Savory Fund/ Zao Asian Grill and 19 More Dining Establishment Information Headliners of the Past Week

Savory Fund / Zao Asian Grill, Handel’s Ice Cream, CRISP & GREEN, McDonald’s, and Fuse Frozen Co. lead RestaurantNews.com’s Top 20 stories for the week ending August 9, 2026.

1) Savory Fund Invests in Zao Asian Grill – A Category-Defining Brand Built To Go National
Savory Fund has made a strategic investment in Zao Asian Grill to support the fast-casual concept’s expansion into a national brand. The 23-unit chain features custom Asian-inspired bowls, noodles, and wraps, entering this growth phase backed by strong same-store sales performance and a new debt facility to drive store openings.

2) Handel’s Unveils NEW Cheesecake with Biscoff Cookies Ice Cream
Handel’s Ice Cream has partnered with Lotus Bakeries to launch a limited-time Cheesecake with Biscoff Cookies flavor across its national scoop shops. Originally conceived by a California store team, the new creation blends smooth cheesecake ice cream with cookie butter swirls and crunchy Biscoff cookie pieces.

3) CRISP & GREEN Expands Minnesota Presence With Rogers Opening
CRISP & GREEN has expanded its health-forward fast-casual concept with a new opening in Rogers, Minnesota, marking the brand’s 22nd location in its home state. Operated by franchise partner eatSmart Minnesota LLC, the site offers chef-crafted salads, grain bowls, wraps, and functional smoothies to support active lifestyles.

4) McDonald’s Appoints Skye Anderson as President of McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s Corporation has appointed 26-year company veteran Skye Anderson as President of McDonald’s USA, succeeding outgoing executive Joe Erlinger to lead domestic operations. In her new position, Anderson will oversee nearly 14,000 U.S. restaurant locations and lead the execution of the chain’s NEXT corporate strategy to accelerate market performance and growth.

5) Fuse Frozen Co. Eyes New Locations Throughout Southeast
Fuse Frozen Co. is launching a regional franchise expansion initiative to bring its community-focused frozen dessert concept to new markets across the Southeast. Built around a versatile self-serve model, the brand features an array of customizable offerings including frozen yogurt, custard, gelato, and sorbet paired with an extensive toppings bar.

6) Slim Chickens Adds Sweet Heat With New Honey Jalapeño Pimento Sandwich and Wrap
Slim Chickens has added the limited-time Honey Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Sandwich and Wrap to its nationwide menu to deliver a bold blend of sweet and savory flavors. Packed with hand-breaded chicken tenders, house-made honey jalapeño pimento cheese, and fresh toppings, these new items are available across participating locations while supplies last.

7) Smalls Sliders and Drew Brees Team up To Give Back
Smalls Sliders has partnered with NFL legend Drew Brees to release a limited-edition souvenir cup honoring his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. Available as a standalone purchase or combo upgrade at participating locations, a portion of proceeds from each cup directly supports The Brees Dream Foundation.

8) Crisp Days Meet Cozy Bites: Wendy’s Brings Pub-Worthy Fall Flavor with New and Returning Seasonal Favorites
Wendy’s has brought back its fan-favorite Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger to national menus alongside a seasonal Apple Crumble Frosty Fusion dessert. The returning classic pairs a fresh beef patty with warm beer cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, and a toasted pretzel bun, giving fast-food enthusiasts both savory comfort and autumn-inspired sweet treats.

9) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues to Soar With New Store in Newark, New Jersey
The Peach Cobbler Factory is expanding its regional footprint into Newark, New Jersey, bringing its signature lineup of warm cobblers, banana puddings, and baked goods to Essex County. Owned and operated by local franchisee Chad Patel, the new location offers scratch-made desserts, handcrafted milkshakes, and catering services for community events.

