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Taco Bell, Birdcall, Papa Murphy’s, Cracker Barrel, and Happy Joe’s lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending August 23, 2026.
1) Taco Bell Brings the 2016 Vibes Back to Fans Nationwide With Decades #TBTB Menu
Taco Bell is reviving mid-2010s nostalgia by bringing back four fan-favorite menu items as part of its Decades #TBTB lineup. Customers can revisit classic offerings like the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Meximelt, Beefy Crunch Burrito, and Caramel Apple Empanada alongside themed lifestyle collaborations.
2) Birdcall Opens First Franchise Location in Starkville, Mississippi
Birdcall has marked a major company milestone by launching its first-ever franchise-operated restaurant in Starkville, Mississippi, situated adjacent to the historic State Theatre. Owned and operated by brothers Mark and Greg Hayden, the 3,500-square-foot location features the brand’s signature all-natural chicken menu, self-serve technology, and community-focused dining model.
3) Papa Murphy’s Answers Guest Demand, Bringing Back Beloved Chunky Italian Sausage with All-New Grandma’s Pizza
Papa Murphy’s has permanently brought back its fan-favorite Chunky Italian Sausage, featuring it on the brand’s all-new, limited-time Grandma’s Pizza. As the chain’s largest offering to date, the rustic rectangular pie features a crispy crust, dual sauces, and rich cheese blend to give customers a satisfying bake-at-home option.
4) Cracker Barrel Welcomes Fall with New Crispy Homestyle Chicken Deals, Seasonal Favorites and Free Kids Toy Promotion
Cracker Barrel is ushering in autumn with a value-focused seasonal lineup featuring Crispy Homestyle Chicken meals starting at $9.99 alongside sweet caramel apple breakfast options. To make dining out even easier for busy families, the chain is also offering a free collectible toy with qualifying adult entrée and kid’s meal purchases.
5) Happy Joe’s Brings the Party to Mendota Heights
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is expanding its footprint in Minnesota with a new family-centric location in Mendota Heights, owned and operated by area developer Brian Smith. Marking the brand’s 47th store overall, this launch serves as the first of six planned locations that Smith’s company will develop or subfranchise across the state.
6) What Restaurant Owners Need To Know When Buying Restaurant Booths With Low Linear-Foot Pricing – and When It Feels Like a Bait and Switch
Modern Line Furniture highlights how low per-linear-foot pricing models can mislead restaurant owners into expecting full-unit prices for commercial booth seating. To avoid unexpected costs and potential bait-and-switch tactics, buyers should evaluate complete furniture unit costs alongside specific dimensions, upholstery, and finishing options before making comparisons.
7) Why Rusty Taco Continues to Win Guests by Staying True to Authentic Street-Style Tacos
Rusty Taco continues its national footprint expansion by staying committed to simple, authentic street-style tacos made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. By combining made-to-order menu offerings with a warm neighborhood gathering atmosphere, the fast-casual concept bridges the gap between quick service and genuine hospitality.
8) Erbert & Gerbert’s Names Restaurant Industry Veteran Randy Ashbrook Chief Operating Officer
Erbert & Gerbert’s has appointed restaurant industry veteran Randy Ashbrook as its new Chief Operating Officer to help guide operational strategy and growth. Bringing over forty years of leadership experience across prominent brands like McDonald’s, Arby’s, and Taco John’s, Ashbrook will focus on enhancing franchise support and unit-level profitability.
9) Dog Haus Doubles Down on Brand Growth With Marketing Powerhouse Team to Lead Next Era of Expansion
Dog Haus has reinforced its executive leadership structure by appointing James Field as Chief Marketing Officer and promoting CJ Ramirez to Chief Experience Officer. Supported by an expanded team of marketing and creative executives, the leadership moves aim to accelerate national brand expansion, elevate digital ordering channels, and drive franchisee profitability.
10) Paris Baguette Expands Their Growing Footprint with a New Café Opening in Hilliard, Ohio
Paris Baguette has expanded its Ohio presence with a new bakery cafe in the Hilliard and Dublin community, marking the brand’s seventh location in the state. Operated by father-daughter franchisee duo Ravi and Svanika Allipuram, the local store serves artisan pastries, fresh breads, layered cakes, and handcrafted coffee beverages.
11) Denny’s Expands Into Catering with New National Platform
Denny’s has introduced its first nationwide catering platform in partnership with workplace food tech provider ezCater to create a new sales channel for franchise operators. Rolling out to hundreds of locations, the program offers specialized group packages and individually boxed meals accessible through ezCater and the brand’s main website.
12) Perkins Serves Up Pumpkin Favorites and More Value This Fall with Burger, Fries and Pie Starting at $10.99
Perkins American Food Co. has unveiled a seasonal fall lineup featuring returning pumpkin bakery favorites alongside a new $10.99 meal deal that includes a choice of burger, fries, and a pie slice. The limited-time menu combines sweet autumn treats like pumpkin pie and pancakes with value-focused comfort food designed to deliver full meals at an approachable price.
13) Pumpkin Season Arrives Early: Panera Drops New Fall Bakery and Beverage Lineup
Panera Bread has launched an early fall bakery and beverage lineup centered around the return of its signature Pumpkin Spice Latte. The seasonal menu update introduces comforting autumn-inspired baked goods alongside warm and iced barista drinks available across bakery-cafes nationwide.
14) Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Welcomes Coca-Cola as New Beverage Partner Across All Locations
Bad Daddy’s has transitioned to Coca-Cola as its new beverage partner across all restaurant locations to complement its scratch-kitchen menu. Guests can now pair iconic fountain sodas and bar mixers alongside the brand’s gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hand-spun shakes.
15) Endless Shrimp Returns To Red Lobster for a Limited Time Starting August 17
Red Lobster has brought back its fan-favorite Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide. Guests can customize their dining experience by mixing and matching unlimited choices from a lineup of signature shrimp dishes.
16) City Barbeque Fires Up its Smokers in Smyrna, TN
City Barbeque has expanded its footprint in Tennessee with a new restaurant in Smyrna, offering authentic slow-smoked meats and scratch-made sides. Featuring a dedicated drive-thru and spacious indoor seating, the location serves up crowd-pleasing favorites including award-winning brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis–cut ribs.
17) Subway Turns Up the Heat with New Doritos Hot Honey Nachos
Subway has introduced Doritos Hot Honey Nachos alongside an expanded line of hot honey-infused menu items as part of its limited-time “Swicy” collection. The new crunch-centric snack pairs warm Doritos chips with melted cheese and a sweet-and-spicy hot honey drizzle available at participating locations nationwide.
18) Nick the Greek Expands West Los Angeles Footprint
Nick the Greek has expanded its Southern California footprint with a new location in West Los Angeles, bringing its signature authentic authentic street food to the local community. The new store serves traditional Mediterranean favorites including spit-house roasted gyros, souvlakia, and fresh Greek salads.
19) Denny’s Hits it Out of the Park with All-New Triple Play Combo Meals
Denny’s has introduced a new Triple Play Combo Meals platform starting at $9.99, allowing guests to build a complete three-course meal by selecting a drink, starter, and entrée. Alongside customizable favorites, the menu expansion debuts the new Diner QP burger line, featuring an all-beef patty served on a brioche bun with wavy-cut fries.
20) MENU TIGER Launches POS System for Restaurant Order and Operations Management
MENU TIGER has introduced Menu Tiger POS, a cloud-based point-of-sale system that consolidates dine-in, takeaway, and online order management into a single platform. Integrating directly with the company’s existing QR ordering tools, the solution lets food-service operators manage payments, inventory, staff, and sales reporting across single or multi-unit locations.
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