Burger King, The Peach Cobbler Factory, KFC, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Firehouse Subs lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending March 1, 2026.
1) Burger King Elevates Its Most Iconic Product, The Whopper!
Burger King has unveiled the first significant update to its iconic Whopper in nearly a decade, featuring a more premium bun, creamier mayonnaise, enhanced ingredient portions, and packaging. These changes were driven directly by guest feedback to ensure the flame-grilled classic delivers a higher-quality, more consistent experience in every bite.
2) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Expansion in Texas with New Location in Plano
The Peach Cobbler Factory is significantly strengthening its Texas footprint with a new location in Plano, marking a key milestone in the brand’s rapid expansion throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. This new store, owned by Louis Mangong, will feature the franchise’s full lineup of indulgent Southern-inspired desserts, including signature cobblers, banana puddings, and a robust catering platform for the local community.
3) KFC Brings Back the Fan-Favorite Twister and Launches New $20 Customizable Bucket
KFC guests can now enjoy the return of a nostalgic favorite with the revamped Twister wrap or bring the family together using a new customizable $20 bucket. These menu additions combine satisfying, portable lunch options with high-value, shareable dinner meals tailored to individual preferences.
4) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Growth Trajectory with New Location in Southern Pines, North Carolina
The Peach Cobbler Factory is continuing its aggressive expansion with a new Southern Pines storefront, representing the brand’s 15th location currently open or in development throughout the state. Under the leadership of local owner Sheumae Quick, the shop will feature the franchise’s expanding beverage platform, including gourmet coffee and the newly launched PCF Refreshers, alongside their famous comforting treats.
5) Logan’s Roadhouse Launches Spring Limited-Time Menu With Seasonal Seafood and Lent-Friendly Options
Logan’s Roadhouse is embracing the spring season with a new limited-time menu featuring refreshing seafood dishes like Sweet Chili Lime Salmon and crispy coconut shrimp. To compliment these Lenten-friendly options, the steakhouse is also introducing vibrant cocktails such as the Prickly Pear Roadhouse ‘Rita and tart Margarita Cheesecake.
6) Firehouse Subs Introduces New Chicken ‘N’ Cheddar Rancher Sub Ahead of National Ranch Day
Firehouse Subs is launching its first permanent menu item in three years, featuring a new grilled chicken breast packed with 49 grams of protein alongside bacon and a signature herb-forward buttermilk ranch. Now available in restaurants nationwide, this elevated take on a classic flavor combination delivers bold, char-grilled taste in every bite.
7) BIGGBY COFFEE Caps 2025 With Stronger Café Traffic, Brand Refresh and New Tech Milestones
BIGGBY COFFEE closed out 2025 by reaching 460 locations, fueled by stronger café traffic and a successful brand relaunch celebrating its 30th birthday. Looking ahead to 2026, the high-energy coffee franchise is focusing on continued technology investment to enhance digital ordering and deepening customer loyalty through engaging promotions.
8) An Iconic Duo: Krispy Kreme Partners with OREO Cookie for New Limited-Time Doughnut Collection
Krispy Kreme is expanding its partnership with the OREO brand to introduce a new limited-time doughnut collection featuring two brand-new creations and a fan-favorite treat. These indulgent treats include the Golden OREO Cookie Doughnut and Chocolate OREO Dream Doughnut, available for purchase individually or in a special dozen.
9) Pizza Inn Reinvests in Mesquite with Transformative Restaurant Modernization
Pizza Inn is revitalizing its historic Mesquite, Texas location with a transformative modernization featuring expanded seating, a refreshed dining area, and an enhanced buffet experience. Owned by the Hemani family, this reimagined neighborhood fixture will celebrate its grand reopening on March 5 with community festivities and special promotions.
