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The 50 Best Restaurants, Off The Hook. Nerd Shop, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. and Urban Bird Hot Chicken lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending October 25, 2026.
1) The 50 Best Restaurants Announces the 51-100 List for 2026
The 50 Best Restaurants organization released its extended list featuring global culinary spots ranked 51 through 100. Over 1,100 international experts voted on the lineup, which highlights dining establishments across six continents and 36 cities. This preliminary announcement sets the stage for the top 50 awards ceremony taking place in Lima, Peru.
2) Hattiesburg Gets Hooked: Off The Hook’s First Restaurant Outside Louisiana Sparks Grand Opening Crowds and Social Media Buzz
Louisiana-based Cajun brand Off The Hook expanded outside its home state by opening a new restaurant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The launch generated plenty of online excitement and social media buzz following an immersive preview dinner for local creators and influencers. Patrons can now enjoy signature Cajun favorites like seafood platters, gumbo, and po’boys at the new location.
3) Former Restaurant CMO Launches the Nerd Shop, a One-Stop Shop for All Things Restaurant Marketing
Hospitality Nerd launched the Nerd Shop to provide restaurant operators with fifty affordable, instant-download marketing tools. Created by a former industry executive, the digital platform offers practical playbooks, templates, and campaign kits designed for businesses of all sizes. This resource hub gives independent owners and multi-unit groups access to professional marketing strategies without needing a full-time executive salary.
4) Owensboro, KY Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Earns Highest Sales Volume Award at 2026 FSC Franchise Conference
Franchisees Barry and Stacy Bratcher earned top honors after their Owensboro, Kentucky, location recorded the highest sales volume across the entire Beef ‘O’ Brady’s system. Operating the restaurant for nearly two decades, the couple credits their ongoing success to an empowered management team and a deep commitment to supporting local community initiatives. Their store continues to lead the brand in overall sales performance while welcoming generations of returning families.
5) Urban Bird Hot Chicken Closes Out Q3 With New Restaurant Openings, Multi-Unit Franchise Agreements and Expanded Growth Infrastructure
Urban Bird Hot Chicken wrapped up the third quarter by expanding its corporate footprint and locking in new multi-unit franchise agreements. The fast-casual chain also invested heavily in operational infrastructure by launching management education programs and standardized opening teams. These strategic steps position the brand for continued scalable growth across multiple states.
6) Tumble 22 Hot Chicken Announces Two New Austin Locations
Tumble 22 is expanding its footprint in Austin with two new restaurant sites planned for the area. Diners at these spots can expect the brand’s signature hot chicken, cold drinks, and homemade Southern sides. This local growth highlights the popular chain’s continued success across Texas.
7) Prince St. Pizza Announces Second Toronto Location, Continuing Canadian Expansion
Prince St. Pizza is expanding its footprint in Canada by opening a second location in the Midtown neighborhood of Toronto. Led by its Toronto-born CEO, the popular slice shop will take over a historically significant dining space to serve its signature Sicilian-style squares. This latest venture continues the brand’s steady international growth while bringing a taste of New York pizza back to the chief executive’s hometown.
8) The Brass Tap Signs Franchise Agreement to Open First Delaware Location in Middletown
The Brass Tap signed a new franchise agreement to open its very first location in Delaware. The upcoming restaurant in Middletown will serve local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and chef-inspired tavern food. This expansion marks a key milestone as the brand continues growing its footprint across the country.
9) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Launches in Midland with Grand Opening and Free Layne’s for a Year
Layne’s Chicken Fingers is expanding its footprint in West Texas by opening a new restaurant in Midland. The emerging chain will serve its signature hand-breaded crispy tenders, sandwiches, and dipping sauces to local diners. This latest venture builds on an ambitious multi-unit development agreement aimed at growing the brand across the state.
10) Whataburger Blazes Into the Holidays with Four Limited-Time Favorites
Whataburger is rolling out a limited-time holiday menu featuring the spicy Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double and Bacon Blaze Chicken. Customers can also pair their meals with seasonal beverages like the Sleigh Berry Whatafresher and White Chocolate Raspberry Shake. These festive options give diners a combination of bold heat and sweet treats for the holiday season.
