McDonald’s, Scooter’s Coffee, Handel’s Ice Cream, May Restaurant Deals, and Layne’s Chicken Fingers lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending May 3, 2026.
1) McDonald’s Enters a New Era of Drinks with First-Ever Lineup of Refreshers and Crafted Sodas
McDonald’s is expanding its beverage portfolio with a permanent nationwide launch of hand-crafted Refreshers and specialty sodas featuring bold ingredients like popping boba and velvety cold foam. This new era of drinks offers customizable flavors ranging from tropical fruit blends to nostalgic twists on classic fountain favorites, providing a premium experience designed for every mood.
2) Scooter’s Coffee Brews Up 31 New Stores in North Carolina, Virginia Through Strategic Agreement with Boddie-Noell Enterprises
Scooter’s Coffee has announced one of its largest multi-store development agreements to date, partnering with Boddie-Noell Enterprises to open 31 new locations across North Carolina and Virginia. This strategic expansion leverages the expertise of a seasoned multi-unit operator to bring the brand’s signature drive-thru convenience and premium espresso drinks to key markets throughout the Southeast.
3) Handel’s Ice Cream Serves Up Strong First Quarter with Multi-State Expansion, 20 Franchise Signings and Leadership Additions
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has ignited a powerful start to the year with record-breaking franchise signings and successful debuts in several new state markets. This rapid growth is supported by key leadership additions and industry-leading unit volumes, reinforcing the brand’s position as a dominant force in the premium dessert sector.
4) May Restaurant Deals for National Hamburger Month, Teachers and Nurses, Cinco de Mayo, and More!
Restaurants nationwide are rolling out a diverse array of promotions for May, highlighting significant savings for National Hamburger Month and special appreciation deals for teachers and nurses. These seasonal offerings extend to festive celebrations for Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby, providing guests with a variety of limited-time discounts, freebies, and unique menu items across multiple brands.
5) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Accelerates Growth in Q1 2026 With 50+ Restaurants Awarded and Expansion Across Key Markets
Layne’s Chicken Fingers has accelerated its national growth in the first quarter of 2026 by awarding more than 50 new restaurant agreements and securing 16 future leases across key markets. This rapid expansion, complemented by its inaugural placement on the Franchise 500 list, reinforces the brand’s position as a dominant force in the competitive chicken franchise sector.
6) Wings and Rings Launches Operating Partner Program to Reward Top Performers and Build Future Franchise Owners
Wings and Rings has introduced a transformative Operating Partner Program designed to empower restaurant managers by providing a direct and accessible pathway to franchise ownership. This innovative initiative offers financial incentives and dedicated support, ensuring experienced leaders can transition into entrepreneurs while strengthening the brand’s operational excellence.
7) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Names Ryan Lulow Chief Financial Officer
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has appointed industry veteran Ryan Lulow as its new Chief Financial Officer to oversee financial strategy and accelerate the brand’s national expansion. With extensive experience in restaurant finance and operational leadership, Lulow will play a critical role in supporting the franchise’s continued growth and strengthening its corporate infrastructure.
8) Subway Introduces Its First-Ever Value Menu with 15 Entrees Under $5
Subway has launched its first-ever nationwide Fresh Value Menu, featuring a robust selection of 15 different entrees priced under $5. This new value-driven lineup includes customizable Deli Faves, high-protein wraps, and a rotating Sub of the Day, offering budget-conscious diners a variety of freshly made meal options without compromising on quality or portion size.
9) Farmer Boys Celebrates Opening of New Cathedral City Location
Farmer Boys has expanded its presence in the Coachella Valley with the opening of a new location in Cathedral City, serving its signature award-winning burgers and farm-fresh salads. This new restaurant features convenient drive-thru service and a spacious dining room, providing the local community with high-quality breakfast, lunch, and dinner options made from locally sourced ingredients.
