Category: Growth

De Babel is opening its second Scottsdale location at The Edge, introducing a distinctive format that brings together made-to-order Middle Eastern food, elevated hospitality and a carefully curated market of essential Middle Eastern products. Located at 8980 N. 90th St., Suite 124, the new restaurant preserves the familiar flavors, quality and consistency established at De […]

Maepole, the Athens-born fast-casual restaurant putting a fresh, modern spin on Southern comfort food, will open its first standalone restaurant with a drive-thru pickup lane in Cumming later this year, marking a major step in the Georgia brand’s plans for regional growth. Maepole’s expansion is backed by Tony Townley, co-founder of Zaxby’s and a principal […]

Mike’s Red Tacos, the celebrated San Diego-born beef Birria brand named as a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), has signed a 15-unit agreement with Michael Khalil to bring its signature drip to the Great Lakes State.  The agreement, spearheaded by experienced restaurant owner and operator Michael Khalil, is expected to bring Mike’s Red Tacos’ signature birria […]

Birdcall—the Colorado-born franchise known for its naturally superior chicken, award-winning sandwiches, and elevated guest experience—has officially opened its first-ever franchise location in Starkville, Mississippi, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing national expansion. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant is located adjacent to the city’s historic State Theatre, bringing new life to one of Starkville’s most iconic […]

Mike’s Red Tacos, the celebrated San Diego-born beef Birria brand named a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), has bolstered its executive team, bringing veteran business leaders onboard to lead the brand’s growth.  Founder Mike Touma, who grew the brand from a San Diego food truck into two brick-and-mortar restaurants before the launch of its […]

Whit’s Frozen Custard is officially open in Lexington, bringing its fresh-made frozen custard and welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere to The Shoppes at White Knoll at 1788 South Lake Drive, Suite 170. To celebrate the new Lexington business, the Lexington Chamber of Commerce will conduct an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store on Wednesday, September 16, at […]

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a new addition to its board of directors, Sabir Sami, effective immediately. Sabir Sami brings more than 30 years of global consumer and restaurant industry experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands Inc., where he held a series of senior leadership roles across KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. […]

A taste of Paris is now a short drive from downtown Cary. Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café has opened its first North Carolina location at 1 Fenton Main St., Suite 190, bringing sweet and savory crêpes, French-inspired interiors and an all-day breakfast menu to the Triangle while also providing an everyday Parisian escape. The crêperie […]

Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is bringing more Aloha to Oklahoma with a new restaurant opening Sept. 18 at 14020 N. Rockwell Ave. in northern Oklahoma City. Located in the Quail Springs area near the Memorial Road corridor and Edmond border, the new restaurant will serve guests across northern Oklahoma City and surrounding communities. Founded […]

Blaze Pizza is celebrating its birthday the best way it knows how: with pizza. On Tuesday, September 15, Blaze Rewards members can enjoy one 11-inch, 2 Top Pizza for just $6.85 at participating locations when ordering through the Blaze Pizza App or blazepizza.com and using promo code BLAZEBDAY. To redeem the one-day digital deal, guests must be logged […]

Yum! Brands announced the completion of the sale of Pizza Hut, excluding Mainland China (“Pizza Hut Ex-China”), to LongRange Capital (“LongRange”) for approximately $1.5 billion, subject to certain adjustments, with the opportunity for Yum! to receive an additional earn-out of $75 million by 2030 based on future performance. Together with the previously announced sale of […]

Kona Ice, the nation’s largest mobile food franchise, is embracing the fall season with the launch of two new, exclusive flavors: Cherry Cola Craze and Raspberry White Chocolate. Available from September through November, these seasonal offerings provide customers with the ultimate complement to crisp fall days.  The fall flavor lineup includes:  “We love being able […]

Ahoy, mateys! Long John Silver’s is once again turning Talk Like a Pirate Day on Sept. 19 into a celebration worthy of the high seas with free food, bigger rewards for dressing the part, and pirate swag for guests.   Guests who talk like a pirate can score a free piece of Long John Silver’s signature hand-battered fish or a Chicken Plank, while those who dress the part […]

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, the mobile coffee franchise bringing premium beverage experiences directly to local communities, is embracing fall with the launch of its new limited-time seasonal menu. Featuring rich Pumpkin Pie and sweet Spiced Apple Chai-der, the seasonal drinks will be available at participating trucks nationwide from September through October. Built to serve events from […]

Wayback Burgers, America’s favorite hometown burger joint and one of the nation’s fastest-growing burger franchises, is giving cheeseburger lovers something to cheese about this National Cheeseburger Day. On Friday, September 18, the brand is celebrating the beloved holiday with a can’t-miss $3.50 single cheeseburger deal, giving burger fans the perfect excuse to celebrate the Wayback […]

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, the fast-casual Asian dining concept known for its wok-fired flavors and made-to-order meals, has been named the Best Fast-Casual Chain in the Reviewed 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, earning national recognition from consumers and reviewers alike. The award celebrates Pei Wei’s long-standing commitment to delivering fresh, flavorful Asian cuisine with the speed […]

Natalie’s Juices, part of Perricone Farms, and Biscuit Belly, the fast-casual Southern breakfast and brunch concept known for its scratch-made biscuits and over-the-top biscuit sandwiches, announced a new fall drink collaboration. Beginning September 4 and running through November 8, 2026, all Biscuit Belly locations will feature the Piña Picante, a spicy pineapple margarita crafted with Natalie’s fresh, […]

Luckin Coffee, the global coffee brand known for its tech-forward approach and innovative, trend-driven menu, will launch its new limited-time fall beverage on Sept. 21: the Pumpkin Pie Latte (available iced or hot). The drink is available now at Luckin Coffee locations across New York City. The new offering builds on Luckin Coffee’s line of beverages while welcoming the arrival of the fall season with cozy, spiced flavor. Launching just ahead of the First Day […]