Food and Beverage
Chipotle Opens 4,000th Restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas — A Big Milestone in the “Little Apple”
Chipotle has opened its 4,000th restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas, featuring a Chipotlane drive-thru pickup lane and new high-efficiency kitchen equipment as the company pushes toward its long-term growth goals.
Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant, located in Manhattan, Kansas, features the brand’s signature Chipotlane and new High-Efficiency Equipment Package.
Chipotle Mexican Grill just hit a major growth marker: the company has opened its 4,000th restaurant, and the milestone location is in Manhattan, Kansas—known locally as the “Little Apple.”
The Dec. 12, 2025 announcement isn’t just a victory lap. It’s also a snapshot of what Chipotle is prioritizing as it scales: digital convenience, restaurant efficiency, and a steady march toward its long-term footprint goals.
A “Little Apple” opening with a “Big Apple” moment
To commemorate the milestone, Chipotle’s executive leadership team and restaurant leaders rang The Opening Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange at 9:30 a.m. ET—a fitting contrast between Manhattan, Kansas and Manhattan, New York.
For a brand that’s built its reputation on “real food” and streamlined operations, the 4,000th opening signals just how far Chipotle has come—and how much bigger it expects to get.
What’s inside Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant
The Manhattan, Kansas location is designed to showcase two key initiatives: Chipotlane expansion and a new High-Efficiency Equipment Package.
Chipotlane: built for digital ordering
The restaurant includes Chipotle’s signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to retrieve digital orders without leaving their cars.
Chipotle has been leaning hard into this format. For full-year 2025, the company expects to open 315 to 345 restaurants, with at least 80% featuring a Chipotlane.
High-Efficiency Equipment Package
The 4,000th restaurant also features Chipotle’s new High-Efficiency Equipment Package, designed to increase throughput, streamline prep, and help teams operate more effectively during peak hours—while maintaining Chipotle’s culinary standards.
The package includes:
- Three-Pan Rice Cooker: supports higher cooking volumes and consistent batching
- Dual Sided Plancha: reduces cook time for steak, chicken, and fajita veggies
- High-Capacity Fryer: improves throughput for fresh chips
- Produce Slicer: automates slicing to streamline prep
In plain terms: Chipotle is investing in equipment that helps restaurants move faster without sacrificing quality.
Executives and local team members celebrate Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant opening in Manhattan, Kansas.
Chipotle’s growth: the numbers behind the milestone
Chipotle says it is now over halfway to its long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
Since CEO Scott Boatwright joined Chipotle in 2017 (then as Chief Restaurant Officer), the company has grown from over 2,300 restaurants to 4,000 locations—a 70% increase in eight years.
Looking ahead, Chipotle expects:
- 350 to 370 new restaurant openings in 2026
- Including 10 to 15 international partner-operated locations
What leadership is saying
Chipotle leaders framed the opening as both a growth milestone and a community moment.
Stephen Piacentini, Chief Development Officer, said the Manhattan, Kansas restaurant is “a celebration of the guests who have asked us to bring Chipotle to their communities,” adding that the location highlights “more convenient access points, sustainable design features and equipment upgrades.”
CEO Scott Boatwright said reaching 4,000 restaurants reflects the strength of Chipotle’s strategic initiatives and its commitment to “Cultivate a Better World,” emphasizing expanded access to responsibly sourced food and new career opportunities for team members.
International expansion: where Chipotle is headed next
Chipotle reports over 100 restaurants outside the U.S., including:
- 75 in Canada
- 28 in Europe
- 11 partner-operated locations in the Middle East
Recent and upcoming international moves include:
- The first Chipotlane outside North America, opened in Kuwait (Bneid Al Gar) through a partnership with Alshaya Group
- A development agreement to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time in 2026 with Alsea
- Planned first openings in South Korea and Singapore in 2026 through a joint venture with SPC Group
The STM Daily News takeaway
Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant opening in Manhattan, Kansas is a milestone—but it’s also a preview of the company’s playbook for the next phase: more locations, more Chipotlanes, and more operational upgrades aimed at speed and consistency.
If Chipotle stays on pace, this “Little Apple” moment may end up being remembered as a midpoint on the way to something even bigger.
Related Links
Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill press release distributed via PRNewswire, Dec. 12, 2025.
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Link: https://stmdailynews.com/now-and-later-candy-history/
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Local Business
Hawaiian Bros Opens First Glenwood, Illinois Location—Grand Opening Set for Feb. 16
Hawaiian Bros opens its first Glenwood, Illinois restaurant Feb. 16 with giveaways for the first 100 customers, VIP events Feb. 14, and island-inspired plate lunches.
Hawaiian Bros Opens First Glenwood, Illinois Location With Grand Opening Giveaways
GLENWOOD, Ill. — Hawaiian Bros is officially expanding its Chicagoland footprint with its first Glenwood, Illinois location, opening Feb. 16 at 18851 S Halsted St (60425).
The island-inspired fast-casual brand is marking the launch with a grand opening celebration starting at 11 a.m. on Feb. 16. Hawaiian Bros says the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt and a gift card ranging from $25 to $500 (with purchase)—and one winner will be selected for Hawaiian Bros for a year.
Ahead of opening day, the company is also hosting VIP events on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hawaiian Bros says first responders, medical personnel, academic staff, students, and local business employees will be treated to a free classic Plate Lunch.
