Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Huddle House, and Mountain Mike’s Pizza lead RestaurantMagazine.com’s Top Ten stories for the week ending May 25, 2025.
1) Happy Joe’s Unveils New Prototype Leading to a Record-Smashing Opening on the First Coast
The new Happy Joe’s prototype restaurant opened its doors, and patio garage doors, to a record turnout and shattered sales records, making it the most successful franchise opening in the brand’s 52-year history.
2) Moultrie Huddle House Makes a Smashing Comeback
The Moultrie Huddle House was previously owned by a franchisee who has since retired. The location was then converted to another brand before being reclaimed by Huddle House.
3) Mountain Mike’s Pizza Expands National Footprint With Virginia Development Deal
Three-unit agreement continues Mountain Mike’s rapid growth across the country, expands its coast-to-coast footprint and reinforces its segment position as a national pizza player.
4) The Peach Cobbler Factory Is Coming to DFW International Airport With Two Locations
Slated to debut later this year in Terminal D followed by a second location in the new Terminal C Pier in 2026, these spots will serve the Peach Cobbler Factory’s signature warm peach cobbler, decadent banana pudding, cobbler shakes, and other sweet delights to millions of travelers from all over the world.
5) Sunny Street Café Whips Up Brunch-Worthy Summer Menu
Sunny Street Café is serving up a sunshine-filled summer with a limited-time menu packed with feel-good favorites and a few fun surprises – all designed to make the next breakfast, brunch or lunch visit a little brighter.
6) South Block Taps Industry Veteran Steve Heeley as President
With over two decades of leadership experience at some of the nation’s most recognizable fast-casual brands, Heeley – alongside South Block’s founder and CEO Amir Mostafavi – will guide the concept through its next phase of growth and national expansion.
7) Toastique To Open First Cleveland Location at Orange Village’s Pinecrest This Summer
The new café will serve the brand’s signature lineup of elevated toast creations, smoothie bowls, nutrient-rich cold-pressed juices, and espresso drinks – all within a space that reflects Cleveland’s growing appetite for health-focused, fast-casual dining.
8) Top Restaurants for Outdoor Dining 2025
New research from OpenTable shows that over half of Americans (55%) prefer sitting outdoors to dine when the weather is nice and a dedicated third (34%) would rather brave unexpected weather than surrender their open-air table.
9) Fun Facts About Fast-Food Franchises
Some of the most iconic names in fast-food do so much more than satisfy cravings – they spark nostalgia, serve up quick and affordable meals and bring smiles with fun mascots, timeless menu items and catchy jingles that stay in your head forever.
10) Perkins American Food Co. Honors Veterans With Free Breakfast
Known for its homestyle meals and breakfast-all-day, Perkins is honoring military personnel this Memorial Day with a Free Magnificent Seven Breakfast.