Off The Hook Restaurants, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Taco Cabana, German Doner Kebab, and Sunny Street Café lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending June 1, 2025.
1) Off The Hook Restaurants Strengthens Leadership Team to Fuel Statewide Growth
As part of its ongoing strategy to expand operations and deepen its roots across Louisiana, Off The Hook Restaurants has announced three appointments: John Lush as chief operating officer, Bailey Richard as director of marketing, communications and compliance and Randy Gross as director of operations.
2) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Celebrates Multiple Six-Figure Opening Weeks
With recent successes in Texas and Virginia, the booming chicken finger franchise is further solidifying its place as a key competitor – and standout investment opportunity – in the market.
3) Taco Cabana Debuts on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers List
Taco Cabana created significant brand momentum last year, fueled by the launch of a new franchising program, the introduction of numerous menu innovations and the announcement of its TC 3.0 prototype.
4) Kirmani Group and German Doner Kebab Expand U.S. Footprint with Strategic Partnership in Long Island
Centereach expansion aligns with GDK’s aggressive growth strategy, targeting key markets with high consumer demand for premium QSR dining experiences.
5) Sunny Street Café Breaks Ground on First Freestanding Location
The Marion restaurant will be the 23rd location systemwide and the second in Illinois, expanding Sunny Street’s footprint in the state and showcasing its momentum in mid-sized markets.
6) Philly’s Best Steak Co. Named Preferred Philly Steak of the Philadelphia Phillies
Philly’s Best has been operating in the greater Philadelphia area for nearly three decades, providing the highest quality steak product to restaurants around the country, including some of the most well-known cheesesteak shops in the city.
7) Revered Restaurant Brand Kicks Off ‘100 Days of Summer at Shoney’s’
Now through Labor Day, Shoney’s will feature Summertime Classics, including Shoney’s Whole Strawberry Pies To-Go and other go-tos for breakfast, lunch and dinner, when the season has guests on the go.
8) Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council Launches Summer Blizzard Campaign with Creative from LOOMIS Agency
Just in time for the Texas heat, DQ restaurants in Texas are launching a playful, music-driven campaign to spotlight the brand’s iconic Blizzard Treat as the perfect reward for surviving everyday life.
9) Toastique Expands Further in Greater Los Angeles With Multiple Locations Launching This Year
Since its inception in 2018, Toastique has garnered national acclaim for its gourmet toast creations, smoothie bowls, nutrient-rich cold-pressed juices, espresso and coffee, and other convenient grab-and-go options.
10) Del Taco Names Champion and Mediaspot as Agencies of Record
Del Taco has selected Champion and Mediaspot as its agencies of record, tapping into the strengths of both firms to elevate its brand visibility and drive continued nationwide momentum.
11) City Barbeque Unveils Mouthwatering Limited-Time Offerings For Summer
City Barbeque is kicking off the summer with two limited-time menu specials that bring big flavor to backyard cravings: Pork Belly Burnt Ends and a new Strawberries & Cream Cobbler.
12) BIGGBY COFFEE Kicks Off Summer with Fan-Favorite Flavors, Bold New Sips – and a Fresh New Look
From the nostalgic Campfire Latte to vibrant Red Bull mocktails, craveable Pretzel Minis, and a playful brand refresh, BIGGBY is brewing up flavor, energy, and feel-good vibes all season long.
13) Yoshinoya America Appoints Paul Nishiyama President
Paul brings with him a successful track record of sustained growth, improved profitability, and a commitment to quality.
14) Urban Bird Hot Chicken Celebrates 20th Location with Grand Opening in Sugar Land, Texas
This milestone marks a significant expansion for the Katy-based brand, which has rapidly grown across Texas since its inception in 2020.
15) Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay Invites Guests to Greektown
Fast casual brand with Unbeatable Burger Experience launches two new limited-time offers with chef-crafted creativity and flavor-forward fusion.
16) Huddle House and CoComelon Help Make Mealtime Fun for Families
Huddle House is teaming up with the beloved children’s show CoComelon to help make mealtime fun for families by providing special CoComelon and Huddle House branded placemats for young guests.
17) Papa Murphy’s Launches “Summer Selects” – The Pizza Deal of the Summer
Enjoy select oven-ready pizzas for just $8.99* and complete your meal with ready-to-bake sides and desserts – the perfect recipe for an easy, delicious summer.
18) PJ’s Coffee to Celebrate Grand Opening in Newington, Connecticut
Iconic New Orleans-born coffee brand marks Constitution State debut with beignets, free coffee and more.
19) Curry Up Now to Give Away 1,000 Free Burritos at Flower Mound Grand Opening
One-of-a-kind street food concept to celebrate its launch with giveaways, live entertainment and more on June 7.
20) DSA Signage Partners with Neon to Deliver Smarter, More Engaging Signage for Restaurants
As part of this collaboration, DSA Signage digital screens will now be powered by Neon’s cloud-based platform, merging premium hardware with intelligent content and device management capabilities.