The grocery industry has faced another challenging year as retailers adapt to shifting shopping habits, inflation, and rising operating costs. While many chains continue to expand in select markets, others are trimming underperforming stores to improve profitability. Here are the three grocery chains that have announced the largest waves of store closures in 2026. 1. Kroger: About 60 stores Kroger leads the list after [...]
“People were yelling, people were crying”: Major beef producer abruptly closes Illinois plant, leaving 2,500 without jobs
Tyson Foods has abruptly shut down one of its major beef processing plants in Illinois, eliminating thousands of jobs as the meat giant restructures its beef business amid a historic cattle shortage. The closure is expected to have an impact well beyond the plant itself, with local cattle producers and businesses also facing uncertainty. Joslin plant closes immediately Tyson announced August 13 that it would end [...]
Chipotle is using AI to hire employees faster—here’s how
Hiring workers has long been one of the biggest challenges for restaurant chains, especially during busy seasons when thousands of new employees are needed in a matter of weeks. To speed up the process, Chipotle has turned to artificial intelligence—and the company says the technology is already making a noticeable difference. Meet "Ava Cado" Chipotle introduced an AI-powered virtual hiring assistant called Ava Cado, [...]
3 of the oldest California restaurants to close down recently
California's restaurant industry has experienced no shortage of closures, but a handful have been especially heartbreaking because of their history. These longtime establishments survived wars, recessions, and changing dining trends—only to close their doors in the face of today's economic pressures, redevelopment, and operational challenges. Cole's French Dip closes after 117 years One of California's most historic [...]
The top 3 restaurant bankruptcies that shook the industry in 2026
The restaurant industry has faced another turbulent year as inflation, rising labor costs, and changing consumer spending habits continued to pressure operators. While many chains quietly closed underperforming locations, a handful sought bankruptcy protection in hopes of restructuring—or, in some cases, winding down operations entirely. Here are three of the biggest restaurant bankruptcies of 2026. 1. FAT Brands FAT [...]
Popular burger chain quietly closes these restaurants across the U.S. in 2026
Five Guys remains one of America's most recognizable burger chains, but the company has quietly reduced its U.S. footprint throughout 2026. While the brand continues operating more than 1,500 restaurants worldwide, at least 14 locations have closed or are scheduled to close this year, with California experiencing the largest number of shutdowns. The closures span multiple regions and appear to reflect individual [...]
