Saigon Hustle, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, Logan’s Roadhouse, Killer Burger, and Robeks lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending August 31, 2025.
1) From Houston to the Southeast: Saigon Hustle Embarks on Major Expansion With Backing From Savory Fund and Virentes Partners Group
Saigon Hustle, a Houston-based modern Vietnamese fast-casual brand, has announced a significant expansion plan, entering into a 24-unit franchise agreement across Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. With backing from Savory Fund and Virentes Partners Group, the company aims to triple its corporate store footprint within two years and establish a strong presence in key markets.
2) Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay Announces Expansion Into Canada With Multi-Year, 65-Unit Development Agreement
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay has entered a multi-year agreement with Falcon Capital Group to open 65 locations across Canada, marking the brand’s first international expansion. The flagship restaurant is slated for downtown Toronto, with real estate tours underway in the Greater Toronto Area to identify suitable sites in both neighborhood and lifestyle centers.
3) Logan’s Roadhouse Tops 2025 Casual Dining Rankings
Logan’s Roadhouse has ascended to the top of the 2025 Casual Dining rankings, achieving a Customer Loyalty Index (CLI) score of 4.52, up from 9th place in 2024. This surge was driven by improvements in customer experience metrics, including satisfaction, likelihood to return, and overall atmosphere.
4) Killer Burger Continues Expansion Plans, Celebrates Opening of Newest Franchised Location in Bend, Oregon
Killer Burger, the Portland-based burger chain, has opened its newest location in Bend, Oregon, marking the third unit for franchisee Cascade KB. This expansion is part of a broader plan to establish 10 additional locations across Boise, Southern Idaho, and Northern Utah over the next five years.
5) Robeks Launches Ultimate Nationwide Menu Upgrade with New Harmonious Bites
Robeks has introduced “Harmonious Bites,” a new line of warm, handheld menu items designed to complement their smoothies and juices. These offerings include the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich, Margherita Pizzolo, Southwest Chicken Wrap, Spinach & Egg Folded Flatbread, and Spinach & Feta Stuffed Pretzel, all priced between $5.99 and $6.99, and are available nationwide.
6) VIA 313 Deploys Kea’s Voice AI to Support Regional Expansion
VIA 313, a Detroit-style pizzeria, has partnered with Kea’s voice AI to manage all inbound phone orders, ensuring consistent customer service across its 23+ locations. This move follows a $32.5 million capital raise and aims to enhance operational efficiency as the brand expands.
7) The Autonomous Table: An Analysis of Food Delivery Robotics in the Modern Restaurant Industry
Autonomous food delivery robots are increasingly being used in restaurants to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and boost revenue. These robots, equipped with advanced navigation and safety features, help reduce labor hours, minimize errors, and increase table turnover, addressing staffing challenges while maintaining service quality.
8) Dairy Queen Ushers in Fall with Seasonal Treats and a Cool 85-Cent Blizzard Deal
Dairy Queen is celebrating the arrival of fall with the launch of its 2025 Fall Treat Collection, featuring new and returning seasonal flavors like the Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard Treat, Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat, and Maple Cookie Shake. To commemorate its 85th anniversary, the brand is offering DQ Rewards members a small Blizzard Treat for just 85 cents through the DQ Mobile App with any purchase of $1 or more, available from September 8 through September 21.
9) Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Welcomes Brian Seitz as Director of Store Design & Construction
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken has appointed Brian Seitz as Director of Store Design & Construction, bringing over 30 years of experience to the role. Seitz will oversee the evolution of the brand’s store design, supporting franchisees with new builds and remodels to ensure consistency and enhance the guest experience.
10) Taco Bell Rewinds to the 2000s With Decades Y2K Menu Featuring Iconic Fan-Favorites and an Exclusive Merch Collab – Plus a One-Night Party With Lil Jon
Taco Bell is bringing back its Decades Y2K Menu nationwide on September 9, featuring five popular items from the 2000s at $3 or less. The rollout also includes limited-edition merchandise, a digital pet companion named Crunchkin, and a one-night Los Angeles event hosted by Lil Jon.
