lower price point.
2) Prince St. Pizza Partners With Lawrence Kourie to Accelerate Nationwide Expansion
Prince St. Pizza entered a strategic partnership with Lawrence Kourie, the founding franchise leader of Dave’s Hot Chicken, to accelerate the nationwide expansion of its iconic Sicilian-style square pies. This collaboration aims to scale the cult-favorite New York brand across key U.S. markets while leveraging Kourie’s extensive expertise in high-performing multi-unit restaurant operations.
3) Gong cha Global Unveils New Multi-Channel Brand Campaign With Stray Kids’ Felix
Gong cha Global partners with Stray Kids’ Felix to launch a multi-channel brand campaign titled “Artist Felix,” which emphasizes the brand’s commitment to hyper-personalization. This initiative featurs a lead video comparing the creative process of music production to crafting unique tea beverages, alongside the introduction of limited-edition merchandise and a signature Matcha & Taro drink.
4) The Melt Launches National Franchising Initiative With Enticing Opportunity for Multi-Unit Operators
The Melt officially launched its national franchising initiative, seeking experienced multi-unit operators to expand the brand beyond its company-owned roots in California and Arizona. This strategic rollout follows a decade of operational refinement and strong financial performance, featuring a streamlined, high-volume kitchen model designed for sustainable growth across the United States.
5) Wendy’s Iconic Spicy Chicken Sandwich Upgrade Brings the Heat That Hits
Wendy’s upgraded its iconic Spicy Chicken Sandwich by introducing a bolder, juicier chicken breast and a new premium bun to enhance the overall flavor profile. This “Newstalgia”-inspired update focused on delivering a higher quality experience to guests while maintaining the signature heat that has made the sandwich a fan favorite for decades.
6) KFC Has an Answer to the Value Wars: A Value Feast Fit for the Moment
KFC introduced its new Value Feast lineup, featuring a variety of Box Feasts designed to provide abundant portions of boneless favorites at multiple price points. These curated meals include combinations of Snackers, nuggets, tenders, and fries, aiming to offer guests a complete and satisfying dining experience that prioritized both volume and affordability.
7) Bonchon Introduces Korean Crunch Menu Featuring Pork Cheese Katsu Creations
Bonchon debuted its “Korean Crunch” lineup, featuring limited-time pork cheese katsu dishes that paired a mozzarella-filled crispy cutlet with the brand’s signature sweet and spicy Yangnyeom sauce. Alongside these seasonal items, the brand expanded its permanent menu with a new K-Chicken Sandwich and an authentic Korean cucumber salad to further highlight traditional flavors.
8) Subway Offers BOGO Footlongs to Help Fuel Americans Struggling with Rising Gas Prices
Subway launched a nationwide promotion offering Sub Club members a free footlong sandwich with the purchase of another to provide financial relief amid rising gas and grocery costs. This limited-time deal is available exclusively for digital orders placed through the brand’s website or app using a specific promo code.
9) Buffalo Wild Wings GO Opens in Lake Zurich
Buffalo Wild Wings GO expanded its Chicago-area footprint with the grand opening of a new takeout-focused location in Lake Zurich, designed specifically for efficient digital ordering and quick pickup. To mark the debut, the restaurant awarded the first 50 guests in line free wings for a year and offered promotional vouchers to all attendees during the celebratory event.
10) Papa Johns Turns Up the Heat on Menu Innovation with Bold New Launch: Oven-Toasted Sandwiches
Papa Johns expanded its menu beyond pizza with the debut of Oven-Toasted Sandwiches, featuring high-quality ingredients like ciabatta-style bread and the brand’s signature Special Garlic Sauce. This new lineup launched with three distinct varieties – Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and Steak & Mushroom – all crafted to deliver a premium and indulgent sandwich experience.
11) Nearly Half a Million Meals Raised by North Texas Restaurants in One Month
FB Society donated over $148,000 to the North Texas Food Bank following its successful inaugural “Food Bank February” campaign. The initiative, which engaged 16 restaurant brands across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, raised enough funds to provide approximately 446,000 meals to local residents facing food insecurity.
12) Jack in the Box Announces Katelyn Zborowski as Chief Marketing Officer
Jack in the Box appointed Katelyn Zborowski as its new Chief Marketing Officer to lead the brand’s marketing strategy and drive demand through consumer-led innovation. Zborowski joined the company with over 15 years of experience from major brands like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, where she successfully managed global portfolio strategies and high-performing marketing campaigns.
13) Jason’s Deli Rings in Spring With New Menu Items and Teacher Appreciation Giveaway
Jason’s Deli introduced its new spring menu featuring a variety of seasonal, pickle-forward items and caprese-inspired sandwiches on herb focaccia. Highlights include the Dill-icious Meal Deal, which pairs a Dill Pickle Club Wrap and Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with a limited-edition collectible cup.
14) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Opens Second Restaurant in Colorado Springs
Mountain Mike’s Pizza expanded its presence in Colorado with the opening of a second restaurant in Colorado Springs, featuring the brand’s signature crispy, curly pepperoni and fresh-made dough. This new location offera a family-friendly dining environment equipped with multiple big-screen televisions and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet to serve the local community.
15) Snooze Eatery Turns Gas Prices into Brunch Offers Nationwide
Snooze Eatery launched a unique nationwide promotion that converted average state gas prices into direct discounts for dine-in guests. This limited-time initiative provided customers with a check credit equivalent to the local cost of fuel to help alleviate the impact of rising everyday expenses.
16) Jack in the Box Drops Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal With Surprise Cups and a Chance to Win $75,000
Jack in the Box celebrates its 75th anniversary with the debut of the Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal, which includes two Smashed Jack Sliders, two tacos, curly fries, and a limited-edition Surprise Cup. Each cup contains a collectible pin that serves as an entry for a $75,000 grand prize and unlocks exclusive digital offers through the brand’s mobile app.
17) Juice It Up! Introduces Chobani Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothies, Creatine Boost and Limited-Time Paçoca Açaí Bowl
Juice It Up! expanded its menu with protein-packed smoothies featuring Chobani Greek Yogurt and a new creatine boost to support active lifestyles. To celebrate 25 years of açaí, the brand also introduced the limited-time Paçoca Açaí Bowl, a Brazilian-inspired creation topped with a sweet peanut crumble.
18) Chronic Tacos Returns to Angel Stadium for the 2026 MLB Season
Chronic Tacos returns to Angel Stadium for the 2026 MLB season, marking its 14th year serving signature Mexican fare across three stadium locations. Fans attending the games are able to enjoy a variety of game-day favorites, including the brand’s popular helmet nachos, burrito bowls, and tacos.
19) Shoney’s Silences the Sirens
Shoney’s reinforces its commitment to high-quality dining and exceptional value by highlighting its signature Fresh Food Bar and diverse daily “Theme Meals” program. The iconic family restaurant brand continues to distinguish itself in a competitive market by offering consistent quality through both in-restaurant experiences and convenient family-sized meals to-go.
20) Birdcall Brings Its Signature Chicken Sandwiches and More to Coors Field
Birdcall brought its award-winning all-natural chicken sandwiches and nuggets to Coors Field as a new partner of the Colorado Rockies. The debut features a “Birdcall Deck” on the revamped Mezzanine Level, providing fans with local craft chicken options and skyline views during every home game.