Hawaiian Bros is known for its island-inspired plate lunch—typically chicken or pork with sweet, savory, or spicy sauces, served with macaroni salad and steamed white rice or vegetables. For dessert, the brand highlights its Dole Soft Serve®. The company also emphasizes that it doesn’t rely on freezers or microwaves, focusing instead on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Hawaiian Bros currently operates 70+ restaurants across 14 states and has expanded franchise opportunities since 2023.
What to watch for
- How early the line forms: The first 100 customers get the biggest perks, so timing could be everything.
- Community turnout at VIP events (Feb. 14): Free plate lunches for local groups could drive strong early word-of-mouth.
- Southland fast-casual competition: This opening adds another high-energy, limited-menu concept to the local mix—worth tracking for repeat traffic and reviews.
Learn more:https://hawaiianbros.com/
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Last Updated on February 15, 2026 by Daily News Staff
A Medley of Garden Veggies
(Family Features) If your garden is overflowing, look no further than Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies as a mouthwatering fall side dish. Zucchini, squash, tomato and carrot collide in this shareable dish that’s perfect for autumn get-togethers. Find main dishes to pair with these delicious roasted vegetables by visiting Culinary.net.
Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6- 2 zucchinis
- 2 yellow squashes
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 carrots
- avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Heat oven or grill to 425 F.
- Cut zucchinis, squashes, tomatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Place on lined baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle with thyme and garlic then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake or grill 30 minutes until fork tender.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
Cracker Barrel Welcomes Spring With New Dishes and the Return of Classic Comforts
Cracker Barrel’s limited-time spring menu is available now nationwide, featuring the return of the Ham Dinner, Fried Catfish, Smoky Southern Salmon, new breakfast scrambles, and a Meals for Two deal.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is leaning into what it does best this season: familiar, homestyle comfort—plus a few timely updates designed for spring get-togethers.
In a Feb. 10 announcement from Lebanon, Tennessee, the brand said its limited-time spring menu is now available nationwide, built around returning classics like the Ham Dinner and Fried Catfish, alongside seasonal additions including a refreshed Smoky Southern Salmon and new breakfast scrambles.
A spring menu built around “feels like home” comfort
Cracker Barrel framed the rollout around the idea that guests are looking for places that still feel warm, dependable, and familiar. The company said the spring lineup balances “craveable favorites” with “thoughtful seasonal additions,” keeping the experience rooted in the country hospitality the brand is known for.
“Spring has always been a season of coming together, and that sense of connection is at the heart of who we are,” said Thomas Yun, vice president of menu strategy and innovation at Cracker Barrel. “Our spring menu brings back the flavors guests know and love, while offering new ways to enjoy the comfort and care that make Cracker Barrel feel like home.”
Ham Dinner returns as the seasonal centerpiece
Back by popular demand, the Ham Dinner returns as the headliner of the spring menu. Cracker Barrel said the meal features sugar-cured or country ham, paired with guests’ choice of classic sides—such as Dumplins, Fried Cinnamon Apples, Hashbrown Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, and Mashed Potatoes—plus warm buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
The company positioned the dish as a familiar option for spring gatherings, calling it a comfort meal that generations have grown up with.
Seafood options highlight seasonal cravings
Cracker Barrel is also leaning into a time of year when seafood tends to be top of mind, spotlighting a returning favorite and a seasonal refresh.
- Fried Catfish: Two cornmeal-fried, U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets served with tartar sauce and hushpuppies, plus a choice of two or three classic sides.
- Smoky Southern Salmon: Returning with an updated seasonal recipe featuring a smokier, more savory flavor profile. Guests can order it as an entrée, pair it with shrimp, or choose it as a salad topper.
Breakfast all day, with new scrambles and a sweet favorite
For guests who come to Cracker Barrel for breakfast at any hour, the spring menu introduces two new savory scrambles and brings back a seasonal sweet option.
- Farmhouse Scramble: Bacon, sugar ham, peppers, onions, and Colby cheese over scrambled eggs, finished with diced tomatoes and green onions and drizzled with sweet-and-spicy maple syrup.
- Garden Scramble: Roasted cremini mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, and pepper jack cheese over three scrambled eggs, topped with diced tomatoes and green onions.
- Strawberry Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes: Returning as a dessert-like breakfast option for a sweet start—or finish—to a meal.
Shareables and desserts bring back nostalgia
The spring lineup also includes a new shareable starter and the return of a classic dessert.
- Hushpuppy Dippers: A new, shareable take on the hushpuppies traditionally served with Fried Catfish.
- Carrot Cake: Returning with moist layers baked with coconut, pineapple, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with cream cheese icing and chopped pecans.
Cracker Barrel said these additions are meant to encourage guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy the “simple pleasures” associated with the brand.
“Meals for Two” value deal continues through spring
Cracker Barrel also confirmed its value-focused “Meals for Two” deal will extend through spring. Available all day Monday through Friday, the offer includes two entrées plus a choice of a shareable starter or dessert, starting at $19.99.
According to the company, the dine-in-only promotion runs through May 3, 2026, excludes taxes and beverages, and is not valid for carryout, delivery, online purchases, or with other discounts.
Availability and where to learn more
The limited-time spring menu is available now at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations nationwide. For more information or to find a location, visit CrackerBarrel.com.
About Cracker Barrel
Founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. serves homestyle food and offers retail merchandise across approximately 660 company-owned locations in 43 states. The company also owns the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Company.
For media inquiries, Cracker Barrel provided: Media.relations@crackerbarrel.com.
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