The Peach Cobbler Factory, Ruby Slipper, Applebee’s, Taco Bell, and The Sandwich Spot lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending September 6, 2026.
1) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Northern U.S. Expansion in Providence, Rhode Island
The Peach Cobbler Factory is furthering its northern expansion with a new store opening in the historic Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. Local franchisee Brian Gatson will bring the brand’s signature lineup of warm cobblers, banana puddings, cinnamon rolls, and milkshakes to the area community.
2) Ruby Slipper Goes Big on Burgers This September
Ruby Slipper is expanding its lunch offerings with a lineup of inventive burgers, including the Yo Mama’s Peanut Butter Bacon Burger, Patton’s Hot Sausage Smashburger, and a classic Patty Melt. The seasonal menu update also introduces Candied Apple Beignets, a Kale Chicken Caesar salad, and handcrafted autumn cocktails like the Apple Cider Mule.
3) More Cheese, Please. Applebee’s Launches New O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger
Applebee’s has enhanced its menu with the release of the O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger, an indulgent twist on its signature Quesadilla Burger served in a sizzling skillet of molten queso and melted Cheddar. Available for a limited time, the cheese-loaded entrée can be ordered individually or enjoyed as part of the restaurant’s value-driven 2 for $25 menu.
4) Taco Bell Introduces the Salt & Straw Churro Ice Cream Taco Nationwide
Taco Bell has partnered with artisanal ice cream maker Salt & Straw to roll out the new Salt & Straw Churro Ice Cream Taco at participating locations nationwide for a limited time. The frozen treat features cinnamon churro ice cream encased in a crispy waffle cone shell, finished with puffed rice and a dark chocolate-flavored coating.
5) The Sandwich Spot Expands Into Tempe With New Arizona Location
The Sandwich Spot is broadening its West Coast and Southwest footprint with a new location in Tempe, Arizona, owned and operated by local franchise partners Timothy Redelsperger and Mike Sayre. Guests can expect the brand’s signature made-to-order specialty sandwiches, housemade sauces, and fresh-baked bread served in a welcoming, neighborhood-inspired atmosphere.
6) From First Job to Franchise Owner: Beyond Juicery + Eatery Leader Opens New Chapter
Longtime Beyond Juicery + Eatery brand leader Elliott Disner has transitioned from an entry-level employee to franchise owner, opening a new location in West Delray Beach, Florida. Drawing on years of operational experience and brand development, Disner will use the new restaurant as a flagship site featuring an updated store model.
7) Applebee’s Introduces NFL Season Wing Ticket: Free Boneless Wings Weekly
Applebee’s is celebrating football season by introducing the NFL Season Wing Ticket, a promotion giving fans six free Boneless Wings To Go every week. Club Applebee’s members who sign up for the pass can unlock the weekly wing offer with a qualifying online purchase through the mobile app or website.
8) Panera Season is Here with Fall Menu Drop of Seasonal Soups, Warm Sandwiches and Nostalgic Bakery Treats
Panera Bread is welcoming autumn with a seasonal menu drop highlighted by the new Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup and the return of popular Ciabatta Dippers. Guests can also enjoy comforting bakery updates, including a nostalgic new PB&J Cookie and the return of the fan-favorite Chocolate Chip Bagel.
9) Krystal Brings Hasbro Toys and 99-Cent Kids Meals to Back-to-School Season
Krystal has partnered with Hasbro to feature collectible My Little Pony and Tonka toys inside its Kids Meals for the back-to-school season. To support affordable family dining, participating locations are also offering 99-cent Kids Meals on Sundays with the purchase of an adult combo meal through November 1.
10) Taco Cabana Turns 48 With a Monthlong Celebration
Taco Cabana is celebrating its 48th anniversary with a monthlong series of promotions, including 48-cent Bean & Cheese Tacos on Mondays and all-day $2.50 drinks on Thursdays. The Texas-born fast-casual chain is also expanding its menu with the new Dragonada beverage alongside returning favorites like Green Enchiladas and an upgraded Double Crunch Pizza.
