A viral receipt showing a $24.10 Five Guys order has renewed scrutiny of fast-casual pricing as burger, fries, and drink costs keep rising. The discussion highlights how inflation, labor expenses, and market-by-market pricing are reshaping what diners pay. Continue Reading
Steak ‘n Shake’s shift to self-service kiosks helped stabilize the company, but some longtime customers say the brand’s new operating model has changed the experience that once kept them coming back. Recent company filings and prior executive statements show the transformation is still unfolding. Continue Reading
Iowa’s most unusual restaurants turn local history, roadside scale and themed dining into destinations of their own. From a wrestling burger joint to a lunch counter hidden beneath a parking ramp, these five spots stand out for reasons beyond the menu. Continue Reading
A federal notice and state bag-fee policies are forcing some grocery shoppers to cover small but unavoidable checkout charges separately. The change is most visible for SNAP customers, who still cannot use benefits to pay for grocery bag fees. Continue Reading
Popeyes continues to draw strong demand for its fried chicken, but recent customer feedback has focused on one recurring problem: inconsistent service. Publicly available satisfaction data and company statements show operations remain a priority as the chain keeps expanding. Continue Reading
The FDA has added caffeine labeling to its 2026 regulatory agenda as Celsius and Alani Nu face intensifying scrutiny over how high-caffeine drinks are marketed and labeled. The move follows a Texas investigation tied to concerns about products popular with teens and young adults. Continue Reading
Refresco is permanently closing its Carlisle, Ohio, manufacturing facility, eliminating 63 jobs as the global beverage producer trims part of its U.S. network. State filings show production was set to end in late June, with warehouse work winding down in July. Continue Reading
M. Rivas Supermarket, a family-owned Rio Grande Valley grocery chain that once operated nine stores, closed its final location in Pharr at the end of June 2026. The shutdown ends one of South Texas’ longest-running independent supermarket operations. Continue Reading
SNAP benefits can be used for more than packaged groceries and produce. Federal USDA rules say recipients may also use EBT cards to buy seeds and plants that grow food at home. Continue Reading
Summer party shopping often means buying in bulk, but return policies for perishable foods, bakery orders, and alcohol can be far narrower than shoppers expect. Store rules and state alcohol laws can determine whether leftovers are refundable at all. Continue Reading