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TGI Fridays, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, la Madeleine, Yo-Chi, and October Restaurant Deals lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending October 4, 2026.
1) TGI Fridays Signs Landmark U.S. Development Agreement, Expanding Domestic Footprint
TGI Fridays has inked a development deal with franchisee Bliss Bites LLC to open five new restaurants throughout New York State. Led by hospitality veteran Vinod Chand, Bliss Bites has also taken over an existing location in Central Islip, bringing its state portfolio to six locations. The agreement represents the casual dining chain’s first domestic expansion deal in a decade as part of its broader strategic growth vision.
2) Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Strengthens Ohio Roots with Multiunit Agreement in Cincinnati
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is expanding its presence in its home state of Ohio with a new six-unit development agreement in the Cincinnati area. The expansion is being led by Royal Scoop, LLC, a group of local multiunit operators with backgrounds in the restaurant and hotel industries. This deal builds on the ice cream brand’s national growth momentum as it continues expanding into key markets across the country.
3) la Madeleine Sets Sights on Kansas City with New Franchise Partnership
French-inspired bakery and café brand la Madeleine is making its Midwest debut through a new eight-unit development deal in the Kansas City area. The company has partnered with local operator Eddie Musallet of Express Stop and The Musallet Group to bring the locations to communities across Kansas and Missouri. This multi-unit partnership forms part of la Madeleine’s strategy to expand into new markets alongside experienced local business leaders.
4) Disco Balls, Frozen Yogurt and Good Vibes: Yo-Chi Opens Its First U.S. Location in Dallas
Australia’s self-serve frozen yogurt brand Yo-Chi is entering the American market with a new location in Dallas, near Inwood Village. The shop features premium frozen yogurt made with fresh California milk, organic açaí, and over 40 toppings in a vibrant, disco-ball-accented space. This launch marks the start of a broader U.S. expansion for the company, which plans to follow up with a second Dallas store at NorthPark Center.
5) October Restaurant Deals for Dessert Month, Seafood Month, Halloween, and More!
Restaurants across the country are rolling out a variety of promotional deals, seasonal menu items, and loyalty rewards throughout October. Specials cater to food observances like National Dessert Month, National Pizza Month, and National Seafood Month, alongside football season game-day offers. Participating brands include Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Brooklyn Water Bagel, Jason’s Deli, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and more.
6) Prince St. Pizza Makes Louisiana Debut in Baton Rouge Oct. 9
Prince St. Pizza is expanding into Louisiana with its first pizzeria location opening in Baton Rouge. Led by development partner Lawrence Kourie, the shop brings the brand’s popular Sicilian-style square pies, classic rounds, and signature sauces to the area. To replicate its iconic crust, the new store utilizes a specialized water filtration system designed to mimic New York tap water.
7) Cosa Nostra Italian Deli Announces First Franchise Sale, Expanding to Winter Garden, Florida
Cosa Nostra Italian Deli has finalized its very first franchise agreement, paving the way for a new location in Winter Garden, Florida. Founded by Eduardo Guedes in Clermont, the fast-casual concept offers made-to-order Italian sandwiches, fresh pastas, specialty coffee, pastries, and imported goods. This deal marks an important growth step for the brand as it actively seeks new franchise partners to expand across Central Florida and beyond.
8) Casa Olé Launches “Your Lunch. Your Call.” Fall Lunch Specials Starting at $8.99
Casa Olé has introduced a new weekday menu called “Your Lunch. Your Call.” featuring Tex-Mex favorites starting at $8.99. Available for dine-in during weekday lunch hours, the lineup offers various combo choices across three price tiers, including enchiladas, fajitas, and chimichangas. Guests can also customize their meals with value-priced add-ons such as drinks, extra menu items, and appetizers like queso or guacamole.
9) Mo’ Bettahs Names Restaurant Development Veteran Don Crocker as Chief Development Officer
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food has appointed restaurant industry veteran Don Crocker as its new chief development officer. Crocker brings over 30 years of experience from leadership roles at Inspire Brands, Chick-fil-A, and Smalls Sliders to guide real estate, construction, and design. In his new role, he will oversee real estate and new restaurant openings as the corporate-owned Hawaiian plate lunch chain continues expanding into new markets nationwide.
10) Powerhouse+Co. Named One of the Nation’s Top Franchise PR Firms
Powerhouse+Co. has been named to Entrepreneur’s annual Top Franchise Suppliers list for the seventh time as a leading public relations agency. The rankings are based on a survey of over 1,000 franchisors evaluating suppliers on quality, cost, and overall value. Marking a decade in business, the firm provides public relations, social media, and influencer marketing services to major franchise clients including Del Taco, Denny’s, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, and more.
