A major fast-food franchise operator with more than 100 restaurant locations is now fighting to stay afloat after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid mounting debt and rising operating costs. The filing adds to a growing list of restaurant franchise groups struggling to survive in today’s difficult economic climate. One of Popeyes’ largest franchisees files for bankruptcy Sailormen Inc., a major Popeyes [...]
Popular seafood chain closing iconic Times Square location after 23 years
For more than two decades, one of Times Square's most recognizable seafood restaurants has welcomed tourists and locals in the heart of Manhattan. Now, that chapter is coming to an end as Red Lobster prepares to close the location after 23 years. Red Lobster to close Times Square restaurant Red Lobster has announced plans to close its Times Square restaurant in New York City on June 14, ending a 23-year run in one [...]
Former Chick-fil-A employee accused in bizarre $80K refund scheme
A Texas fast food restaurant is at the center of a fraud investigation after authorities accused a former employee of carrying out an elaborate refund scheme involving one of the chain’s most popular menu items. The case has gained widespread attention online because of both the amount allegedly stolen and the unusual method investigators say was used. Former employee accused of stealing nearly $80,000 According to [...]
Another Texas brewery shuts down as alcohol industry faces major slowdown
For years, it was a small Texas town's go-to gathering spots for cold beer, burgers, and weekend hangouts. Now, another Texas craft brewery is preparing to pour its final pint -- and it's part of a growing trend of closing breweries across the state. A hometown brewery says goodbye Fire Ant Brewing Company permanently closed on May 17 after eight years in business, according to announcements from the owners and multiple [...]
Florida food manufacturing plant closing after nearly two decades, 135 jobs affected
A Southwest Florida manufacturing facility that has produced shelf-stable fruit juice products for schools, health care providers, airlines and other institutional customers is preparing to shut down, resulting in the loss of 135 jobs in Lee County. Peterson Brands, a subsidiary of Michigan-based Peterson Farms, has filed a WARN notice with the state of Florida announcing plans to permanently close its Fort Myers facility [...]
Costco shoppers are seeing major membership changes at warehouses nationwide
Costco members may notice that getting into the warehouse looks a little different than it did just a few years ago. The retail giant has introduced several changes aimed at strengthening membership verification and limiting access to paying members. Membership scanners become the new normal One of the most noticeable changes is the widespread rollout of membership scanners at warehouse entrances. Rather than simply [...]