11) Angry Chickz Sets Its Sights on Aurora With First Midwest Location
Angry Chickz is expanding into the Midwest with its first Illinois restaurant in Aurora, serving its signature Nashville hot chicken tenders, sliders, and customizable heat levels. The launch marks the fast-casual brand’s 46th location nationwide as it continues to build out its corporate and franchise footprint across new regions.
12) University of St. Thomas Names Dunn Brothers Coffee as Official Coffee Partner
Dunn Brothers Coffee has partnered with the University of St. Thomas to become the exclusive coffee provider for the school’s Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. The collaboration includes four new campus locations serving hot and iced specialty beverages, along with exclusive coffee provider rights for university catering services.
13) All About The Cinnamon And Prince St. Pizza Team Up For “The Prince,” A Limited-edition Pizza Bun
All About the Cinnamon and Prince St. Pizza have partnered to release The Prince, a limited-edition savory pizza bun available in cheese and pepperoni varieties. The culinary mashup combines the Los Angeles bakery’s signature handcrafted dough with Prince St. Pizza’s iconic marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella.
14) SSCP-Owned Applebee’s Restaurants Across Texas Start Hispanic Heritage Month Early With Two $6.99 Limited Time Only Margaritas
SSCP-owned Applebee’s locations across Texas are launching Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations early with two limited-time $6.99 margaritas throughout September. The drink lineup features the Dos-A-Rita, which tops an Applebee’s House Margarita with a 7-ounce Dos Equis Lager, and the tropical 1800 Coconut Lemonade Margarita.
15) Brooklyn Water Bagel Makes Campus Debut at Nova Southeastern University
Brooklyn Water Bagel has opened its first campus-based location at Nova Southeastern University, marking the fast-casual brand’s initial non-traditional site in Florida. Operated in partnership with Chartwells Higher Education, the dining spot offers New York-style bagels, scratch-made breakfast sandwiches, and specialty coffee options tailored for students and faculty.
16) The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Opens Two New Locations in Bakersfield
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is expanding its footprint in Bakersfield, California, with two new locations owned by 19-year-old entrepreneur Gurshaan Sidhu. Serving the community’s residential and business hubs, both restaurants feature customizable rice bowls, pita wraps, and full-service Mediterranean catering options.
17) Mo’ Bettahs Promotes Kylee Arreaga to Vice President of Marketing
Mo’ Bettahs has promoted Kylee Arreaga to Vice President of Marketing to support the Hawaiian-style fast-casual brand’s ongoing national expansion. During her tenure, Arreaga has built a full-service marketing department and helped guide dozens of restaurant launches across new regional markets.
18) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Expands Central Texas Presence With Georgetown Opening
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has expanded its Central Texas footprint with a new family-friendly location in Georgetown, owned and operated by multi-unit franchisee Rajeev Dewan. The new restaurant offers dine-in, carryout, and delivery options alongside amenities like an outdoor patio, arcade area, all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, and big-screen televisions for local sports fans.
19) RestaurantData Expands Restaurant Enterprise Index to 100 Company Profiles
RestaurantData has expanded its Restaurant Enterprise Index by publishing 50 additional company profiles, doubling the dataset’s public research to 100 enterprise organizations across the United States and Canada. The newly added profiles map relationships between consumer-facing brands, parent companies, franchisors, and major multi-unit operators to give industry professionals deeper insight into corporate ownership structures.
20) Houston TX Hot Chicken Confirms Second UK Restaurant in London
Houston TX Hot Chicken is bringing its second London-area restaurant to the Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury through a partnership with PizzaExpress, which plans to open 50 locations across the UK over three years. The fast-casual concept serves made-to-order hot chicken tenders, sandwiches, and waffles with customizable spice levels ranging from “No Spice” up to “Houston, We Have a Problem!”