10) Starbird Names Stefanie Lee Chief Financial Officer
Starbird has strengthened its executive leadership team by appointing Stefanie Lee as Chief Financial Officer to help guide the brand’s strategic financial planning and aggressive growth trajectory. Bringing over two decades of financial expertise, Lee will focus on optimizing operational efficiency and scaling the premium fast-casual concept as it continues its national expansion.
11) Restaurantdata.com – New Restaurant Alerts for April 27, 2026
RestaurantData.com has released its latest report detailing significant growth across the industry, highlighting over 600 new restaurant openings and planned projects nationwide. This comprehensive data set provides critical insights for vendors and developers by tracking fresh leads, upcoming construction, and expansion efforts within the competitive hospitality landscape.
12) Mellow Mushroom Debuts Reinvented Salads & a Dynamic New Beverage Program
Mellow Mushroom has refreshed its menu with the introduction of vibrant, protein-packed salads and a completely revitalized beverage program featuring hand-crafted cocktails. These new additions prioritize fresh ingredients and creative flavor profiles, offering guests a modern dining experience that perfectly complements the brand’s signature stone-baked pizzas.
13) CRISP & GREEN Welcomes “Season of Strength” With New Menu for Spring & Summer
CRISP & GREEN has launched its “Season of Strength” menu, introducing a variety of nutrient-dense bowls and seasonal salads crafted to fuel active lifestyles through the spring and summer. These chef-curated offerings emphasize vibrant, high-quality ingredients and bold flavors, providing health-conscious diners with refreshing meal options that support overall wellness.
14) Shoney’s Celebrates Mother’s Day 2026 by Treating Moms to a FREE Slice of Its Famous Strawberry Pie
Shoney’s is celebrating Mother’s Day by treating all moms to a free slice of its signature, house-made strawberry pie at participating locations nationwide. This cherished annual tradition complements a special holiday feast bar featuring an abundant selection of seasonal proteins and homestyle sides designed for a stress-free family celebration.
15) Perkins Strawberry Freshtival Returns With a New Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cold Brew
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has announced the highly anticipated return of its Strawberry Freshtival, showcasing a seasonal menu filled with fresh-picked berry creations. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of limited-time offerings ranging from signature strawberry-topped pancakes and waffles to indulgent desserts and refreshing beverages.
16) Party Fowl Lands in East Nashville with a No-Chill Grand Opening Bash
Party Fowl is set to bring its signature Nashville Hot Chicken and Boozy Slushies to a new vibrant location with a grand opening in the East Nashville community. This latest expansion features a spacious outdoor patio and an expanded menu, offering locals and visitors a high-energy dining destination famous for its unique hot chicken variations and local craft beers.
17) White Castle Offers 10-Sack of Original Sliders for $8.99
White Castle is offering a significant value deal by providing customers with a 10-sack of its iconic Original Sliders for a special discounted price at participating locations. This limited-time promotion encourages fans to share a stack of the brand’s signature steam-grilled burgers while enjoying incredible savings through the official app or in-person orders.
18) Smoke Signals Rise Again in Edmonton! Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Opens New Location in the “Festival City”
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues its aggressive international growth with the opening of a new location in Edmonton, Alberta, bringing authentic Texas-style barbecue to more Canadian fans. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the world’s largest barbecue franchise as it introduces its signature slow-smoked meats and classic southern sides to the local community.
19) Burger and Sandwich Packaging Is Broken – PleatPak Fixed It!
PleatPak is revolutionizing the food service industry with its innovative packaging solution designed to keep burgers and sandwiches fresh, hot, and intact during transport. This eco-friendly design provides a superior handheld dining experience by preventing leaks and maintaining structural integrity, addressing common consumer frustrations with traditional wrappers.
20) I Scream Gelato Continues US Expansion with First Michigan Franchise
I Scream Gelato is set to expand its footprint in Michigan through a new multi-unit franchise agreement aimed at bringing authentic Italian frozen treats to more communities. This strategic growth initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering handcrafted, high-quality gelato and unique flavor profiles to a growing audience of dessert enthusiasts.