Bonrue Bakery, April Restaurant Deals, The Franchise Game, Applebee’s, and CaliTacos lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending April 12, 2026.
1) Bonrue Bakery Announces Northern Utah Expansion; Appoints Emily Benson as Executive Chef
Bonrue Bakery announced plans to open 10 new locations across Utah through 2027 and established a central kitchen to support its Northern Utah growth. The brand also appointed Emily Benson as Executive Chef to oversee culinary operations and maintain high craft standards during this significant expansion phase.
2) April Restaurant Deals for Beer Day, Tax Day, 420 Day, and More!
Restaurants nationwide roll out a wide variety of limited-time savings and special menu items to celebrate April’s diverse lineup of food holidays and major sporting events. Highlights included Tax Day discounts, festive 4/20 deals, and specialized watch-party packages for the Masters and the NFL Draft.
3) The Franchise Game 2026 Returns to Yum! Brands Headquarters for Its Fourth Year
The Franchise Game returns to Yum! Brands headquarters for its fourth year, offering a curated symposium and trade show designed to connect aspiring owners with leading franchise brands and high-performing operators. The event features expert panels, strategic networking opportunities, and the presentation of the Roland Parrish Impact Award to recognize exceptional leadership and community commitment.
4) Now Even Cheesier: Applebee’s Adds MORE Cheese to O-M-Cheese Burger for $11.99
Applebee’s updated its viral O-M-Cheese Burger with even more molten queso and melted cheddar cheese served in a sizzling skillet. Alongside this cheesy upgrade, the brand introduced five new menu items, including the Loaded Potato Waves appetizer and a variety of fresh salads and seared salmon entrees.
5) CaliTacos Heats Up Phoenix Metro with New Franchise Signings and Maryvale Debut
CaliTacos continues its aggressive Arizona expansion by awarding new franchise locations in South Phoenix and Scottsdale following the successful opening of its Maryvale restaurant. The fast-casual street-taco concept remained focused on bringing its authentic flavors and community-driven atmosphere to more neighborhoods throughout the Phoenix metro area.
6) Krispy Kreme Releases Its Sweetest Spring Doughnut Drop Yet
Krispy Kreme launched its new Spring Seasonal Collection featuring a vibrant mix of fresh flavors like Strawberries and Kreme and the returning fan-favorite Banana Pudding doughnut. The limited-time lineup also introduces the bakery-inspired Cookie Blast Latte, available in hot, iced, or frozen varieties to complement the seasonal treats.
7) The Mexican: A New Brickell Key Restaurant Now Open in Miami
The Mexican has opened its second location, bringing refined Northern Mexican cuisine and award-winning design to Miami’s waterfront. Owned by Roberto González Alcalá and led by Chef Santiago Hiriarte, the sprawling destination features signature dishes like Lobster Elote and an extensive tequila gallery within a luxury setting designed by Paulina Morán.
8) Just Say “Stuff It!” – Panera Bread Launches Latest Innovation, All-New Salad Stuffers
Panera Bread introduced Salad Stuffers, a creative menu innovation that features its signature salads tucked inside warm, split-top artisan bread. This portable dining option allows guests to enjoy popular flavors like the Green Goddess Cobb and Fuji Apple Chicken in a convenient, hand-held format.
9) Shawarma Press Introduces Sumac Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Shawarma Press expanded its Mediterranean menu with the introduction of the Sumac Chicken Shawarma Wrap, a modern take on the traditional dish known as Musakhan. This new offering leverages the tangy, antioxidant-rich profile of sumac to provide a flavorful and culturally rooted dining experience for health-conscious guests.
10) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Is Coming to Texas
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has entered the Texas market through a three-unit development agreement with franchise partner Raj DFW LLC. The expansion begins with a flagship location in Carrollton featuring the brand’s latest prototype, which combines a contemporary design with its classic American food and hospitality.
11) Mo’ Bettahs Announces Expansion Into Three New Markets, Posts 18th Consecutive Year of Same-Store Sales Growth
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food expands its footprint into three new markets as the brand celebrates its 18th consecutive year of positive same-store sales growth. This strategic growth follows a successful period of performance and highlights the increasing national demand for the brand’s authentic Hawaiian island flavors and culture.
12) Nothing Bundt Cakes Brings Back Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl and Debuts Banana Prepared with NUTELLA Pop-Up for Spring
Nothing Bundt Cakes welcomes spring with the return of its fan-favorite Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl and the debut of a new Banana Prepared with NUTELLA Pop-Up flavor. These seasonal treats arrive alongside a collection of themed decorations and gift options designed to elevate celebrations like Mother’s Day and graduation parties.
13) South Block Expands Into Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood Neighborhood, Marking Milestone 25th Location
South Block celebrates the grand opening of its newest location in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood, marking the brand’s 25th shop and its second in North Carolina. The expansion brings a full menu of handcrafted acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices to one of the city’s most vibrant districts.
14) Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Earns 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria earned the 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award, a national honor highlighting the company’s commitment to an exceptional, people-first culture. Based on confidential employee feedback, the recognition underscored the family-owned brand’s dedication to teamwork and integrity across its more than 70 locations.
15) Starbird Names Former Jersey Mike’s President Hoyt Jones as Advisor to the Board
Starbird appointed franchise industry veteran Hoyt Jones as an advisor to its board of directors to help guide the premium chicken brand’s national expansion efforts. Jones, who previously served as president of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, will provide strategic counsel on operational discipline and long-term scalability as the company enters new markets.
16) Barberitos Brings Back Cinco de Queso Promotion with Free Queso and a Chance to Win Free Burritos for a Year
Barberitos has launched its Cinco de Mayo campaign featuring a fan-driven initiative that invites guests to design and name their dream burrito for a chance to win free burritos for a year. The celebration includes the return of the Cinco de Queso promotion, offering free signature queso with any purchase and additional loyalty rewards.
17) IHOP, the OG Restaurant of Acronyms, Makes BLTAF (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato… And Fries) Canon with New Trademark
IHOP expands its innovative menu offerings by trademarking the “BLTAF,” a clever acronym standing for Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato… And Fries. This move showcases the brand’s continued focus on playful marketing and unique flavor combinations designed to resonate with its loyal guest base.
18) JINYA. Ignites West Hollywood with Flagship Live-Fire Dining Concept
JINYA. debuts its premium flagship concept in West Hollywood, centering on an elevated dining experience that features live-fire grilling and dry-aged seafood. This new full-service restaurant representes the brand’s most complete expression to date, blending traditional Japanese techniques with modern culinary intensity.
19) Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Launches New Famous Wrap and Signature Sauce
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken expanded its menu with the debut of the Famous Wrap, featuring the brand’s iconic hand-breaded premium chicken strips. This new portable meal option pairs with the launch of a savory signature sauce designed to complement the classic flavors that have defined the heritage brand for decades.
20) Taco Bell Unlocks a New Dimension of Heat With Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Taco Bell introduces Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets, marking a bold innovation that transformes its cult-favorite Diablo Sauce into a dry seasoning. These premium all-white meat nuggets feature a crunchy tortilla chip coating layered with spicy Diablo Dust to deliver a unique and intense flavor experience.
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