Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar, Jollibee, Paris Baguette, Rodizio Grill, and Teriyaki Madness lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending November 2, 2025.
1) Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar Expands Southwest Footprint with Four New Store Openings
Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar is finishing 2025 strong with four new locations opening in Texas and Arizona, bringing fresh poke, boba, and Dole Soft Serve to your neighborhood.
2) Peter Wright Joins Jollibee as Vice President of Franchising to Lead U.S. Expansion
Jollibee is serious about bringing their cult-favorite fried chicken and spaghetti to the whole country, hiring franchising heavyweight Peter Wright (formerly of Starbucks and Panera) to lead a massive U.S. expansion.
3) Paris Baguette to Open New Bakery & Café in Webster, Texas
Paris Baguette is opening its newest bakery and café in Webster, Texas, bringing incredible pain au chocolat and artisan coffee to the Houston area this November.
4) America’s First Brazilian Steakhouse, Rodizio Grill, Welcoming New Franchise Owners Nationwide
Rodizio Grill, the original Brazilian Steakhouse in the U.S., is ramping up its national expansion! They are actively looking for passionate franchise partners to bring their award-winning concept, tableside carved meats, and lively atmosphere to new cities across the country. Learn how to open your own Rodizio Grill today!
5) Teriyaki Madness Celebrates 20 Years of Franchising With a Record-Smashing Quarter
Teriyaki Madness is celebrating 20 years of franchising with a record-setting quarter, welcoming nine new franchisee groups and accelerating expansion toward 200 shops nationwide.
6) SPB Hospitality Promotes Ryan Russell to Chief of Staff
Leading restaurant operator SPB Hospitality just named veteran communicator Ryan Russell as its new Chief of Staff, putting a proven leader in place to elevate culture and the overall dining experience.
7) Houston TX Hot Chicken Adds Firepower To Franchise Team With New Director
Houston TX Hot Chicken is heating up its national expansion plans by hiring franchise veteran Andie Smirl to bring the world’s hottest chicken to new markets.
8) Applebee’s Honors Veterans & Active Duty Military With Free Meals on Veterans Day
Here’s a delicious way to say thank you! On Veterans Day (November 11th), Applebee’s is offering all veterans and active military a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive menu featuring the Fiesta Lime Chicken and Double Crunch Shrimp. Plus, get a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit!
9) Logan’s Roadhouse Brings Back Prime Rib and Fall Favorites for the Holidays
Cozy up with comfort food! Logan’s Roadhouse just launched its fall lineup, featuring the highly anticipated return of Prime Rib Weekends (available Friday-Sunday!). Plus, try new limited-time dishes like Braised Pork Shank and Grilled Bacon On A Stick. Order a Roadhouse Feast for stress-free holiday catering.
10) Baja Fresh Puts Flavor-Packed Twist on Classic Mexican Favorite
Baja Fresh has completely reinvented the classic dish with the all-new Stacked Enchiladas! Choose chicken, shrimp, or steak, and enjoy the flavorful layers for a limited time. Plus, their popular, warm Tortilla Soup is back just in time for the cool weather.
11) Boba Franchise Expands to Dallas-Fort Worth – Boba CuCue Delights Fans with New Location
Get ready, DFW! Boba CuCue, the fun-filled boba game café known for its cute gelato, delicious Matcha, and “Disneyland-style” experience, is expanding its magic to Dallas-Fort Worth.
12) Bob Evans Honors Veterans with Complimentary Farm-Fresh Meal for Veterans Day 2025
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can choose one of 10 complimentary, farm-fresh entrées from Bob Evans on Veterans Day 2025 to thank them for their dedicated service.
13) Golden Corral Marks 25 Years of Military Appreciation Night to Honor America’s Heroes
Golden Corral will celebrate its 25th Annual Military Appreciation Night on Veterans Day, November 11th, offering a complimentary dinner buffet and beverage to all military service members.
14) Bobby’s Burgers Announces Canadian Expansion with Strategic Real Estate Partnership
World-renowned Chef Bobby Flay is bringing his premium Bobby’s Burgers concept to Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary with a major new real estate partnership.
15) Nugsgiving Returns with Dank Upgrade
Forget that boring “holiday” and celebrate Cheba Hut’s Nugsgiving on Nov. 18th, where every homie gets a free nug sandwich or Pretzel Nugs to tame the munchies!
16) Lula Commerce Raises $8 Million Series A to Power the Next Generation of Digital Retail
Lula Commerce just raised an $8 million Series A to bring AI-powered online ordering and quick delivery to convenience stores across the country.
17) Taco Bell Champions the Team Members Powering Its Future
Taco Bell knows that great food requires great people! The company is investing in its 250,000+ Team Members by expanding its Tacos and Tuition benefit to franchise employees, offering free degrees and courses. Learn how their focus on people and career growth is fueling Taco Bell’s next phase of success.
18) Someburros Inks Three New Arizona Restaurant Locations
Someburros is massively expanding its Sonoran-style Mexican food footprint with the help of Western Retail Advisors, adding three new locations in Maricopa, Surprise, and Peoria.
19) FUSIAN Serves Up Limited-Time Coconut Curry in Bowls and Rolls
Warm up your autumn appetite! FUSIAN is serving up a limited-time, house-made Coconut Curry that you can enjoy as a comforting bowl or even mixed right into a sushi roll.
20) Perkins American Food Co. Settles the Great Turkey Debate
Perkins is solving all your holiday food cravings with new seasonal offerings like the Turkey Gobbler Sandwich, the Monte Cristo Pancake Flip, and the return of the classic Holiday Turkey Dinner.