10) Big Easy Menu Returns to Applebee’s with NEW Big Easy Burger & Bayou Shrimp Bowl
Applebee’s is bringing bold Louisiana flavors back to neighborhood tables with the limited-time return of its popular Big Easy Menu starting at $11.99. This refreshed lineup features two new Cajun-inspired entrees, the Bayou Shrimp Bowl and the Big Easy Burger, alongside the fan-favorite Bourbon Street Chicken & Andouille Sausage Penne.
11) Papa Murphy’s Turns Up the Heat With Jalapeño Popper Pizza, a Limited-Time Addition to Papa’s Picks
Papa Murphy’s is bringing bold flavor to the table with the limited-time release of its new Jalapeño Popper Pizza, available through March 22, 2026. This craveable, take-n-bake creation features a unique blend of jalapeño ranch, bacon, and fresh peppers, accompanied by a cream cheese packet for a tangy finishing touch.
12) March Restaurant Deals for Sauce Month, Daylight Savings, Selection Sunday, and More!
March is packed with dining opportunities as restaurants celebrate National Sauce Month and gear up for basketball tournament season with themed specials. Guests can take advantage of high-value promotions tailored for Selection Sunday, Pi Day, and Daylight Savings through various loyalty programs and online deals.
13) Juice It Up! Inks Multi-Unit Development Deal in Texas With Experienced, Multi-Brand Franchise Partners
Juice It Up! is expanding its Texas footprint through a new multi-unit development agreement with experienced franchisees Cem Yorulmaz and Gulendam Ece Hurmeydan. The partnership will bring four new locations to the Houston and Katy areas, highlighting the brand’s rapid growth and popular demand for its superfruit bowls and smoothies.
14) The Melt Welcomes Greg Vojnovic as Head of Franchising to Lead its National Expansion
The Melt has appointed restaurant industry veteran Greg Vojnovic as Head of Franchising to spearhead the fast-casual brand’s national expansion strategy. Boasting impressive average unit volumes, the company aims to leverage its successful corporate model to launch a disciplined franchising platform beyond its current California and Arizona markets.
15) Island Flavors Arrive in North County as Ono Hawaiian BBQ Opens in Escondido
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is bringing its island-inspired plate lunches to North County with the opening of its first San Diego County location in Escondido. The new restaurant features a convenient drive-thru and serves freshly grilled favorites like BBQ Chicken and Kalbi Short Ribs alongside traditional macaroni salad.
16) Angry Chickz to Open First Watsonville Location This March
Angry Chickz is accelerating its California expansion with the opening of its first Nashville hot chicken location in Watsonville on March 20. The new spot will feature the brand’s signature menu of customizable tenders, sliders, and bowls tailored to various heat preferences.
17) Applebee’s Celebrates 25 Years of Mucho Cocktails with $6 St. Patrick’s Day Drinks
Applebee’s is celebrating 25 years of its signature Mucho Cocktails by introducing two new festive $6 drinks just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. These limited-time offerings, the Emerald Escape and Pricklycane, are available alongside a new non-alcoholic Parade Punch Mocktail to deliver variety and value to guests nationwide.
18) Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay Announces First Canadian Restaurant at Toronto’s The Well
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay is expanding internationally with the announcement of its first Canadian location opening this summer at The Well in downtown Toronto. This new flagship restaurant will serve signature items like the Bacon Crunchburger and handcrafted shakes to the vibrant culinary scene of Canada.
19) Bad Daddy’s Unleashes Big Bad’s Monthly Drops
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is launching “Big Bad’s Monthly Drops,” a series of limited-time burger creations engineered to shake up dining menus starting this March. The initiative kicks off with the French Onion Smash Burger, a decadent offering topped with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and a side of Au Jus for dunking.
20) Mo’ Bettahs Brings More Island Flavor to the City of Saints
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is expanding its presence in Utah with the opening of a new location in the Foothill Village area of Salt Lake City. The restaurant will serve authentic plate lunches featuring flame-grilled meats, steamed rice, and creamy macaroni salad to guests seeking an island-inspired dining experience.
The post Burger King and 19 More Restaurant News Headliners of the Past Week first appeared on RestaurantNews.com.
