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 [...]
Major Pennsylvania beef plant closure to eliminate nearly 1,500 jobs amid cattle shortage
One of the nation's largest meat processors is shutting down a Pennsylvania beef plant later this year, resulting in nearly 1,500 layoffs and highlighting the growing challenges facing the U.S. beef industry. JBS USA announced that it will permanently close its beef-processing facility in Souderton, Pennsylvania in August 2026, according to a WARN notice filed with the state. The closure is expected to affect approximately [...]
Food manufacturing layoffs mount in 2026 as major companies cut jobs and close facilities
The food manufacturing industry is facing another difficult year as several major companies announce layoffs, plant closures and restructuring efforts aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency. From global food giants to iconic American brands, thousands of workers have been affected as manufacturers grapple with changing consumer habits, inflationary pressures and slowing demand in some categories. Nestlé leads the [...]
