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Veterans Day Free Meals & Deals, The Peach Cobbler Factory, The Top 100 Restaurants in America, and Krispy Kreme lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending November 8, 2026.
1) Veterans Day Free Meals & Deals 2026
Numerous restaurant chains nationwide are preparing special promotions, complimentary meals, and discounts to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel. Participating food brands are offering everything from free burgers and breakfast platters to specialty entrées and discounted holiday meals with valid proof of service. These annual appreciation events give local businesses a chance to thank service members for their dedication and sacrifice.
2) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Massive Texas Expansion With New Cy-Fair/Houston Location
The Peach Cobbler Factory is expanding its regional footprint by opening a new dessert shop in the Houston area. Led by local franchisee Tiffanie Johnson, the upcoming location will serve the brand’s signature Southern-inspired cobblers, banana puddings, cookies, and freshly baked Bundt cakes. This latest rollout further strengthens the growing dessert concept’s ongoing development across the state of Texas.
3) The Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2026
OpenTable released its annual compilation of top dining destinations, highlighting standout culinary spots across twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. The rankings reflect data from over eleven million verified diner reviews alongside key reservation metrics to showcase both neighborhood favorites and Michelin-starred establishments. California captured the largest overall representation, while major metropolitan centers like New York City, Chicago, and Denver continued to demonstrate strong regional presence.
4) Glaze the Halls! Krispy Kreme Unwraps Three NEW Holiday Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme is ringing in the festive season with the release of its new Holiday Seasonal Collection. The limited-time lineup features three fresh doughnut creations inspired by hot cocoa, sugar cookies, and caramel toffee cheesecake. To complete the seasonal treat menu, the brand is also bringing back its popular Sugar Cookie Latte in both hot and iced options.
5) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues National Expansion With New Indianapolis, Indiana Location
The Peach Cobbler Factory is continuing its national footprint growth by bringing a brand new dessert spot to Indianapolis, Indiana. Owned and operated by local franchisee Cristian Ruvalcaba, the location will feature an extensive sweet treat menu that includes cinnamon rolls, milkshakes, and the brand’s newly launched Bundt cake lineup. This store launch represents another key step forward in the company’s rapid multi-state franchise development strategy.
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6) Asador Etxebarri Is Named No.1 in the List of The 50 Best Restaurants 2026
Asador Etxebarri has earned the top global spot on the prestigious annual dining ranking during an international awards ceremony. The renowned culinary event brought together top industry leaders to honor exceptional talent spanning multiple continents and territories. This year’s comprehensive list highlighted a diverse mix of newly recognized establishments alongside celebrated international dining destinations.
7) Lola Beans Secures First Texas Lease in Waxahachie, Marking Major Milestone in 120-Unit Expansion
Lola Beans is advancing its statewide expansion plans by securing its first commercial real estate lease in Texas. Franchise partners Kirk and Coleen Jeter finalized the site to kick off their massive 120-unit development agreement across the region. This milestone supports the brand’s broader strategy to scale its drive-thru beverage concept into new markets.
8) Mo’ Bettahs Fires Up the Grill in Kuna
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is expanding its regional presence by opening a new restaurant in Kuna, Idaho. This latest addition marks the brand’s tenth location within the state as it continues sharing island-style plate lunches with local communities. Guests can look forward to traditional menu favorites featuring grilled meats, rice, and classic macaroni salad.
9) PJ’s Coffee Brews Up New Flavors For The Holidays
PJ’s Coffee is celebrating the winter season by introducing a festive holiday drink lineup across all nationwide locations. The seasonal menu features the new Santa’s Sugar Cookie Latte alongside a sparkling pomegranate energy beverage topped with cold foam. Customers can also enjoy the return of fan-favorite peppermint bark coffee drinks for a limited time.
10) Cheba Hut Rolls Deeper Into Oklahoma With Eight-Unit Development Deal
Cheba Hut has signed a new multi-unit agreement with franchise group WGT Concepts LLC to expand its presence across Oklahoma. The development plan will bring eight new counter-culture sandwich locations to the Oklahoma City and Tulsa markets over the coming years. This regional growth follows strong customer reception at the brand’s earlier shops in the state.