11) RestaurantData Expands Restaurant Enterprise Index to 300 Company Profiles
RestaurantData has expanded its Restaurant Enterprise Index to include 300 company profiles across the United States and Canada. The index tracks various organizations behind restaurant systems, ranging from franchisors and multi-concept companies to large franchise operators. With doubled coverage since its previous update, the resource provides industry professionals with standardized company data based on location counts and sales estimates.
12) New Website Maps 1800+ Independent Donut Shops Across All 50 States
Glazed and Amused is a free, curated directory mapping over 1,800 family-run and independent donut shops across all 50 states without including any corporate chains or franchises. The website organizes these unique locations into themed regional trails and offers a customizable tool to help users plan personalized driving routes based on their time and cravings. Visitors can also explore local ratings, discover regional donut traditions, or submit missing local shops to be included on the platform.
13) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Invites Families to Stay and Play with Limited Edition Mahjong Set
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has created a custom, limited-edition Mahjong set to encourage guests and families to linger and connect around the table. Crafted in South Florida with an independent artist, the game features custom-illustrated tiles showcasing brand favorites like pancakes, bacon, fresh-baked pies, and coffee mugs. Fans can sign up online for a chance to win one of these exclusive tabletop game sets.
14) Brent and Sherry Weaver of East Coast Wings + Grill Named Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association
Brent and Sherry Weaver, long-time multi-unit owners with East Coast Wings + Grill, have earned the International Franchise Association’s Franchisee of the Year award. The couple was recognized for over two decades of strong business operations, community involvement, and local disaster relief efforts. Looking to the future, they are building a new commercial center to house their latest restaurant while mentoring their son to take over the family business.
15) Nothing Bundt Cakes Kicks Off Bundtember With New and Returning Fall Flavors
Nothing Bundt Cakes is launching its three-month Bundtember campaign with a fresh lineup of seasonal treats and limited-run pop-up options. Guests can look forward to new choices like German Chocolate and OREO Dirt Cake alongside the returning favorite Pumpkin Spice. The bakery is also offering themed cake decorations and festive packaging to help make Halloween, Thanksgiving, and general holiday gifting extra special.
16) Original ChopShop Names Kyle Frederick as Chief Executive Officer
Original ChopShop has promoted longtime chief operating officer Kyle Frederick to the role of chief executive officer. He succeeds Jason Morgan, who is transitioning into an advisory position after leading the restaurant brand for a decade. The leadership change comes as the health-focused eatery continues expanding its operations and market presence.
17) Newk’s Eatery Brings Fresh-Made Favorites to Wichita as Brand Accelerates Kansas Expansion
Newk’s Eatery is expanding its footprint in Kansas with a new restaurant location on Wichita’s west side. Franchisees Melody Matulewic and Scott Hatchett are leading the effort, launching their second spot in the market less than a year after their first. The fast-casual chain features a scratch-made menu focused on fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizzas.
18) SSCP-Owned Applebee’s in Texas, California and Virginia Bring Back “Buy a Hero a Bud” in Anticipation of Veterans Day
Applebee’s franchisee SSCP is bringing back its “Buy A Hero A Bud” initiative at locations across Texas, California, and Virginia. The program allows restaurant guests to pre-purchase a beer for a local active-duty service member or veteran. Any funds left unclaimed from the drinks will be donated directly to Folds of Honor to support military families.
19) The Smoke House Celebrates 80 Years of Hollywood History and Timeless Tradition
The Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank is marking 80 years of serving classic American fare and acting as a longtime gathering spot for the entertainment industry. Located directly across from Warner Bros. Studios, the landmark dining institution grew from a modest 46-seat spot into a staple deeply intertwined with Southern California film and television history. Known for signature menu items like its garlic cheese bread and prime rib, the restaurant continues to honor its original tradition of delivering fine food at a fair price.
20) Tijuana Flats Brings Back the Cheeseburger Tacos Fans and Franchisees Have Been Demanding
Tijuana Flats has brought back its highly requested Cheeseburger Tacos following years of demand from customers and franchisees. The return features two new menu additions, allowing guests to also enjoy the cheeseburger flavors as a burrito or loaded over crispy fries. Each option stacks seasoned ground beef, queso, traditional burger toppings, ketchup, and mustard without using a bun.
