Taco Bell and 19 More Restaurant News Headliners of the Past Week

Taco Bell, Hubcap Grill, Black Bear Diner, Fluffy Fluffy Pancakes, and Tattle lead RestaurantNews.com’s top stories for the week ending January 14, 2024.

1) Taco Bell Enters a New Value Era With the Launch of the New Cravings Value Menu
Taco Bell unveiled a revitalized Cravings Value Menu featuring a total of 10 craveable menu items and the new, permanent Veggie Build-Your-Own-Cravings-Box taking value and customization to new heights. With this two-in-one value rollout, Taco Bell is putting more on the menu with new customization options to satisfy the masses.

2) Award-Winning Burger Restaurant, Hubcap Grill, is Now Franchising
Hubcap Grill, a burger, fries, and beer joint known for its Legendary Speciality Craft Burgers, has just launched an enticing franchise opportunity available nationwide. The company was founded by Ricky Craig, a Houston native who launched the brand in 2008. Together with co-owner David Mosberg, Craig and his team are working to expand throughout the Texas Triangle. Targeted areas include Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, as well as bordering states Louisanna and Oklahoma.

3 ) Black Bear Diner Finishes 2023 Strong, Plans for 14 New Diner Openings in 2024
Black Bear Diner, one of the fastest-growing restaurant franchises in the country, famous for its abundant portions of home-style comfort food, unique cabin-themed dining experience and exceptional guest service, today announced its plans for growth in 2024 with 14 planned new diner openings. The company will open its doors to at least nine new franchise-owned diners and five new corporate-owned diners.

Fluffy Fluffy Pancakes Continues National Expansion Announcing New Locations Coming to the South

Fluffy Fluffy, a dessert café renowned for its award-winning souffle pancakes, is excited to broaden its footprint in the Southern part of the United States through its industry-leading franchise opportunity. The brand is eagerly anticipating the opening of new locations in the South. Their Frisco, TX location opened on December 16th, and Dallas, TX is set to debut in March 2024. Fluffy Fluffy also has ambitious plans for additional franchised locations, including multi-unit deals in key southern cities including Atlanta, Miami, and Orlando.

5) Tattle Announces Major 2023 Growth Milestones
Tattle, the hospitality industry’s go-to source for customer feedback management and data-focused operational insights, announced a host of significant milestones, capping off a major growth year. With hundreds of brand partners and integrations with best-in-class technology providers, the company maintains its outlook of continued expansion within the next 12 months.

6) Zaxby’s Asian Zensation Zalad and Hand-Rolled Egg Rolls Are Back
Saucy chicken chain Zaxby’s is bringing back its fan-favorite Asian Zensation Zalad and hand-rolled Egg Rolls for a limited time only. The flavorful Zalad features Zaxby’s famous fried Chicken Fingerz or grilled chicken on freshly tossed mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots, and crispy wonton strips, topped with Asian slaw and drizzled with a honey sesame Teriyaki glaze starting at $9.95. The Asian Zensation Zalad is served with citrus vinaigrette dressing plus Zaxby’s hand-rolled Veggie Egg Roll.

7) Fazoli’s Entices Fans in 2024 with All-New Stuffed Shell Entrées
Fazoli’s, America’s favorite fast and fresh Italian chain franchise owned by FAT Brands, is bringing fans cheesy comfort as the new year kicks off with three new Stuffed Shells entrées: Four Cheese Stuffed Shells, Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Shells, and Baked Fettucine and Stuffed Shells Duo. The pasta dishes are available at participating locations through April 1, 2024.

8) Dave’s Hot Chicken Launches Dave’s “NOT” Chicken Cauliflower Sliders and Bites
Dave’s Hot Chicken has gone from scrappy, late-night pop-up to become the fastest growing restaurant chain in the nation. Starting January 8, the brand began hand seasoning and frying up its first new core menu item since the original parking lot pop-up nearly seven years ago, making Dave’s the first national fast casual restaurant to have a Cauliflower sandwich. Dave’s Cauliflower Sliders and Bites are available for a limited time only.

9) Extra with Every Bite for 20 Years: Newk’s Eatery Celebrates with a Taste of the Past
Ever since the first Newk’s Eatery opened in Oxford, Miss., in 2004, the company has operated on the principle that “a little extra effort in the kitchen goes a long way at the table.” With almost 100 locations under Newk’s belt, the brand celebrates its two decades of “Extra with Every Bite” by adding special promotions inspired by customers.