The Peach Cobbler Factory, Chick-fil-A, Starbird, and Via 313 lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending March 15, 2026.
1) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues to Build in Arizona with New Location in Scottsdale
The Peach Cobbler Factory is strengthening its Southwest footprint with the grand opening of its newest Arizona location in Scottsdale, bringing a diverse array of Southern-inspired treats to the Talking Stick Way community. This new dessert destination features the brand’s signature lineup of twelve cobbler flavors, gourmet banana puddings, and premium catering services designed for both local residents and regional events.
2) A New Flavor In Town: Chick-fil-A Introduces New Jalapeño Ranch Club Chicken Sandwich
Chick-fil-A has debuted the Jalapeño Ranch Club Chicken Sandwich, featuring a buttermilk ranch bun, pepper jack cheese, and candied bacon for a customizable kick of heat. Complementing this seasonal launch, the menu now includes four new Strawberry Hibiscus beverages, offering refreshing twists on the brand’s signature lemonade and tea.
3) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Growth in Michigan with New Location in Novi
The Peach Cobbler Factory is continuing its rapid expansion in Michigan with the opening of a new location in Novi, strengthening the brand’s presence in the Midwest. This new dessert destination offers a diverse menu of Southern-inspired treats, including twelve flavors of cobbler and banana pudding, alongside premium cookies, brownies, and a growing catering program.
4) Starbird Expands Into Texas With Its Biggest Franchise Deal Yet
Starbird is entering the Texas market through a massive 36-unit franchise agreement, marking the largest development deal in the brand’s history. This strategic expansion will bring the concept’s premium, super-premium chicken and bold flavors to major metropolitan areas across the Lone Star State over the coming years.
5) City of Austin Proclaims March 13 as Via 313 Day
The City of Austin has officially proclaimed March 13 as Via 313 Day to honor the iconic Detroit-style pizza brand that transitioned from a local trailer to a successful national franchise. To celebrate this milestone, the restaurant offered guests discounted signature pizzas and all-day happy hour specials at participating locations across Texas and Colorado.
6) The Perfect Sip for Any Moment: Panera Bread Launches New Energy Refreshers and Frescas
Panera Bread has launched two new premium specialty beverage categories, Frescas and Energy Refreshers, featuring bold flavors infused with real fruit at bakery-cafes nationwide. This innovative lineup includes refreshing options like the Dragonfruit Sunset Energy Refresher and Cherry Lime Fresca, debuting alongside a new decadent Dubai Style Chocolate Pistachio Cookie.
7) Dog Haus Accelerates Global Growth With Entry Into Mexico
Dog Haus has announced a major international expansion with a new development agreement to open 100 locations across Mexico, marking the brand’s first venture outside of the United States. This strategic partnership with The GBS Group aims to bring the concept’s signature gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and burgers to a new global audience while accelerating the company’s overall growth momentum.
8) Get Ready for Tip Off with Applebee’s 50¢ Boneless Wings for To Go Only
Applebee’s is gearing up for basketball season with a limited-time deal offering boneless wings for just 50 cents each on select dates in March and April. This exclusive “To Go” promotion is available for online orders through the Applebee’s website and mobile app, allowing fans to enjoy their favorite sauces from the comfort of their own homes.
9) Happy Joe’s Cuts a Slice of History with New Shop in Old Pueblo
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has officially entered the Tucson market with its newest location in the Old Pueblo, marking a significant step in the brand’s Arizona expansion. This new family-oriented restaurant brings its signature Taco Pizza and diverse menu of creative pies and premium ice cream to local residents in a high-energy dining environment.
10) The Heavyweight Champion Returns: Soulman’s Boss Hog Sandwich Back for a Limited Time
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has announced the limited-time return of its fan-favorite Boss Hog sandwich, a massive creation featuring pulled pork, sausage, and ribs piled high on a toasted bun. This legendary menu item is available at all locations through the spring, offering barbecue enthusiasts a multi-meat experience that remains a cornerstone of the brand’s seasonal offerings.
