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Savory Fund, Taco Cabana, Tahini’s, Teriyaki Madness, and Starbird lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending October 18, 2026.
1) Savory Closes Oversubscribed $200 Million Fund III – Eyes America’s Next Great Restaurant Brands
Savory Fund has successfully closed its latest investment vehicle at over two hundred million dollars, surpassing its original fundraising goal. The private equity firm has already deployed a portion of the capital across several emerging culinary concepts. This new funding will support the company’s ongoing strategy of scaling profitable, founder-led restaurant brands.
2) Taco Cabana Unveils One of the Brand’s Biggest Menu Innovations of 2026
Taco Cabana is rolling out a new Chicken Poblano lineup featuring items like quesabirrias, double crunch pizza, and loaded elotes. These limited-time creations pack a punch with shredded chicken seasoned in poblano peppers and fresh cilantro. A sweet, citrusy lime margarita cheesecake is also tagging along to round out the feast.
3) Tahini’s Massive Social Presence Turns Fans into Franchisees
Tahini’s is leveraging its strong digital reach and viral online content to fuel accelerated franchise growth across North America. The Mediterranean fusion brand has set its sights on opening thirty new restaurant locations in both Canada and the United States. This digital-first strategy has successfully turned everyday online followers into dedicated restaurant operators.
4) Teriyaki Madness Takes Delivery Airborne with Zipline
Teriyaki Madness is teaming up with Zipline to introduce autonomous drone delivery for customer orders starting in Texas. The electric aircraft will fly meals directly to doorsteps within minutes while bypassing ground traffic. This high-tech partnership gives diners a faster way to get their favorite made-to-order bowls.
5) Starbird to Make Midwest Debut in St. Charles, Marking First of Five Planned Chicago-Area Restaurants
Starbird is making its Midwest debut with a multi-unit franchise agreement to open five new restaurants in the Chicago area. The fast-casual chain will bring its crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and handmade sauces to local diners through a partnership with Keystone Management Group. This regional expansion marks a key milestone in the brand’s ongoing growth across the country.
6) Applebee’s Brings Back Sizzlin’ Skillets, Starting at Just $12.99
Applebee’s brought back its popular Sizzlin’ Skillets lineup for a limited time alongside fresh seasonal additions like the Cheesy Chicken Skillet. The chain is also offering a Spooky Sips beverage menu featuring themed cocktails and mocktails to celebrate the autumn season. These affordable seasonal options are available for both dine-in and takeout orders.
7) J. Alexander’s Continues Arizona Growth With New Gilbert Restaurant
J. Alexander’s is expanding its presence in Arizona with plans to open a second location in Gilbert. The upscale restaurant brand will serve its signature wood-fired cuisine, hand-cut steaks, and curated wine selections in a polished setting. This new spot aims to build on the brand’s regional success by offering refined dining and private event spaces for local guests.
8) Sauce Partners with Grubhub on Direct Ordering and Delivery
Sauce and Grubhub have teamed up to introduce an end-to-end direct ordering and delivery solution for eateries. The collaboration combines Sauce’s branded ordering software with Grubhub’s extensive logistics network to help operators manage their own customer relationships. This setup lets dining establishments drive direct sales while relying on established infrastructure for last-mile fulfillment.
9) Golden Chick Reopens Golden Triangle Restaurant in Fort Worth Under Corporate Operations
Golden Chick has reopened its Fort Worth location under direct corporate management following a complete remodel. A brand-new management team is now welcoming local diners back to enjoy the chain’s signature chicken tenders and sandwiches. This refreshed neighborhood spot aims to deliver a better dining experience for customers across the area.
10) Snooze Appoints Amy Hom as Chief Operating Officer
Snooze Eatery has appointed industry veteran Amy Hom as its new chief operating officer. She brings more than twenty years of hospitality experience to the breakfast and brunch brand. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening restaurant operations, supporting field teams, and elevating the overall guest experience.