11) Pizza Bruno Passes The Torch To Pacchioni’s In College Park
The popular food truck concept Pacchioni’s is transitioning into its first permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant space in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood. Taking over a familiar local spot, the new venue will continue serving its inventive, worldly variations of classic cheesesteaks alongside an entirely new pizza menu. The team behind the project aims to blend familiar comfort food with fresh international flavor combinations for the community.
12) Anil Yadav Named QSR Magazine’s 2026 Franchisee of the Year
Yadav Enterprises chief executive Anil Yadav has earned recognition as the industry franchisee of the year through a prominent publication honor. The seasoned operator built his career path from starting out as a restaurant team member to managing extensive multi-brand portfolios across the country. His leadership approach highlights firsthand operational experience and collaborative partnerships with well-known national dining brands.
13) Nick the Greek and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Launch Epic Limited-Time Collaboration Ahead of the Series’ Nov. 20 Premiere on Disney+ and Hulu
Nick the Greek has teamed up with the streaming platform to introduce a special themed menu item in anticipation of a popular fantasy series return. The partnership features a custom Titan Meal designed to engage fans and television viewers across participating restaurant locations. Customers can also participate in promotional sweepstakes offering various prizes and menu discounts throughout the campaign window.
14) Orange Leaf and Doozie’s Doghouse Unleash a Swirl Made for Pup Lovers
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is teaming up with a new animated streaming series to introduce a themed flavor combination for customers. The special sweet treat pairs birthday cake and orange frozen yogurt with bone-shaped sugar sprinkles for a playful flavor twist. Participating locations will also feature family-friendly activities like photo standees and coloring sheets to celebrate the seasonal partnership.
15) Starbird Appoints Restaurant Industry Veteran John Phillips as Chief Development Officer
Starbird has brought on seasoned restaurant industry executive John Phillips to serve as its new chief development officer. Bringing nearly three decades of operational and franchise growth experience, Phillips will oversee the brand’s market planning and real estate strategy. This leadership addition aims to accelerate the company’s ongoing expansion initiatives across new and existing markets.
16) Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Climbs 11 Spots to No. 297 on 2026 Franchise Times Top 400 List
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe has climbed eleven positions on the annual Franchise Times Top 400 ranking to secure the number 297 spot. The morning dining concept continues to expand its footprint across multiple states while strengthening its national standing. This upward movement reflects the brand’s ongoing development momentum and growing market presence within the restaurant sector.
17) Krystal Brings Back Fan-Favorite Country Fried Krystal with $5.99 Holiday Meal Deal
Krystal is bringing back its popular seasonal menu items alongside a budget-friendly combination meal for customers. The returning Country Fried Krystal pairs a crispy patty with savory sausage gravy, available as part of an affordable promotional deal. The holiday rollout also features specialty breakfast plates, seasonal milkshakes, and the return of the brand’s signature steamer box.
18) Veteran Restaurant Executive Kendall Ware Releases New Book on Building Stronger, More Successful Brands
Veteran restaurant executive Kendall Ware is sharing insights from decades of industry experience in a new publication. The book explores sustainable growth strategies and highlights the foundational relationships between brand leaders and network operators. Through this release, the seasoned C-suite leader aims to help developing concepts build stronger operational systems.
19) Golden Chick Serves Up Holiday Value with $6 Golden Deals and $14.99 Chicken Bundles
Golden Chick is rolling out seasonal menu specials to help customers save money during the busy winter holiday season. The promotion features affordable meal choices including six-dollar golden deals and multi-person chicken bundles. Additionally, the brand is bringing back its annual charitable fundraising campaign to support schools and teachers in local communities.
20) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Expands Presence on San Francisco Peninsula With Daly City Opening
Mountain Mike’s Pizza is expanding its footprint across the San Francisco Peninsula by opening a second restaurant in Daly City. The new family-friendly dining space is managed by experienced multi-unit franchise operators who already run other successful regional locations. Diners can enjoy the brand’s signature menu offerings alongside sports viewing and arcade games in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.