R&R Brands, BRAVO! Italian Kitchen, Brio Italian Grille, Jack in the Box, Del Taco, and Yadav Enterprises lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending October 19, 2025.
1) R&R Brands Makes Power Move with Strategic Investment and Management Partnership of BRAVO! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille
R&R Brands has taken the wheel of BRAVO! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, investing in 48 restaurants across 20 states and kicking off a full-blown makeover aimed at modernizing these Italian-dining stalwarts. The plan? Refresh menus, revamp dining rooms, and turn the family-friendly BRAVO! and the Tuscan-vibes Brio into two standout experiences.
2) Jack in the Box Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Del Taco to Yadav Enterprises
Jack in the Box is handing off its subsidiary Del Taco to franchise powerhouse Yadav Enterprises for $115 million, part of a strategic retreat from its previous acquisition and a broader shake-up of its brand focus. The eight-figure sale comes as the burger chain pivots toward simplification, debt reduction, and putting its core Jack in the Box operations front and center.
3) No Tricks, Just Sweet Treat Weekends: Krispy Kreme Returns ‘Scary Sharies’ and Doubles Down on Halloween Fun!
Spooky season just got sweeter: Krispy Kreme is resurrecting its fan-favorite “Scary Sharies” deal for two weekends (Oct 17–19 & 24–26), where you can snag a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just $2 when you purchase any full-price dozen. Plus, don your best costume on Oct 25 or Halloween (Oct 31) and the chain will hand you a free doughnut – no strings attached.
4) Mellow Mushroom Ranks No. 1 in Customer Experience and Customer Loyalty Among Pizza Chains in MarketForce Casual Dining Report
Mellow Mushroom has topped the charts in the 2025 MarketForce Casual Dining Report, clinching the No. 1 spot for customer experience and loyalty among pizza chains. Known for its eclectic ambiance and hand-tossed, stone-baked pizzas, the brand also earned top honors in trust and overall guest satisfaction across the entire casual dining industry.
5) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Ranked No. 6 on Restaurant Business Future 50 Ranking
Layne’s Chicken Fingers is soaring to new heights, earning the No. 6 spot on Restaurant Business’s 2025 Future 50 list. With a 67% sales increase and 50% unit growth in 2024, the Texas-based franchise is rapidly expanding, targeting markets like Virginia, Oklahoma, Indiana, Florida and more.
6) Pizza Hut Revamps Wing Wednesday With New Lil’ Wings Deal
Pizza Hut is spicing up midweek meals with its revamped Wing Wednesday deal: 20 crispy Lil’ Wings for just $10. To add some fun to the flavor, they’ve introduced a quirky “Wingfluencer” campaign featuring Brian Flatsworth, who shares humorous corporate-style tips to make your Wednesdays a little less bland.
7) Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Expands with 28 New Ghost Kitchens Nationwide
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is firing up the future of its brand with 28 new ghost kitchens nationwide, bringing real Texas-style BBQ to delivery fans across multiple states. Fans of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork can now get their smoky fix faster than ever, thanks to Dickey’s growing digital footprint.
8) Chocolate Bash Expands Again with Three New Franchise Locations Signed for Southern California
Craving dessert with a hometown twist? Chocolate Bash is delivering sweet news – signing a three-unit franchise deal to bring its signature crepes, waffles, and chocolate-dipped delights to Anaheim, Downey, and Hollywood in Southern California. With these new spots on the way, the brand’s chocolate-filled takeover of the West Coast just got even tastier.
9) East Coast Wings + Grill Invites Guests to “Embark on Flavor” with Updated Menu Rollout
East Coast Wings + Grill is shaking things up with a refreshed menu, bringing bold new flavor additions that will definitely get your taste buds buzzing! Get ready for tasty new additions like Coconut Shrimp and Sweet Heat Chicken Tacos, plus a smoky, savory upgrade to their beloved Chicken Mac + Cheese.
10) Taco Cabana Delivers Comfort Redefined With New Fall Lineup
Just in time for chilly weather, Taco Cabana is serving up comfort redefined with a crave-worthy fall lineup that tastes like a hug in a taco. Try their new 16-hour hickory-smoked brisket lineup and the indulgent new Strawberry Margarita Pie.
11) Ono Hawaiian BBQ Celebrates Grand Opening of Lake Forest, CA Location
Aloha, Lake Forest! Ono Hawaiian BBQ is bringing the islands to you with a grand opening celebration you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30th, because there’s a buy-one-get-one-free deal and a chance to win a $100 promo card.
12) Toppers Pizza Names New Chief Financial Officer
Toppers Pizza is strengthening its leadership team by appointing Ian Bruggeman as new Chief Financial Officer, a move that signals a continued focus on strategic financial growth for the brand. Bruggeman will play a critical role in scaling the business and ensuring the brand’s long-term success in the competitive pizza market.
13) Restaurant Marketing Ideas for November
Restaurant owners and operators have a lot to be thankful for with a bountiful feast of marketing ideas in November.
14) Setting the Record Straight: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit’s Story of Strength and Renewal
If you thought Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was just about brisket and Big Yellow Cups, think again! They’re setting the record straight on their recent challenges, proving that a little resilience and a lot of slow-smoked quality can help a legacy brand reclaim growth and defy industry decline.
15) Franchise Growth Solutions and Gary Occhiogrosso Power Expansion of Emerging Brands Across North America
Got a brilliant local eatery you wish was everywhere? Franchise Growth Solutions and industry pro Gary Occhiogrosso are making that dream a reality for emerging restaurant brands across North America. Get the scoop on the “secret weapon” that’s turning local culinary gems into profitable national franchise empires!
16) Arrowhead Grill in Glendale, Arizona, Named One of Arizona’s Best Restaurants for 2025
Forget those endless lists, because Arrowhead Grill has just landed a spot as one of Arizona’s best restaurants for 2025! We’re talking sizzling, perfectly seared USDA Prime steaks and seafood that’s making this Glendale spot a must-visit for any serious food lover.
17) Get Comfortable this Fall at Newk’s Eatery
Trade in your pumpkin spice latte for a serious dose of fall flavor, because Newk’s Eatery just dropped a limited-time menu that’s all about comfort food! From a hearty Chili Mac and Cheese to a decadent PB & Chocolate Cake, your cozy season cravings are about to be completely satisfied.
18) MenuTrinfo CEO Betsy Craig Applauds Passage of California Senate Bill 68 on Food Allergen Disclosure
MenuTrinfo CEO Betsy Craig celebrates the signing of California Senate Bill 68, the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act, marking a historic victory for food allergy safety and menu transparency. The new law will require restaurant chains to clearly disclose allergen information, protecting millions of Californians living with food allergies.
19) Stonefire Grill Delivers Irresistible Flavors With New Seasonal Menu
Stonefire Grill just unveiled a new seasonal menu, and it’s a fall feast of irresistible comfort with a serious culinary spin! Get ready to cozy up with craveable dishes like a Pear and Gorgonzola Salad or a spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza, perfect for your next family gathering.
20) Ovation’s Fall 2025 Release Introduces Reputation Management
Ovation’s Fall 2025 Product Release enhances its guest experience platform with advanced reputation management, reporting, and integrations, helping multi-unit restaurant operators save time, manage reviews, and act faster on insights.