Costco shoppers have long relied on Kirkland Signature products for value, but 2026 has brought a wave of new additions that are generating buzz among members. From snacks and bakery treats to prepared meals and beverages, Costco continues expanding its popular private-label lineup as it competes with national brands. New snacks and beverages arrive One of the most talked-about launches is the new Kirkland Signature [...]
Beloved Washington bar saved from closure after local neighbor steps in
Just months after announcing it would close for good, Seattle neighborhood favorite Baker's has been given a second chance. The beloved Sunset Hill bar and restaurant will remain open after a local resident stepped in to purchase the business, preserving a longtime gathering place that many feared was lost forever. The unexpected turnaround has been met with relief from regulars who rallied behind the establishment when it [...]
These restaurant chains made remarkable comebacks after bankruptcy
For some restaurant chains, bankruptcy wasn't the end—it was the beginning of a turnaround. While many brands never recover after filing for Chapter 11 protection, others have emerged stronger by cutting debt, reinventing their menus, and winning customers back. Here are a few of the biggest restaurant comeback stories. Applebee's found new life after restructuring Applebee's parent company, Dine Brands Global, faced [...]
New California law ditches dozens of common food labels—and it could save shoppers money
A major change is now taking effect on grocery store shelves across California, and it could affect how millions of shoppers decide whether to keep or toss their food. Beginning July 1, California became the first state in the nation to standardize date labels on most packaged foods, replacing more than 50 different phrases—including "sell by," "best before," and "expires on"—with a simplified system designed to reduce [...]
These restaurant chains are quietly closing locations across the U.S. in 2026
If it feels like more "Closed" signs are appearing outside familiar restaurants, you're not imagining it. While many chains continue opening new locations, several well-known brands are also shrinking their footprints this year as they work to improve profitability and adapt to changing consumer demand. Wendy's plans to close hundreds of restaurants Wendy's has announced plans to close approximately 300 to 350 [...]
Iconic California Mexican chain has closed more than 150 restaurants as footprint shrinks
One of California's most recognizable restaurant brands has dramatically reduced its footprint over the past several decades, with more than 150 locations disappearing as the casual dining industry continues to face mounting challenges. El Torito, the Mexican restaurant chain founded in California in 1954, recently closed its Irvine location, marking the latest chapter in a years-long downsizing effort that has left the [...]