10) The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Expands in New Hampshire with Opening of New Restaurant in Epping
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is bringing its modern fast-casual concept to Epping, New Hampshire, expanding the brand’s footprint with authentic Greek cuisine and fresh ingredients. Guests can enjoy house-made gyros, customizable rice bowls, signature sides, and full-service event catering designed to serve the local community.

11) No Passport, No Problem: Sweet Paris is Coming to Cary
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is expanding its footprint in North Carolina with a new location in Cary, bringing its signature Parisian-inspired dining experience to the Raleigh-Durham area. Franchisees Mary and Matt McCosham will serve an array of sweet and savory crêpes, waffles, salads, and specialty espresso drinks in a bright, European-style café setting.

12) Ojos Locos Adds Más Flavor to the Menu with Four New Scratch-Made Selections
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina has expanded its menu with four new scratch-made Latin dishes, including a customizable Burrito Bowl, Carne Asada, Mexicali Shrimp Tacos, and a Mariscos-Style Shrimp Boil. Made to order with premium ingredients, these culinary additions offer guests generous portions and diverse flavor profiles designed to enhance game-day dining across all system locations.

13) Restaurant Growth in 2026 Extends From Second Locations to 19 Units
A comprehensive market report highlights emerging restaurant concepts expanding beyond initial footprints, tracking over 3,000 planned sites in early development stages. The data underscores multi-unit acceleration as rising chains build operational momentum from secondary openings up to 19 locations nationwide.

14) The Peach Cobbler Factory Continues Michigan Expansion With New Ann Arbor-Area Location
The Peach Cobbler Factory is expanding its Michigan footprint into the Ann Arbor area with a new location in Ypsilanti operated by local franchisees Marcus and Sarah Bennett. The sweet-treat destination brings an array of warm cobblers, banana puddings, cinnamon rolls, and handcrafted desserts to local community members and visitors.

15) Teriyaki Madness Delivers a Fiery Twist With New Chili Crisp Edamame
Teriyaki Madness has expanded its appetizer menu with the nationwide launch of Sweet Heat Chili Crisp Edamame. Steamed in the pod and tossed in a sweet-and-spicy chili crisp glaze, this limited-time side dish offers guests a crunchy, flavor-packed addition to their favorite rice bowls.

16) CrabFest Hits the Main Stage at Rock N’ Roll Sushi
Rock N’ Roll Sushi has launched its seasonal Crabfest promotion, introducing a limited-time menu featuring blue crab as the centerpiece. Guests can enjoy new culinary creations including the Blue Crab Roll, Crab Crisp Appetizer, and specialty seafood platters crafted with bold, music-inspired flavor profiles across all participating locations.

17) Jason’s Deli Launches ‘The Great Sandwich Search’ For A Chance To Win Free Sandwiches For A Year
Jason’s Deli has launched “The Great Sandwich Search,” inviting guests nationwide to vote for their favorite classic sandwich recipes for a chance to win free meals for a year. The promotional campaign highlights signature menu favorites while engaging fans through interactive social voting and exclusive rewards app perks.

18) Portillo’s Appoints Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer
Portillo’s has appointed Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer to oversee the brand’s financial operations, accounting, and strategic capital allocation. Bringing extensive executive leadership experience in the restaurant industry, Kalicak will focus on driving sustainable long-term profitability and supporting unit growth nationwide.

19) South Block Brings Good Vibes to Gainesville With 27th Block Opening
South Block is expanding its health-conscious footprint into Gainesville, Virginia, with a new shop serving its signature lineup of acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices. The brand continues to prioritize fresh, plant-based nutrition, bringing accessible wellness options to local residents.

20) Ruby Slipper’s August Menu Brings Banana Bliss and Watermelon Sips to the Table
Ruby Slipper has introduced a new seasonal August menu packed with sweet banana-infused dishes and refreshing watermelon beverages across all locations. Guests can enjoy inventive breakfast and brunch items, including banana pancakes and cooling iced drinks, designed to capture the vibrant flavors of late summer.

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