The Peach Cobbler Factory, Krystal, Twin Peaks, Off The Hook Restaurants, and Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ lead RestaurantMagazine.com’s Top Ten stories for the week ending August 25, 2024.
1) The Peach Cobbler Factory Announces Location #100 as It Continues Its Rapid Expansion
Last year, the rapidly expanding dessert franchisor, was named the #1 fastest growing quick serve company in America based on sales volume and the #2 fastest growing based on units in QSR Magazine.
2) Krystal Opens New Restaurant in East Chattanooga
Krystal, the original home of the slider in the South, continues its rapid expansion with the grand opening of its new East Chattanooga restaurant. Operated by WAC Enterprises, this marks the 93rd Krystal location for the franchisee group, which has been breaking records with recent openings.
3) Twin Peaks Brings Ultimate Sports Lodge to Lakeland, Florida
Twin Peaks Restaurant, the ultimate sports lodge known for its 29-degree draft beer, scratch-made food, handcrafted cocktails and welcoming Twin Peaks Girls, has opened its newest lodge in Lakeland, Florida. This marks the brand’s 114th lodge in the U.S. and Mexico, the 15th in Florida and the first in Lakeland.
4) Off The Hook Restaurants Announces Bailey Richard as New Director of Marketing, Communication, and Compliance
With an impressive background in strategic marketing and brand activation, Richard is set to spearhead the company’s efforts to enhance its market presence and ensure adherence to industry standards.
5) Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ Expands in the Northeast, Coming to Avon, CT
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, one of the fastest-growing Hot Dog and BBQ franchises, is excited to announce the signing of a new franchisee in Avon, Connecticut. This expansion into Avon marks a significant milestone in the brand’s continued growth as it brings its unique blend of American favorites to a new audience in the Northeast.
6) Panera Brings the Flavor With a “Swicy” Deal, Five Irresistable New Bakery Items & New Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches
Panera is bringing even more flavor and variety to menus nationwide as it unveils tempting updates to its bakery case, with a selection of five new baked goods and three all-new Croissant breakfast sandwiches. These additions feature a blend of beloved flavors and innovative twists on classics, making them perfect for breakfast or for a sweet treat at any time of day.
7) Ono Hawaiian BBQ Celebrates Grand Opening of Jurupa Valley, CA Location
To mark the occasion, Ono Hawaiian BBQ will host a Grand Opening Luau featuring a Hawaiian dance show, ribbon cutting, raffles, and merchandise giveaways. In addition, a Buy One, Get One free promotion will be available all day.
8) Chicago-Based Restaurant Chain Surf’s Up Opens New Location at Soldier Field
Surf’s Up has just opened a new location at Chicago’s Soldier Field, and is selling their delicious, Southern-themed Gulf Fried Jumbo Shrimp and French fries at the stadium. This will be Surf’s Up’s eighth franchise in Chicago, and their first arena location.
9) la Madeleine Opens Its Fourth Location in El Paso
French-founded and French-owned la Madeleine continues to grow with the highly-anticipated opening of its fourth café and bakery in El Paso on Tuesday, Aug. 20, in the Eastlake Marketplace Center. The French café was founded in Dallas in 1983 and has since grown to over 80 locations across the United States, each with its own unique charm.
10) Drum & Quill Pub Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Culinary Evolution
The Drum & Quill, a beloved local establishment, is marking its 10th anniversary with significant changes to elevate its culinary offerings while maintaining its classic pub atmosphere. Kevin Drum, the proprietor, reflects on the pub’s journey: “I had an epiphany before our 10th anniversary. While I thought I had opened a bar, I realized that suddenly nearly 70% of sales was food. We were no longer just a cool pub with good food and the largest spirits selection – we had become a restaurant – that realization demanded change.”