11) Robeks Launches Matcha Moments, a New Platform Bringing Bold Flavor to Matcha’s Calm, Focused Energy
Robeks is introducing a new beverage line called Matcha Moments to give customers a fresh, energizing option. The menu features three unique flavors crafted with premium Supreme Matcha, fruit purees, and ingredients like turmeric and ube. This seasonal addition aims to provide a steady energy boost while expanding the brand’s wellness offerings.
12) Chipotle Goes Big for Family Meals With the Big Ass Chipotle Bag
Chipotle is introducing a giant, limited-edition takeout bag to highlight its digital group bundle known as Family Meals. Rewards members can enter a special sweepstakes through the restaurant’s app for a chance to win the oversized item. This quirky promotion is part of a new marketing campaign celebrating the convenient group ordering option.
13) Rock N Roll Sushi Names Rick Gestring Next CEO
Rock N Roll Sushi has appointed seasoned restaurant executive Rick Gestring as its new Chief Executive Officer. He brings extensive franchise leadership experience from several major brands to guide the sushi chain into its next growth phase. In his new role, he will work closely with operators to strengthen performance and expand the brand’s footprint.
14) Applebee’s Serves up Halloween Savings With 20 Boneless Wings for $12.99
Applebee’s is offering a special Hallowings Bucket featuring twenty boneless wings for online and delivery orders. Customers can pair their wings with various tossed sauces alongside the brand’s seasonal Spooky Sips beverage menu. These festive options give diners an affordable way to celebrate the autumn holiday at home.
15) Red Robin Stacks Up the Flavor with the Introduction of the Prime Rib Stack Burger and Fan-Favorite Menu Additions
Red Robin is expanding its menu with the introduction of a new Prime Rib Stack Burger and returning fan-favorite burgers. The restaurant chain is also launching a line of bottomless refreshers that can be energized with Red Bull. These additions give guests plenty of new indulgent flavors and value options to choose from at locations nationwide.
16) Ascent Hospitality Management Culinary Leader to Bring Perkins and Huddle House Innovation to James Beard House
Scott Rodriguez from Ascent Hospitality Management is heading to the historic James Beard House to cook alongside a talented culinary team. The expert chef brings the same creative mindset used for Perkins and Huddle House menus to the prestigious multi-night dining event. This opportunity highlights the parent company’s ongoing commitment to high-quality ingredients and elevated dining across its restaurant brands.
17) Kura Sushi USA Adds Smoky, Savory Flavors with a New Kura Reserve Menu This October
Kura Sushi USA is introducing a new barbecue-inspired reserve menu at its revolving sushi bars nationwide. Guests can try seasonal smoky items like Seared Sakura Pork Bacon, Sukiyaki Beef Rolls, and Wagyu Rib Eye Cap Steak. This limited-time dining experience also features returning favorites and sweet treats for patrons to enjoy.
18) Newk’s Eatery Earns Top Spot on 2026 Franchise Times Top 400 List
Newk’s Eatery secured a spot on the Franchise Times Top 400 ranking based on systemwide sales. The fast-casual chain credits this national recognition to its dedicated franchisees and continued focus on scratch-made meals. Leadership plans to keep expanding the brand and bringing its signature dining experience to new markets.
19) Juice It Up! Enters Utah With New Herriman Location
Juice It Up! has expanded its footprint by opening its first store in Utah. Local franchise partners Aaron and Nancy Osmond brought the popular chain to the area to offer healthy bowls, smoothies, and juices. This new venture marks an important step as the company continues growing its presence across different states.
20) Farmer Boys Leans Into Big Flavor, Protein and Generous Portions With New Menu Offerings
Farmer Boys introduced a new menu featuring four protein-packed fried chicken sandwiches and a hearty breakfast scramble. The limited-time offerings focus on generous portions and bold flavors to give customers a satisfying meal any time of day. Diners can also take advantage of value-driven farmstand meal deals and add-on favorites across participating locations.