A fast-casual chain that once hoped to challenge Chipotle in America is now facing a messy legal fight after shutting down its entire U.S. business. For anyone tracking once-packed dining chains that ultimately filed for bankruptcy, this is another reminder that restaurant expansion can unravel fast. Guzman y Gomez, the Australian-born Mexican fast-food chain, closed all eight of its U.S. restaurants last week, ending a [...]
North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s is finally getting built – here’s the latest open date
North Carolina is getting its first Buc-ee's, but drivers will need to wait a little longer than first expected. The Texas-based travel center chain is building its first North Carolina store in Mebane, along Trollingwood-Hawfields Road near the I-40/I-85 interchange. The latest target is now the fourth quarter of 2027, meaning the store is expected to open sometime between October and December 2027, according to recent [...]
A 100-year-old burger chain is finally crossing into Texas
Texas has no shortage of burger opinions, from Whataburger loyalty to In-N-Out debates to the latest fast-casual newcomers. But now the state is getting a first-time fast-food arrival that could spark a completely different kind of burger conversation. White Castle is preparing to open its first Texas restaurant in The Colony, bringing the century-old slider chain to the Lone Star State for the first time. The restaurant [...]
The latest culture war: Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero
The newest divide in America is not political, regional, or generational. It is happening in the soda aisle, where two zero-calorie Coke options have turned into a surprisingly emotional personality test. The debate has gotten loud enough that The Wall Street Journal recently called it an "ice-cold civil war," which feels about right for a fight where both sides are weirdly convinced the other one has terrible taste. On [...]
Major bankruptcy puts about 60 famous California burger chain locations at risk
California’s fast-food shakeout is hitting another familiar burger chain, and fans of once-packed dining chains may recognize the pattern. One of California’s largest Carl’s Jr. franchise operators has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, putting dozens of restaurants under fresh scrutiny as the state’s restaurant industry continues to wrestle with rising costs, declining traffic, and tougher competition. The [...]
Arizona’s first Buc-ee’s finally has an opening date
Arizona is about to get its first real taste of Buc-ee’s, and the wait is almost over. The first Arizona Buc-ee’s is scheduled to open in Goodyear on June 22, 2026, near Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue, west of Phoenix. Arizona’s Family reported that the company has already begun mass hiring ahead of the opening, with jobs including cashier, food service, grocery, gift, janitorial, and maintenance positions. This will [...]
