Panda Express, Bar Italia, Stoett Outdoors, Nick the Greek, and Fransmart lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending August 10, 2025.
1) Panda Express Ignites Menu with New Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken Made with Buldak’s Signature Heat
Panda Express, the American Chinese trailblazer known for bold, wok-fired innovation, is cranking up the heat on a classic American Chinese dish with its newest entrée, Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken.
2) Newly Opened Bar Italia in Lakewood, OH Creates Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Dining Space with Stoett’s Panora Retractable Glass Wall System
The newly opened Bar Italia in Lakewood, Ohio is redefining flexible dining with the installation of the Panora Retractable Glass Wall System from Stoett Outdoors. The restaurant now features a seamless indoor/outdoor space that enhances the guest experience and extends usability across all seasons.
3) Nick the Greek Increases Brand Momentum in First Half of 2025 With Accelerating Development, Menu Innovation and Industry Accolades
Nick the Greek, a national chain serving up authentic Greek street food, delivered an impressive first half of 2025 that included more new restaurants, a reaffirmed commitment to menu innovation and an abundance of well-earned industry recognition.
4) Fransmart Launches Investment Platform for Early-Stage Restaurant and Franchise Brands
Fransmart, the franchise development company behind some of the most successful restaurant and retail chains is launching an investment platform giving individual accredited investors a seat at the table for early-stage restaurant and franchise chain growth opportunities.
5) From Local Legend to National Brand: Sus Hi Eatstation Launches Franchising After 14 Years of Success
After 14 years of sushi innovation and community-building, Sus Hi Eatstation is officially launching its national franchising program, inviting entrepreneurs across the country to bring its Ninja-inspired, customizable sushi concept to their communities.
6) FACE Amusement Group Appoints Kashif Ahmad to Lead Next Phase of Growth, Bringing 30 Years of Global Experience and Operational Expertise
FACE Amusement Group, a leading operator of entertainment experiences and hospitality brands across the U.S., is proud to announce the appointment of Kashif Ahmad as Vice President of Business Development.
7) Taco Cabana Named a Top Regional Fast Food Chain & a Favorite Taco in USA Today’s 2025 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards
Voted by readers and curated by a panel of food and industry experts, the 10Best Awards spotlight America’s most loved restaurants and travel destinations.
8) Luna Grill Names Rich Pinnella as New CEO as Brand Enters Next Chapter of Growth
Pinnella, who joined Luna Grill six years ago serving as President, has been a key architect of the brand’s operational evolution, customer experience, and expansion strategy.
9) Bar Louie Celebrates Hoffman Estates Grand Opening with Weeklong Festivities
Bar Louie, a national kitchen and cocktail bar concept known for its signature martinis and craveable food, announced the grand opening of its newest location inside the newly renovated Chicago Marriott Northwest hotel.
10) Fresh Monkee Expands to South Florida with Grand Opening in Davie
Founded in 2014 by Judy Flynn, a single mom and former collegiate athlete, Fresh Monkee began with one small shop in Connecticut and a mission to offer a smarter, better-for-you alternative to the sugary, artificial blends typical of many smoothie chains. Fresh Monkee now operates 20+ stores in 15 states, with more in development nationwide.
11) New Tenants Announced at Northside Mixed-Use Project in Gilbert, Arizona
On behalf of Okland Capital and San Tan Development Group, Phoenix-based retail brokerage specialist Western Retail Advisors has completed a string of new leases at Northside at SanTan Village phase one, the retail and restaurant component of the Northside mixed-use development in Gilbert, Arizona.
12) Original ChopShop Continues Growth in Phoenix with New Midtown Location
Original ChopShop, the fast-casual eatery known for its feel good food, is expanding its presence in the Valley with a brand-new Shop opening in Phoenix. This marks the 11th location in Arizona and 27th brand wide for the growing brand.
13) California Fish Grill Announces Restaurant Marketing as New Marketing Partner
This strategic collaboration aims to further California Fish Grill’s commitment to making crave-worthy, responsibly sourced seafood more widely available to guests throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and its upcoming expansion into the Mid-Atlantic region.
14) Krispy Krunchy Chicken Beats Out Big Names on USA TODAY 10BEST List
Krispy Krunchy Chicken, one of the fastest-growing hot food concepts in the convenience store business, is sharing the love as it flies up the ranks of leading chicken brands.
15) One of America’s Youngest Franchise Founders Joins Forces with New Franchisee to Bring Flavor-Forward MF Gyros & Burgers to Delaware
More than geographic expansion, the latest agreement signals the continued rise of a franchise led by one of the youngest founders in the U.S. food industry. Sharma, who launched MF Gyros & Burgers in 2020 at just 20 years old, is turning heads across the country with a brand that’s as bold and flavorful as its menu.
16) Chocolate Bash to Open New Corporate Flagship Location at The Outlets at Orange
Chocolate Bash announced the upcoming opening of its newest corporate-owned location at The Outlets at Orange, one of Southern California’s premier shopping and lifestyle destinations.
17) Leona’s Pizzeria Celebrates 75 Years With 75-Cent Pizza on Aug. 14
To honor the guests who’ve made Leona’s a staple for 75 years, the brand will serve 75-cent personal pizzas to the first 75 VIP Rewards members at each location. The first 75 guests age 75 or older will also receive a free full-sized pizza – a nod to those who’ve been around since the very beginning.
18) Pumpkin Spice Summer is Here! KRISPY KREME Returns Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed Doughnut for One Week Only, Beginning Aug. 11
With just the right touch of pumpkin spice and a melt-in-your-mouth finish, Krispy Kreme’s irresistible Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut will be offered for a full week, through Aug. 17, after being available for just three days last year.
19) FUSIAN and Ray Ray’s Hog Pit Debut “The Smoke Show” at Clintonville Location
Columbus’s two culinary innovators – fast-casual sushi pioneer FUSIAN and beloved Central Ohio barbecue icon Ray Ray’s Hog Pit – are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind, limited-time sushi roll, exclusively available at FUSIAN’s Clintonville restaurant.
20) PJ’s Coffee Brews Up New Praline Chai Latte and Fall Classics
Capturing the essence of the season, the limited-time lineup blends comfort and creativity in true New Orleans style. The new Praline Chai Latte stirs together warm chai, sweet praline syrup and steamed milk, finished with a touch of cinnamon for a nutty-spiced sip perfect for crisp autumn days, served hot, iced or frozen.