11) The Peach Cobbler Factory Expands to Northwest Stadium, Home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders
The Peach Cobbler Factory is expanding its footprint by bringing its Southern-style desserts to Northwest Stadium, home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders. Sports fans attending events at the venue can now enjoy a variety of treats, including signature cobblers, banana puddings, and cookies. This partnership highlights the brand’s ongoing growth strategy focused on non-traditional venues and high-traffic sports arenas.
12) Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Chipley, Florida, Earns Highest Opening Week Sales Award at 2026 FSC Franchise Conference
A Beef ‘O’ Brady’s franchise team in Chipley, Florida, received a special award for recording the highest opening week sales across the entire system. Franchisees Scott O’Brien, Salina Stevens, and Brandon Cornelius were recognized during the annual FSC Franchise Conference. This milestone follows the successful launch of their latest restaurant and highlights their strong connections throughout the Florida Panhandle.
13) Fresh Beef, Fresh Deal: Wendy’s Debuts the $7.99 Dave’s Single Combo Meal
Wendy’s introduced a new limited-time promotion offering its Dave’s Single combo meal for $7.99 at participating locations. The discounted meal features the brand’s signature fresh, never frozen hamburger paired with small fries and a drink. This special pricing gives customers a way to enjoy classic menu items while balancing quality and value.
14) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Adds Sweet and Spicy Flavor to Signature Crispy, Curly Pepperoni
Mountain Mike’s Pizza introduced a new sweet and spicy pie featuring its signature crispy, curly pepperoni layered over a garlic parmesan stuffed crust. The specialty pizza is finished with a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey to give customers an unexpected flavor combination. This limited-time menu addition aims to offer diners a bold new option for fall gatherings and game day watch parties.
15) What Will It Cost to Open a Restaurant in 2026?
Opening a new restaurant requires careful financial planning across construction, equipment, and administrative expenses. Industry guidance highlights why dining room furniture should be budgeted early rather than treated as an afterthought near the end of a project. Proper cost forecasting helps operators avoid unexpected budget shortages before welcoming guests through the doors.
16) RestaurantData Expands Restaurant Enterprise Index to 430 Companies and Introduces Restaurant Vector
RestaurantData expanded its database by adding new company profiles to the Restaurant Enterprise Index. The platform also introduced a historical tool called Restaurant Vector to track brand development records and geographic reach over time. These research updates help industry professionals analyze restaurant networks, franchise operators, and parent organizations more effectively.
17) Original ChopShop Makes West Valley Debut With New Peoria Shop
Original ChopShop is expanding its presence in Arizona by opening its very first location in Peoria. The new restaurant offers a health-conscious menu featuring customizable bowls, salads, sandwiches, juices, and protein shakes. This addition brings the brand’s popular feel-good eatery concept to the West Valley.
18) Home Run Inn Pizza Launches New Television, Integrated Marketing Campaign
Home Run Inn Pizza partnered with marketing agency quench to launch its first major television and integrated advertising campaign. The commercials highlight the brand’s Chicago heritage and its transition from a local restaurant to a nationally distributed frozen pizza favorite. This promotional push aims to drive consumer awareness and expand retail demand for its signature tavern-style pizzas.
19) Broken Yolk Cafe Names Bodine Berger Director of Franchise Development
Broken Yolk Cafe appointed Bodine Berger as its new Director of Franchise Development to help accelerate the brand’s national expansion. Berger brings extensive industry experience from previous leadership roles with major restaurant chains. This leadership addition supports the breakfast and brunch concept’s ongoing efforts to grow its footprint across new markets.
20) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Brings the Crunch to Henrico with Grand Opening and Free Layne’s for a Year
Layne’s Chicken Fingers is expanding its presence in Virginia by opening a new restaurant in Henrico. The menu features the brand’s signature hand-breaded crispy chicken tenders, Texas toast sandwiches, and various dipping sauces. This latest location marks the brand’s second restaurant in the Richmond area as part of its ongoing statewide growth.