The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Bonrue Bakery, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, and Ascent Hospitality lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending June 8, 2025.
1) The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Announces the 51-100 List for 2025
The extended 51–100 list features restaurants across six continents and is compiled from the votes of 1,120 independent culinary experts including acclaimed chefs, seasoned food writers and travelling gastronomes.
2) Savory Fund Acquires Bonrue Bakery – A Modern Patisserie Blending Culinary Mastery With Scalable Speed
Known for its Michelin-trained team and rapid, high-volume service, Bonrue is set to scale with the backing of Savory, which brings deep bakery roots and multi-unit expertise.
3) Dave’s Hot Chicken Entering Next Phase of Growth & Innovation with Roark
From a parking lot in 2017, to a global sensation which expects to end the year with more than 400 restaurants across the globe; Dave’s Hot Chicken has chosen an investment from Roark, entering its next phase of growth and innovation.
4) Dickey’s Barbecue Puts Franchisee Success in the Spotlight: Addressing Industry Challenges and Highlighting Opportunities
Amidst macroeconomic pressures, geopolitical instability, and shifting consumer spending, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit acknowledges the complexities of the current restaurant franchise landscape and outlines strategies for continued success.
5) Ascent Hospitality Management, Franchisor for Perkins and Huddle House Restaurants, Closes Fiscal Year 2025 with Record-Breaking Achievements
Franchise development reaches new heights with over 100 new agreements signed, led by multiple landmark multi-unit deals.
6) Chop Steakhouse & Bar Opens First U.S. Location, Bringing Elevated Culinary Craftsmanship to Coconut Grove
Set in the heart of one of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods, Chop offers a modern take on the classic steakhouse – delivering top-tier steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, standout offerings for brunch and happy hour and a social atmosphere with that unmistakable South Floridian flair.
7) Hooters Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC Continue to Make Progress with Historic Transaction with Hooters of America
Upon closing of the transaction, the Buyer Group anticipates operating approximately 130 Hooters restaurants, or approximately 65% of the domestic Hooters locations.
8) Angry Chickz Ignites the Heat in Elk Grove with Launch of First Location
This debut marks Angry Chickz’s first location in Elk Grove, its 27th in California and 30th system wide, further cementing the brand’s rapid expansion across the West Coast.
9) Mike’s Hot Honey and The Greene Turtle Team Up for the Ultimate Hot Honey Summer
The Greene Turtle is kicking off summer with a “swicy” flavor collaboration, launching three limited-time menu items in partnership with Mike’s Hot Honey, the cult-favorite condiment known for its signature blend of sweetness and heat.
10) Party Fowl Donelson Hosts Inaugural “Paws & Pour” Patio Paw-ty On Saturday, June 21
On Saturday, June 21, the Donelson location of Nashville’s favorite hot chicken and boozy slushie destination will host its first-ever “Paws & Pour: Patio Paw-ty,” a free, pet-friendly event presented in partnership with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Red Bull.
11) Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ Launches New Location in New Philadelphia, OH Walmart
Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ is making significant strides in expanding its presence across the United States with select sites inside Walmart stores.
12) SUPER CHIX Opens Its 6th Location in Georgia
Residents and businesses in the surrounding community, as well as travelers, have a new great choice for a fresh, superior-quality fast-casual lunch with healthy options, and dinner guests will discover a new quality eatery they can enjoy with family and friends.
13) Logan’s Roadhouse Fires Up the Flavor with New Backyard BBQ Menu
Just in time for the season of cookouts, Logan’s Roadhouse is turning up the flavor with its new Backyard BBQ menu – a limited-time lineup of smoky, summer-inspired dishes, refreshing cocktails and fan-favorite desserts, available at participating locations nationwide.
14) Dog Haus Teams Up with Food Creator Josh Elkin to Drop Island-Inspired Aloha Soopah Slider
Available nationwide June 10 through July 21, the Aloha Soopah Slider – is a mashup of sweet, spicy, salty and savory into one craveable handheld: fried spam, tater tots, scrambled egg, white American cheese, furikake, chili crunch and maple sriracha, all tucked inside grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls.
15) Handel’s Roars Into Summer with New Frosted Animal Cookie Ice Cream
Handel’s newest flavor is a playful twist on a classic treat that’s sure to spark childhood memories, featuring a cake flavored ice cream base with a vanilla frosting ripple and frosted animal cookies mixed in.
16) Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Turns up the Flavor With Taste the Music Giveaway
Promotion invites Lee’s customers to turn up the flavor and volume by entering for a chance to win one of eight concert experiences this August at the Rose Music Center.
17) Milky Moo’s Creamery in Enterprise, Alabama Is Voted “Best Ice Cream” From Guide to Alabama
Founded in 2005 in the heart of downtown Enterprise, Milky Moo’s has been whipping up smiles and scoops for 20 sweet years.
18) Houston TX Hot Chicken Turns Up the Heat with Ohio Debut
With the backing of Savory Fund, HHC is positioned for even greater expansion in 2025 and beyond. The brand’s Buckeye State debut represents a powerful new chapter in HHC’s journey to redefine hot chicken.
19) Hot Head Burritos Expands in Indiana with New Bluffton Restaurant
This opening kicks off a series of launches on the horizon as Hot Head Burritos expands into high-traffic, strategic markets across the U.S., positioning the brand for accelerated growth nationwide.
20) Roy Rogers Restaurants Announces New Chicken Tender Sliders and Summer Sips for Limited Time
Guests can also pair sliders with one of Roy Rogers new refreshing beverages – Cold Brew or Roy’s Handcrafted Strawberry Lemonade – or make it a combo with one Roy Rogers’ sides and soft drink.