11) The Whaling Company Celebrates 45 Years Serving Williamsburg, VA
The Whaling Company, a Williamsburg, VA staple, is celebrating 45 years of serving fresh seafood and homemade dishes. Throughout September, they are offering fresh fish selections starting at $19.80, highlighting their commitment to quality and community.
12) Papa Murphy’s Turns Up the Heat with New Mike’s Hot Honey Partnership and Bold Limited-Time Pizzas
Papa Murphy’s has partnered with Mike’s Hot Honey to introduce the Ultimate Pepperoni pizza, combining two types of pepperoni with a sweet-and-spicy drizzle, available nationwide through October 26. Priced at $9.99, the pizza is offered in three variations: “Go Bold,” “Go Bolder,” and “Go Boldest,” catering to different spice preferences.
13) Squeeze In Heads East with San Antonio Expansion
Squeeze In, a breakfast and lunch chain known for its omelettes, is expanding into Texas with plans to open its first San Antonio location in mid-2026. The company currently operates eight locations across California and Nevada and aims to introduce its vibrant dining experience to the San Antonio community.
14) Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Appoints Andrew Wiederhorn as Chairman of the Board
Andrew Wiederhorn has been appointed Chairman of the Board for Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, effective immediately. Wiederhorn, founder of FAT Brands, played a key role in the brands’ spin-out into the new company and aims to drive operational efficiency and growth.
15) Applebee’s Appoints Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer and Jay Wong as Chief Operations Officer
Applebee’s has appointed Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer and Jerrold “Jay” Wong as Chief Operations Officer to bolster its growth strategy. Chin brings over 20 years of experience from brands like Starbucks and Unilever, while Wong has led transformations at Four Seasons and Marriott.
16) Houston TX Hot Chicken Cranks Up the Heat in Las Vegas
Houston TX Hot Chicken celebrated the grand opening of its sixth Nevada location in Las Vegas with a high-energy event featuring complimentary food, an exotic car meet, and the brand’s signature “Houston We Have a Problem” spice challenge. The new restaurant offers a menu of bold-flavored dishes made with fresh, all-natural ingredients and operates with extended hours, including a drive-thru open until 2 a.m. daily.
17) Dog Haus Signs Three-Store Deal to Expand Into Nashville Area
Dog Haus has announced plans to open three new locations in the Nashville area, including East Nashville, Franklin, and Smyrna. Franchisee Michael Deak, a seasoned restaurant operator with over 15 years of experience, will oversee the expansion, aiming to offer a vibrant dining experience with features like 24 taps of Tennessee craft beer, multiple TVs for live sports, and interactive amenities such as shuffleboard and beer pong.
18) Boba Nation Welcomes New Franchisee in Modesto, California
Boba Nation is expanding into Modesto, California, with a new franchise location operated by RS Foods Corporation under the leadership of Sukhwinder Kaler. This addition brings the brand’s total number of locations to six, joining existing stores in Hayward, Newark, Pleasanton, and San Jose.
19) Nick the Greek Expands Central Valley Presence With Opening in Stockton
Nick the Greek has expanded its presence in California’s Central Valley with the opening of a new restaurant in Stockton, marking its sixth location in the region. The franchise, owned by Bobby Singh, aims to reach over 100 locations nationwide by the end of 2025.
20) Ascent Hospitality Management Promotes Natalie Hansen to Vice President of Franchise Sales
Ascent Hospitality Management has promoted Natalie Hansen to Vice President of Franchise Sales, recognizing her instrumental role in expanding the Perkins and Huddle House brands across North America. With over 25 years of franchising experience, Hansen has secured more than 125 signed deals, including the largest franchise agreement in Huddle House history – a 20-unit deal in Texas – and the introduction of Perkins Griddle and Go to Alberta, Canada.