Teriyaki Madness, Paris Baguette, Melting Pot, Nick the Greek, and Half Baked Goodness lead RestaurantNews.com’s top stories for the week ending May 12, 2024
1) Teriyaki Madness Sets Its Sights on California for a Wave of Franchise Growth: It’s About To Get Saucy in the Golden State!
Teriyaki Madness, the wildly popular Seattle-style teriyaki shop franchise, is bringing its big bowls and even bigger flavors to the Golden State, with a particular eye on Northern and Central California. TMAD currently operates 17 shops across California, with 11 locations stretching from San Diego to Bakersfield and another six from Sacramento to Marina.
2) Paris Baguette Named Top 500 Chain Restaurant by Technomic, Climbing Nearly 30 Spots From 2023 Ranking
Paris Baguette, the global bakery café franchise with over 4,000 locations, has been ranked No. 133 on Technomic’s 2024 Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report, climbing nearly 30 spots from its 2023 ranking of No. 162. The food service insights company evaluated the sales volumes, unit counts, forecasted growth and percent change for both sales and unit counts of top-performing brands nationwide.
3) Melting Pot Recognized as Top 500 Chain Restaurant by Technomic
This year, Melting Pot has already captured the attention of well-aligned franchisees, signing new deals in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bentonville, Arkansas, alongside other developments in Reno, Nevada, and Fresno, California. Now it’s caught the attention of industry leaders and has been ranked No. 189 on Technomic’s 2024 Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report.
4) Greatest Fast-Food Flops of All-Time
Iconic fast-food menu items like Burger King’s Whopper and McDonald’s Big Mac have become symbols of American fast-food culture and have helped brands become hugely successful. But these winning menu items don’t come along every day. In the quest to innovate, fast-food brands have made some notable failures.
5) Nick the Greek Expands San Francisco Bay Area Footprint With Pinole Opening
Nick the Greek, a West Coast-based chain serving up authentic Greek street food, is excited to announce the opening of its Pinole, California, restaurant. The new location is owned and operated by first-time franchisee Sarina Escalante.
6) Cookie Franchise, Half Baked Goodness, Announces Four New Locations for Texas
Half Baked Goodness, the cookie franchise known for its large, warm, gooey cookie goodness, has just announced four new locations coming soon to Texas. The company will soon be opening its newest stores in College Station, The Woodlands, Birnham Woods, and Heights.
7) New Boba Cucue Franchise Locations Coming Soon to Austin, Texas
Largest boba tea house in Arizona, Boba Cucue, known for its fantasy-like atmosphere, cute custom merch, fresh fruit cold brew teas, sweet treats, and more, will soon be available in Austin, Texas thanks to a multi-unit franchise agreement signed this month by a new group of franchise partners.
8) Cupbop Announces Continued Growth and Innovation in Quarter One of 2024
Cupbop, the nation’s first fast-casual Korean Barbeque in a cup concept, has announced a strong first quarter of 2024, marked by continued franchise growth, menu innovation, and a focus on operational excellence within the leadership team.
9) Cracker Barrel Launches Flavor Packed Summer Menu Featuring Exclusive New Bee Sting Fried Chicken, Plus More
Just in time for the kick-off to summer, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced new seasonal menu items including Bee Sting Chicken Tenders and Bee Sting Chicken Sandwich, available now through Aug. 4. Featuring a new house-made sauce, with a flavor that’s a delicious balance of heat and honey sweet.
10) Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Launches New Rewards Program
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is making it even easier for their loyal guest to earn FREE pit-smoked barbecue with its new and improved Big Yellow Cup Rewards program. The Texas-style barbecue brand has launched their upgraded Big Yellow Cup Rewards Program that is full of delicious enhancements.
