The nation’s largest grocery distributor, United Natural Foods, Inc., is implementing sweeping changes across its network, triggering hundreds of layoffs in Wisconsin, Indiana, and other regions as it restructures its operations. The layoffs are a result of efforts to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Wisconsin distribution center closure cuts 443 jobs (2026) UNFI announced it will shut down its distribution [...]
Another Washington food plant shuts down, leaving 120 workers without jobs
A major food manufacturing facility in Washington is preparing to shut its doors, leaving more than 100 workers without jobs and raising fresh concerns about the stability of the region’s food production sector. (The company is relocating production to another state, which isn't surprising given Washington has the highest minimum wage in the country, and expensive rent in the Seattle area.) Sudden closure hits Kent [...]
Second Colorado Buc-ee’s scrapped after backlash, resignations — here’s why it fell apart
Plans for a second Buc-ee’s travel center in Colorado hit a major roadblock early last month after the Texas-based convenience store chain’s developers withdrew their annexation application for a proposed site in Palmer Lake. The sudden move marks the end — at least for now — of an often contentious effort to bring another supersized Buc-ee’s to the Front Range. Community opposition and legal battles stalled progress The [...]
Jelly Belly announces layoffs at California headquarters as operations shift
Jelly Belly Candy Company has announced a new round of layoffs at its California headquarters in Fairfield, impacting dozens of employees and adding to broader workforce reductions across the food manufacturing industry. The layoffs are planned to begin in June 2026 through early 2027. Dozens of jobs eliminated in Fairfield According to state WARN filings, Jelly Belly will lay off 69 corporate and administrative [...]
If Waffle House is closed, you know it’s bad — and South Carolina just proved it
When Waffle House closes, people tend to take notice—and in South Carolina earlier this year, that’s exactly what happened. Humorously, an informal metric used to determine how bad weather is, known as the “Waffle House Index”, has been featured on national news stations, following dozens of states slammed by winter storms. Rare closures during severe weather Several Waffle House locations across the state temporarily [...]
PepsiCo to eliminate 20% of products, shutters plants amid slowing snack demand
PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies behind iconic brands like Lay’s, Doritos and Pepsi-Cola, is undertaking a major restructuring of its U.S. business as consumer demand softens and cost pressures mount. The moves, announced as part of the company’s 2026 strategic plan, include significant product cuts and multiple facility closures. Streamlining the product lineup In December 2025, [...]
