McDonald’s, The Taco Spot, Noodles & Company, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and SPB Hospitality lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending September 7, 2025.
1) McDonald’s Extra Value Meals Are Back
McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) is bringing back Extra Value Meals nationwide starting Sept. 8, offering guests affordable favorites like the $5 Sausage McMuffin with Egg meal and the $8 Big Mac meal. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner options priced for savings, McDonald’s reaffirms its commitment to value while introducing new limited-time deals this fall.
2) The Taco Spot Expands Nationwide: A Franchise Opportunity Fueled by Explosive Growth and a 1.5 Million-Follower Fan Base
The Taco Spot, famous for its Birria Tacos, Birria Ramen, and bold flavor fusions, is rapidly expanding nationwide. With 22 locations open, 19 more in development, and 1.5 million social media followers fueling demand, the brand is inviting franchisees to join its explosive growth.
3) Noodles & Company Announces Review of Strategic Alternatives to Maximize Shareholder Value
Noodles & Company (NASDAQ:NDLS) announced its Board of Directors has begun a review of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. Options under consideration include refinancing, refranchising, or potential sale transactions.
4) Jersey Mike’s Appoints Stacy Peterson as President and Chief Operating Officer
Stacy Peterson has stepped into the role of President and Chief Operating Officer at Jersey Mike’s Subs, where she will guide U.S. operations, marketing, and technology. Her leadership will support the company’s growth strategy, digital innovation, and expanding national footprint.
5) SPB Hospitality Promotes Kristen Hohl to Executive Vice President of Marketing
SPB Hospitality has promoted Kristen Hohl to Executive Vice President of Marketing. Since joining in 2018, Hohl has played a key role in elevating brand strategy, driving growth, and strengthening guest connections across the company’s portfolio of restaurant concepts.
6) Friendly’s Serves Up 90 Cent Coca-Cola Mini Floats to Celebrate 90 Years This September
Friendly’s continues its 90th anniversary celebration with Coca-Cola by offering Fantastic Mini Floats for just 90 cents from Sept. 3-30. Served in a limited-edition collector’s cup, the float combines Friendly’s signature ice cream with Coca-Cola classics and other favorite sodas.
7) J. Alexander’s to Make Arizona Debut in Chandler
J. Alexander’s – known for its high-end menu featuring hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and wood-fired grilled dishes – is planning its first Arizona location in Chandler, set to open in mid-November. The new restaurant is hiring approximately 90–100 team members and will offer a polished dining experience seven days a week, complete with handcrafted cocktails, extensive wine selections, and a private dining room.
8) Twin Hospitality Group Announces New Leadership and Strategic Update for Smokey Bones
Twin Hospitality Group (NASDAQ: TWNP) has appointed restaurant veteran Ken Brendemihl as President of Smokey Bones while announcing a strategic update for the brand. The company is optimizing the Smokey Bones portfolio through unit conversions, closures of underperforming locations, and new franchising opportunities to strengthen profitability and long-term growth.
9) FAT Brands Announces Return of Andrew Wiederhorn to Chief Executive Officer
FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT), parent of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza, and 15 other restaurant concepts, has announced the return of Andrew Wiederhorn as Chief Executive Officer. Wiederhorn, who continues as Chairman of the Board, will drive strategic priorities including organic growth, acquisitions, manufacturing expansion, and balance sheet improvement.
10) Newk’s Opens First Location in Statesboro with Free Cake and Grand Opening Festivities
Newk’s Eatery opens its first Statesboro location on Sept. 10 with grand opening festivities, free cake for the first 50 guests, and double rewards points for members. The new restaurant brings scratch-made sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and signature cakes to the community.
11) Loomis Agency Serves up New Campaign for the Ultimate Texas Collaboration
Dairy Queen restaurants in Texas and Dr Pepper have teamed up to launch the Dr Pepper BBQ Patty Melt, a limited-time burger available through October 19. LOOMIS, the Dallas-based ad agency, has crafted a football-themed campaign that crowns the Dr Pepper BBQ Patty Melt as “The Official Taste of Football Season in Texas.”
12) The Peach Cobbler Factory Serves Up Big Flavor in the Lone Star State with Rapid Expansion Across Texas
The Peach Cobbler Factory is rapidly growing across Texas with 12 new locations opened since March 2024. Another six stores are set to open by early 2026, including a debut inside Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
13) Texas Donuts Unveils Bold New Interior and Branding Design by Mindful Design Consulting
Texas Donuts has unveiled a bold new interior and branding design by Mindful Design Consulting. Bright colors, warm wood tones, and vibrant graphics transform the beloved donut shop into a modern destination that reflects the brand’s joyful spirit and commitment to spreading happiness.
14) Tacodeli Debuts in Cedar Park With Grand Opening Celebration on Sept. 8
Tacodeli opens its newest location in Cedar Park on Sept. 8, featuring the brand’s first pre-order pickup lane. Guests can enjoy handcrafted tacos, scratch-made salsas, and a “Free Tacos for a Year” giveaway for the first 25 in line.
15 Urban Bird Hot Chicken Expands Footprint With Grand Opening of First San Antonio Location
Urban Bird Hot Chicken has landed in San Antonio with the grand opening of its newest restaurant on September 3, 2025. The Nashville hot chicken brand, known for bold flavors and fast-casual innovation, continues its rapid expansion across Texas with crave-worthy menu items, strong franchise growth, and a people-first dining experience.
16) Rock N’ Roll Sushi Hits a High Note With Multiple New Openings Across the South
Rock N’ Roll Sushi is turning up the volume with four new restaurant openings across Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. The nation’s #1 sushi franchise continues rapid growth, fueled by strong franchise partners and bold, amplified dining experiences.
17) The Next Chapter in Menu Development Starts Here – FoodOvation Exchange 2026 Dates Are Live
Revelry Agency has announced the 2026 FoodOvation Exchange dates, offering suppliers and operators an unmatched opportunity to collaborate on menu development, explore LTOs, and innovate within the foodservice industry. The series provides cost-effective, one-on-one sessions with culinary, marketing, and procurement leaders from top LSR and FSR chains.
18) Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale Honor Legendary Monte Cristo Day Tradition While Serving Up Fresh New Flavors
Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale are celebrating National Monte Cristo Day on Sept. 17 with a free World Famous Monte Cristo with entrée purchase. This year’s festivities also introduce new fall cocktails, refreshed menus, and the debut of Steak and Ale’s participation in the iconic tradition.
19) Red Robin Rolls Out Two New Steakhouse-Inspired Burgers and More Flavor-Packed Menu Items
Red Robin (NASDAQ: RRGB) is rolling out a bold new menu, featuring gourmet steakhouse-inspired burgers, abundant seafood entrées, shareable appetizers, playful sodas, and handcrafted cocktails. Fan-favorite Zucchini Fries are also back with an improved recipe.
20) Taco Cabana Introduces Seasonal 3 to 6 Fix! And TC After Dark Menus Plus Mouthwatering Premium Taco
Taco Cabana introduces bold new menu options with the launch of its value-packed 3 to 6 Fix! Menu, late-night TC After Dark Menu, and the indulgent Chicken Fajita Bacon Melt Taco. Available now at locations across Texas for a limited time.