Wahlburgers, Layne’s Chicken Fingers and Golden Corral lead RestaurantMagazine.com’s Top Ten stories for the week ending February 16, 2025.
1) Wahlburgers Hits The Jackpot With Oklahoma Debut
Wahlburgers, the popular restaurant brand founded by brothers Mark, Donnie and Chef Paul Wahlberg, is bringing its signature gourmet burgers, sandwiches and more to Oklahoma for the first time.
2) Layne’s Chicken Fingers To Open Three New Restaurants in February
The Soon to be Famous chicken franchise will open restaurants in Warrenton, Virginia and San Marcos and Tyler, Texas this month, pushing its total open unit count to 24.
3) Golden Corral Reinvents the Buffet with a Digital Overhaul
Golden Corral, the nation’s largest buffet restaurant chain and the only brand in its segment to thrive post-pandemic, is evolving beyond its in-store dining roots with a full-scale technology transformation.
4) Ono Hawaiian BBQ Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Moreno Valley Location
Ono Hawaiian BBQ, the family-owned restaurant known for its fresh, made-to-order Hawaiian-inspired dishes, is reintroducing its Moreno Valley location with a refreshed look just in time for the store’s 20th anniversary.
5) Paris Baguette North America Announces Expansion With First North American Manufacturing Plant in Texas
Paris Baguette, the beloved bakery café franchise known for its artisan, handcrafted pastries and breads, has announced a major milestone in its North American expansion with the construction of its first-ever bakery manufacturing plant in Burleson, Texas.
6) The Watch Kitchen & Spirits to Bring Lowcountry Flavor to Asheville
The Watch will feature distinct bar, restaurant, and lounge areas, including a new private dining room for up to 40 guests, creating a comfortable setting for everything from relaxed lunches to celebratory gatherings.
7) NYC-Based Quick-Service Restaurant Brings Its Signature Belgian Fries and Gourmet Comfort Food to Rockland and Westchester Counties
With a proven concept, a strong brand identity, and a streamlined operational model, Home Frite offers aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to own a business in the booming fast-casual industry.
8) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Will Hold ‘Pizza 4 a Purpose’ Event on Random Acts of Kindness Day
Leading family-style pizza chain to donate $4 from every heart-shaped pizza sold on February 17 to Restaurants Care’s Los Angeles fire relief efforts.
9) Yelp Unveils its 12th Annual Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States
Yelp, the company that connects people with great local businesses, has unveiled its 12th annual list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., showcasing the best dining destinations across the country.
10) Red Lobster Declares This Year’s Lobsterfest the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time
Red Lobster is doubling down on its lobster authority, rolling out 10 mouthwatering dishes alongside the ultimate Lobsterfest upgrade: a Create Your Own option.
