The Peach Cobbler Factory, Paris Baguette, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, RIM Recruitment Professionals, and Applebee’s lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending May 17, 2026.
1) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Massive Expansion in Texas With New Location in Round Rock
The Peach Cobbler Factory continues its rapid Texas expansion with a new location in Round Rock, bringing its signature Southern-inspired cobblers and premium banana puddings to the local community. This new dessert destination offers a diverse menu featuring cinnamon rolls, churro stix, and milkshakes available for dine-in, delivery, and late-night cravings.
2) Paris Baguette Brings Korean-Inspired Bakery Experience to Houston Heights
Paris Baguette brings its unique blend of French-inspired artisan baking and Korean flavors to Houston Heights with the opening of its newest neighborhood bakery café. This community-driven destination offers a sophisticated selection of handcrafted pastries, signature cakes, and specialty coffees designed to provide an everyday escape for local guests.
3) Layne’s Chicken Fingers Brings the Crunch to Little Rock with Grand Opening and Free Layne’s for a Year
Layne’s Chicken Fingers brings its legendary Texas-born flavors to Little Rock, offering a menu centered on crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders and “soon-to-be-famous” secret sauces. This new Chenal area destination serves up a variety of hearty options, including classic finger platters, grilled chicken sandwiches, and thick Texas toast.
4) Steven Dubrinsky Joins RIM Recruitment Professionals Following More Than 11 Years with Goodwin Recruiting
RIM Recruitment Professionals has expanded its executive search team by appointing industry veteran Steven Dubrinsky as Managing Director. In this new role, Dubrinsky will leverage over three decades of hospitality and talent acquisition experience to lead the company’s dedicated division focused on senior-level placements within the restaurant sector.
5) Applebee’s Brings Back All You Can Eat with Boneless Wings, Riblets & Double Crunch Shrimp for Only $15.99
Applebee’s brings back its popular all-you-can-eat deal for a limited time this summer, featuring unlimited boneless wings, riblets, and double crunch shrimp served with endless fries for $15.99. Guests can also cool off with two new seasonal Poolio with Don Julio margaritas or the refreshing $6 Long Beach Tea at participating neighborhood locations nationwide.
6) Logan’s Roadhouse Launches Steak ‘N Sides and Roadies Lunch Specials, Both Starting at $9.99
Logan’s Roadhouse introduces new daily value meals featuring mesquite wood-grilled steak tips paired with two sides and signature bottomless yeast rolls. Guests can also enjoy various handheld Roadies served on the brand’s famous rolls every day between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
7) Taco Bell Serves up a Cantina Chicken Twist on Its Iconic Mexican Pizza
Taco Bell introduces a vibrant twist on a fan-favorite featuring slow-roasted chicken, black beans, and shredded purple cabbage topped with fresh pico de gallo. This limited-time offering arrives alongside the new sweet and spicy Jalapeño Citrus Salsa to provide a bold layer of flavor starting May 21.
8) The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Opens First Illinois Location in Bolingbrook
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has launched its first Illinois location in Bolingbrook, offering a menu rooted in authentic family recipes made fresh in-house. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of customizable rice bowls, feta fries, and lamb chops, along with unique desserts like baklava ice cream.
9) TGI Fridays Brings Fans Together with Fridays United for Soccer’s Biggest Moment
TGI Fridays launches the Fridays United experience featuring shared Matchday Platters and new Korean Rib Bites alongside limited-time Casamigos margaritas. These soccer-themed menu additions and exclusive beverage pairings are available at participating locations nationwide now through August 31.
10) Mo’ Bettahs Expands in Arizona With New Downtown Phoenix Restaurant Opening
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is expanding its presence in Arizona with the opening of its second state location in downtown Phoenix. Situated in the CityScape development, this fast-casual restaurant will serve traditional Hawaiian plate lunches featuring island favorites like grilled teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, and signature macaroni salad.
11) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Expands in Nevada With Carson City Location
Mountain Mike’s Pizza continues its Nevada expansion with a new family-friendly location in Carson City, featuring its legendary crispy, curly pepperoni and massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas. This community-focused destination offers a complete dining experience with an all-you-can-eat salad bar, arcade area, and multiple big-screen televisions for sports fans.
12) The Ultimate Summer Comfort: Kura Sushi USA Launches Tonkotsu Mazemen Packed with Umami Flavor on the Express Lane
Kura Sushi introduces the Tonkotsu Mazemen, a savory brothless ramen featuring braised chashu pork, crispy chicken, and a soft-boiled ajitama egg tossed in a signature tonkotsu sauce. This umami-rich seasonal dish is available at participating locations nationwide now through July 31, 2026.
13) Nick the Greek Expands California Presence With Fairfield Opening
Nick the Greek has expanded its Northern California footprint with a new location in Fairfield, marking the brand’s third restaurant in Solano County as it approaches 100 locations systemwide. This fast-casual destination brings a flavorful street-food-inspired menu to the community, featuring vertical rotisserie gyro meats, charbroiled souvlaki skewers, and traditional desserts like baklava.
14) Local Wholesale Veteran to Open First Paris Baguette in the Richmond Area in 3-Unit Deal
Paris Baguette is expanding its presence in Virginia with a new three-unit deal that brings its neighborhood bakery café concept to the Richmond area. This expansion offers the community access to a sophisticated selection of artisan breads, signature cakes, and expertly crafted pastries alongside a premium coffee program.
15) Beyond Juicery + Eatery Brings Fresh Smoothies and Feel-Good Eats to East Cobb
Beyond Juicery + Eatery expands its Georgia footprint with a new East Cobb location featuring a wellness-focused menu of smoothies, wraps, and salad bowls. The fast-casual shop offers seasonal limited-time items like the Broccoli Chicken Caesar Wrap alongside refreshing dragon fruit and mango beverages.
16) Restaurant Marketing Ideas for June
June offers restaurant operators a wealth of marketing ideas and promotional opportunities designed to drive traffic and boost summer sales. Businesses can capitalize on major seasonal themes, including Father’s Day, graduation celebrations, and warm-weather events, to create engaging promotions that attract guests.
17) Universal Joint Celebrates National Burger Day with Free Smash Burgers for the Second Straight Year
Universal Joint celebrates National Burger Day on May 28 by offering loyalty members a complimentary smash burger topped with bacon and Million Island dressing. This exclusive one-day promotion is available at all participating locations across the Southeast, as well as at sister concept Brake Pad.
18) Ono Hawaiian BBQ Opens New South LA Location with Grand Opening Celebration
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is expanding its presence in Southern California with a new restaurant opening in South Los Angeles. This new location features a drive-thru and will serve the brand’s signature plate lunches, including Hawaiian BBQ chicken, chicken katsu, and kalua pork, alongside fresh salads and side dishes.
19) Sauce Launches AI-Powered Cashback Loyalty, Driving Up to 30% Increase in Reorders Within Weeks
Sauce AI has launched a new cashback loyalty program designed to maximize guest lifetime value and drive repeat business for restaurant operators. Early data reveals the platform successfully drives a 30 percent increase in customer reorders by leveraging automated, personalized rewards that incentivize guests to return.
20) la Madeleine Introduces Chicken Caesar Salade Stuffed Croissant Inspired by Viral Food Trend
la Madeleine has debuted a limited-time Chicken Caesar Salade Stuffed Croissant, which combines fresh romaine, parmesan, and roasted chicken inside a signature flaky butter croissant. This trend-inspired dish can be paired with a cup of creamy Tomato Basil Soupe for dipping at cafés nationwide.