A major California craft brewery is winding down operations at its longtime home, marking the end of an era for one of San Diego County’s best-known beer destinations. Sapporo USA is closing three facilities in Escondido, California, that were formerly associated with Stone Brewing. The shutdown is expected to affect approximately 220 workers as the company winds down its operations and moves beer production [...]
Restaurant chain backed by Oprah files for bankruptcy, abruptly closes a dozen locations
A popular health-focused restaurant chain is facing a major shake-up after filing for bankruptcy and abruptly closing a dozen restaurants across the country. True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 5 as it works to restructure its business and pursue a potential sale. As part of the restructuring, 12 restaurants permanently closed after serving their final customers on October 4. 12 [...]
After a decade of delays, Boerne Buc-ee’s is finally nearing construction
After years of delays, redesigns and negotiations, the long-planned Buc-ee’s in Boerne, Texas, is finally approaching a point where construction could begin. The project is the latest sign that Buc-ee’s still has room to grow in its home state, even as the chain pushes into new parts of the country. The biggest new development came in late September, when the Boerne City Council approved reimbursement of up to $1.09 million [...]
‘Why are you crapping on loyal customers?’: Starbucks fans balk at another price increase
Starbucks has spent the past year trying to win customers back, a turnaround effort that has included store changes, menu simplification and a broader push to make cafés feel welcoming again. We previously looked at why Starbucks was shrinking, but a fresh Reddit debate suggests another issue is now getting under some longtime customers’ skin: price. In a September 9 Reddit thread with more than 200 upvotes, a customer who [...]
‘I walk away in protest’: Chipotle customers are fighting over portion sizes again
Chipotle is still in growth mode, with plans to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026, but a lively Reddit discussion shows one familiar complaint has not gone away: portion sizes. In a September 24 Reddit thread that drew more than 1,200 upvotes, one customer said a dispute over chicken and extra steak was the “last straw.” The poster claimed an employee shook meat off the serving spoon and, when asked for more, replied, [...]
Lafayette Buc-ee’s finally sets a November groundbreaking date
Lafayette’s long-delayed Buc-ee’s project has a new date to circle. After months of uncertainty around the southern Louisiana store, the company has now set a November 9 groundbreaking ceremony—an important step beyond the status covered in our earlier look at where both Louisiana Buc-ee’s projects stand. The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the future store site near Louisiana Avenue and Interstate 10 in Lafayette. [...]
