Krystal, Cheba Hut, and QDOBA lead RestaurantMagazine.com’s Top Ten stories for the week ending April 20, 2025.
1) Krystal Celebrates Opening of First Location in Tyler
Iconic Southern brand kicks off a new era of growth with strategic expansion into high-traffic, non-traditional spaces.
2) Cheba Hut Blazes into the Heartland with First Stop in Lincoln
Aaron and Andrea Remaklus, the homies behind the expansion, signed an area development agreement in January and are wasting no time amping up brand growth in the Midwest.
3) QDOBA Mexican Eats Opens Newest Restaurant on CSU Pueblo Campus
Aladdin Campus Dining opened the highly anticipated QDOBA, a leading fast-casual Mexican restaurant named by USA Today’s “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” for six years running, on the campus of Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo).
4) Grand Opening Celebration of Holmdel Paris Baguette Café on April 19 as the Brand Continues to Dominate the Bakery Café Space
Paris Baguette is looking to reach the 1,000-unit mark in the U.S. & Canada by 2030 and working to expand through meaningful partnerships with local entrepreneurs who show a genuine interest in uniting their neighbors through connections over fresh baked goods and artisan coffee beverages.
5) National Poke and Boba Franchise Expands to Sierra Vista – Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar Brings its First Location to Arizona
The new Arizona location is now in development, bringing affordable, healthy options to the military-centric community for the very first time.
6) Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ to Open New Location at Burleson Walmart
The Burleson location will feature Crave’s full range of options, including its famed all-beef hot dogs topped with a variety of creative toppings, classic BBQ favorites, as well as breakfast.
7) Golden Corral Favorites to Debut in Southern Pines, NC
Golden Corral, the nation’s go-to buffet for quality, variety and value, will debut its highly anticipated fast-casual concept Golden Corral Favorites – created to meet modern guests’ dining preferences without compromising on the quality and flavors they know and love.
8) Urban Bird Hot Chicken Opens 18th Location in Grand Prairie, With 11 More Scheduled for 2025
Known for its bold Nashville-style flavors, crispy hand-breaded chicken, and loaded fries, Urban Bird continues to spread its wings across Texas.
9) Love Is Sweet for Texas Couple Preparing To Become Mr. & Mrs. Blizzard
When Olivia Morris fell in love with Bradley Blizzard, she had no idea her future last name would lead to a dreamy collaboration with one of the most iconic treats in America.
10) Dave’s Hot Chicken Rolls Out Food Truck; Serves Up Signature Sliders and Tenders at Coachella for Third Straight Year
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s first food truck is owned and operated by Vahe Kallibjian. Vahe’s history with the company tracks back to the company’s original brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2018 where he served as manager, before becoming the founding group’s restaurant developer, and now partner.