11) South Block Leads Category in Innovation, Protein-Packed Offerings, and Delivering Value to Guests
South Block has launched a vibrant spring lineup featuring high-protein smoothies and the seasonal Cherry Blossom Smoothie to support wellness and muscle recovery. The brand is also expanding its “Mini Bowls” category to all menu items, providing guests with greater flexibility in portion sizes and value across its 21 locations.
12) Friendly’s Brings Joy to the Table With Fiesta Flavors, Dirty Sodas and 10 Under $10 Value Menu
Friendly’s has introduced a vibrant new seasonal lineup featuring “Fiesta Flavors” like the Taco Burger and a curated selection of trending “Dirty Sodas” to refresh its spring menu. Alongside these innovative additions, the brand is emphasizing affordability with a “10 Under $10” value menu, ensuring guests can enjoy a variety of full meals at a budget-friendly price point.
13) The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Opens New Restaurant in Chandler
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has expanded its Arizona presence with a new location in Chandler, offering the community its award-winning menu of authentic, chef-inspired dishes. This new restaurant provides a modern dining experience featuring classic Mediterranean favorites like savory gyros, souvlaki skewers, and fresh salads made with high-quality ingredients.
14) We Sell Restaurants Names First Maryland Franchise Partner
We Sell Restaurants has officially signed its first franchise agreement in Maryland, appointing Andrea Szabo to lead the brand’s expansion into the greater Baltimore market. This new partnership leveraged Szabo’s unique background in mechanical engineering, economics, and culinary arts to provide specialized brokerage services for the region’s hospitality industry.
15) Krystal Promotes Amanda Hyde to COO
Krystal announced the promotion of Amanda Hyde to the position of Chief Operating Officer, where she will oversee systemwide operations and drive the brand’s national growth strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO of parent company SPB Hospitality, Hyde leveraged her twenty years of industry experience to support the brand’s recent operational turnaround and ongoing expansion into new markets.
16) Moderna Bar & Pizzeria Named One of Ten Best New Restaurants in Austin for CultureMap Tastemakers Award
Just 90 days after its debut, Moderna Bar & Pizzeria has been named one of the ten best new restaurants in Austin as part of the 2026 CultureMap Tastemakers Awards. The West Sixth Street destination achieved this recognition for its signature Heritage Post-Neapolitan pizza and scratch-made Italian menu led by internationally respected pizzaiolo Chef Leo Spizzirri.
17) Chronic Tacos Celebrates National Burrito Day with One-Day BOGO Burrito Offer for Loyalty Members
Chronic Tacos is celebrating National Burrito Day on April 2, 2026, with an exclusive Buy One, Get One Free burrito offer for its loyalty members. Available through the Chronic Tacos App at participating locations, this one-day promotion allows fans to enjoy their favorite proteins like Carne Asada or Al Pastor while sharing the experience with friends and family.
18) Sinfull Brownies Reopens at Las Vegas Ballpark for New Season While Launching National Franchise Sales Initiative
Sinfull Brownies has officially reopened its fan-favorite location at Las Vegas Ballpark for the new season, continuing a four-year tradition of serving decadent, gourmet treats to baseball fans. Alongside the stadium return, the brand has launched a national franchise sales initiative to accelerate its footprint across the U.S. through flexible models ranging from kiosks to food trucks.
19) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Reaches Another Lone Star State Summit With Greater Austin Debut
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has officially entered the Austin market with its newest opening in Manor, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s strategic Texas expansion. This new community-focused location features the chain’s signature crispy, curly pepperoni pizzas and legendary mountain-sized pies in a family-friendly environment designed for local gatherings and sports viewing.
20) Nothing Bundt Cakes Makes Easter Celebrations Easy With Seasonal Flavors and New Gifting Option
Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating the Easter season with the return of its fan-favorite Strawberries & Cream featured flavor and the debut of a new seasonal “Bunny Bundle” gifting option. Available through mid-April, these festive offerings provide guests with a variety of handcrafted Bundt cakes and themed decorations perfect for spring gatherings and holiday celebrations.
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