Four beloved Portland restaurants have suddenly shuttered their doors, adding to mounting fears that the city’s once-vibrant food scene is sliding into an urban “doom loop” of closures, vacancies, and economic strain. This mirrors economic issues in the city writ large such as an unemployment rate that’s moved up to 5.4% and issues with housing affordability. Over just the past several weeks, four distinctly Portland [...]
Major pizza chain shuts down 500 restaurants in major decline
The take-and-bake pizza brand Papa Murphy’s has quietly shuttered hundreds of locations in recent years — part of a sweeping contraction under its parent company MTY Food Group — signaling serious challenges for the four-decade-old chain. A factory-style drop in store count A recent report confirmed that Papa Murphy’s has closed roughly one-third of its units since the end of 2016. According to franchise disclosure [...]
Sober October goes viral across the USA — and It’s creating a new kind of happy hour
Across the U.S., millions are putting down their drinks for Sober October — a 31-day challenge that’s quickly becoming one of the biggest wellness trends of the year. But this year, it’s not just about giving up alcohol. It’s about replacing it — and the alternatives are booming. From “sleepy girl” mocktails to magnesium seltzers and adaptogenic tonics, a whole new category of beverages is suddenly taking center [...]
Utah’s “oldest continually operating restaurant” could be coming back
A piece of Utah history that seemed lost forever may soon make a comeback. The Idle Isle Café, located in downtown Brigham City, was long considered Utah’s oldest continually operating restaurant — a Main Street staple that had been serving locals and travelers since 1921. There were a few ownership changes over the years, but for more than a century, the cozy café dished up comfort classics – think country fried steak, [...]
After 102 Years, Mississippi’s Oldest Restaurant Suddenly Closes — Here’s Why
After more than a century of serving hot plates and hometown comfort, one of Mississippi’s most beloved landmarks has gone dark. The Coney Island Café in Hattiesburg — a family-owned diner that first opened its doors in 1923 — officially shut down in February 2025, marking the end of a 102-year run that spanned four generations of the family owners. For locals, the news hit hard. The small café wasn’t just another [...]
These 3 historic Colorado restaurants have been serving locals for over 100 years
Colorado is known for its craft breweries, mountain resorts, and trendy restaurants. But some places have been serving locals long before the foodie boom. A few historic restaurants have stood the test of time, welcoming generations of Coloradans and visitors. Here are three that have been open for over a century. 1. Buckhorn Exchange – Denver (Established 1893) If any restaurant deserves to be called a Colorado [...]
