Red Lobster and 19 More Restaurant News Headliners of the Past Week

Red Lobster, Potbelly, Subway, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, and Twin Hospitality Group lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending September 14, 2025.

1) Red Lobster’s New Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp Is Big On Flavor & Light On Your Wallet
Red Lobster introduces Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp, offering Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, and Popcorn Shrimp for just $15.99. The seafood giant also adds Seafood Boils to its permanent menu and debuts fall-inspired cocktails nationwide.

2) Potbelly Corporation to be Acquired by RaceTrac in Approximately $566 Million Transaction
Potbelly has entered into a definitive merger agreement with RaceTrac in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $566 million. The acquisition, expected to close in late 2025, will combine Potbelly’s beloved sandwich shops with RaceTrac’s expansive convenience store network.

3) Subway Reintroduces Fresh Fit Menu with Four Protein-Packed Sandwiches Under 500 Calories, and a Full Serving of Vegetables
Subway is reintroducing its Fresh Fit menu on September 17 with four protein-packed sandwiches, each under 500 calories and served with a full serving of vegetables. From Grilled Chicken & Avocado to the Turkey & Ranch Delite, these fresh and flavorful options deliver convenience, nutrition, and great taste at a value.

4) CRÚ Food & Wine Bar Ushers in New Era with Leadership Transition and Bold Rebrand
CRÚ Food & Wine Bar announces a bold rebrand under new ownership, led by hospitality executive Simon Bozas. With design upgrades, a refreshed culinary and beverage program, and plans for rapid expansion, CRÚ is redefining the modern wine bar experience across the U.S.

5) Twin Hospitality Group Appoints Lexi Burns as Chief People Officer
Twin Hospitality Group (Nasdaq: TWNP), parent company of Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, has promoted longtime leader Lexi Burns to Chief People Officer. With more than 25 years of HR and organizational development expertise, Burns will now oversee people, training, and performance strategy across both brands.

6) Nothing Bundt Cakes Spreads Fall Flavor With ‘Cheers to Autumn’ Collection
Nothing Bundt Cakes launches its Cheers to Autumn collection with seasonal favorites and limited-time Pop-Up flavors. Enjoy the return of Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple Cider, and the all-new Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake at bakeries nationwide this fall.

7) Huddle House Launches Smash Burger Week
Huddle House is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day with Smash Burger Week, offering Huddle Rewards members a free Single Smashed Burger Deluxe September 18–30. The promotion kicks off a lineup of loyalty-exclusive rewards, including deals for National Pancake Day and National Coffee Day.

8) Checkmate Launches AI-Powered Digital Menu Boards to Help Enterprise Restaurants Sell Smarter
Checkmate has launched AI-powered Digital Menu Boards to help enterprise restaurants boost sales and streamline operations. These dynamic boards integrate with POS systems, enable real-time updates, AI-driven upsells, and continuous optimization, transforming menus into a revenue-generating channel.

9) Food & Wine Reveals Its 2025 Best New Chefs
Food & Wine has unveiled its 37th class of Best New Chefs, honoring 10 rising culinary stars redefining American dining. From Austin to New York, these chefs are blending heritage, memory, and innovation into expressive menus that shape the future of food. Full profiles are featured in Food & Wine’s October 2025 issue.

10) Farmer Boys Introduces Fall Offerings Featuring Parm-Crusted Cheeseburgers, Farmstand Menu Refresh, Seasonal Pumpkin Beverages, and Breakfast Specials
Farmer Boys welcomes fall with a crave-worthy limited-time menu featuring Parm-Crusted Cheeseburgers, a new Sourdough Chicken Avocado Sandwich, Chocolate Chip Hot Cakes, refreshed Farmstand Snacker Boxes, and seasonal pumpkin beverages. Guests can also enjoy hearty breakfast deals starting at just $7.99.

11) Loop Neighborhood Market Launches New Ready-to-Eat Spam Musubi
Loop Neighborhood Market has introduced freshly made Spam Musubi, now available at most locations. Offered in regular and spicy Blaze varieties, this Hawaiian-inspired snack is handmade daily, delivering a convenient, flavorful option for customers on the go.

12) TGI Fridays Doubles Down on Global Expansion
TGI Fridays is expanding its global footprint with new long-term franchise agreements in Peru and Japan. Through partnerships with Franquicias Alimentarias S.A. and Watami Co., Ltd., more than 50 new restaurants will open, strengthening the brand’s international growth and delivering its signature flavor and celebration to new markets.

13) Federal Court Dismisses Meritless Lawsuit Against Dickey’s Executive, Vindicating Company
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has secured a major legal victory as a federal court dismissed a franchisee’s lawsuit against former executive Stephen Mullett. The ruling vindicates the company and reinforces its commitment to integrity, franchisee support, and protecting its brand.

14) Avalanche Food Group Gives Back to Teachers Distributing $78,000 in Grant Checks at Twin Peaks Restaurants Across Texas and Indianapolis
Avalanche Food Group (AFG), owners of 11 Twin Peaks restaurants and two Bread Zeppelin locations, donated more than $78,000 in grants to over 130 teachers across Texas and Indianapolis as part of its 2nd Annual Back-to-School Giveback initiative. The funds, raised through customer round-up donations, will help teachers purchase classroom essentials for the new school year.

15) Fan-Favorite French Ciabatta Dipper Returns September 10, Joined by All-New Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper
Panera Bread brings back its beloved French Ciabatta Dipper and introduces the all-new Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper, pairing freshly baked ciabatta sandwiches with perfectly portioned soups for the ultimate dipping experience. Available nationwide for a limited time.

16) Paris Baguette Ranked No. 112 in 2025 Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurants Report, Climbing Over 20 Spots From Prior Year
Paris Baguette has climbed to No. 112 in Technomic’s 2025 Top 500 Chain Restaurants Report, jumping more than 20 spots from last year. With strong franchise growth, rising AUVs, and over 250 North American cafés, the global bakery café brand continues its rapid expansion and industry recognition.

17) Caesars Superdome and Abita Brewing Company Unveil Commemorative “Abita Golden Era” Lager in Honor of 50th Anniversary
Caesars Superdome is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special collaboration with Abita Brewing Company. The limited-edition Abita Golden Era lager debuts at the Saints’ September 2025 home game, honoring five decades of iconic sports and entertainment history in New Orleans.

18) Applebee’s Brings Back National Cheeseburger Day Deal with $8.99 Burgers & Fries
Applebee’s is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 with its fan-favorite burger deal. Guests can enjoy a Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Bacon Cheeseburger with fries for just $8.99, available for dine-in, To Go, or delivery for one day only.

19) Hawaiian Bros Celebrates Second Nebraska Location
Hawaiian Bros is bringing its signature island flavors to Omaha with a new location. The grand opening will feature giveaways, including gift cards up to $500 and a chance to win Hawaiian Bros for a year, while a VIP event on Sept. 6 offered free meals to local heroes and community members.

20) Scoops Opens Third San Diego Location – Scoops Ocean Beach – with Inviting Coastal Interior
The design and building permits for Scoops Ocean Beach were expertly handled by Mindful Design Consulting, a leading firm specializing in commercial interior design and branding.