2025 is behind us now, but for many of the 1,200+ PepsiCo employees who were laid off last year, the trauma of losing their jobs is still fresh. Last year, PepsiCo carried out a series of major manufacturing closures across the United States, resulting in more than 1,200 job losses and signaling a significant shift in the company’s snack production strategy. The closures primarily affected facilities operated by Frito-Lay [...]
One-quarter of Minnesota’s Red Robin restaurants close, leaving fans reeling; more closures expected nationwide
The beloved burger chain Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is shrinking its presence in Minnesota, leaving loyal diners disappointed. The St. Cloud location at 3945 West Division Street permanently closed on October 19th 2025, reducing the state’s Red Robin locations from four to just three — a loss of one-quarter of all Minnesota restaurants. Lease disagreement leads to sudden closure The St. Cloud restaurant, open since 2016 [...]
“Completely surreal”: Cupcake chain abruptly closes all locations, shocking fans across the nation
The beloved bakery chain Sprinkles Cupcakes has unexpectedly closed all of its retail locations and cupcake ATMs across the U.S., ending a 20‑year era in gourmet desserts. The closures took effect on January 1st, 2026 (New Year's Eve was the last operating day), surprising customers, employees, and fans alike, with little prior warning. A pioneer of gourmet cupcakes and cupcake ATMs Founded in 2005 in Beverly Hills by [...]
Another blow to California workers: 368 jobs lost as cheese plant moves production to Texas”
A major cheese manufacturing facility in Lemoore, California is set to permanently close early next year, cutting hundreds of jobs and dealing a blow to the local community. The Leprino Foods ‘Lemoore East’ plant — part of one of the world’s largest mozzarella producers — will cease operations in early 2026. History Leprino’s Lemoore East facility has been open for more than a century. Company officials cite the [...]
“Time to call it”: After 62 years, beloved Texas restaurant closes as aging owners step down
After more than six decades as a beloved community fixture, the Monterey House Mexican Restaurant in Beaumont, Texas, has served its final meals. The iconic Tex-Mex eatery, which has been open since 1963, closed permanently on December 31, 2025, marking the end of a 62-year culinary legacy that introduced generations of Southeast Texans to classic Tex-Mex flavors. Rooted in community history Founded by Bob and Pris [...]
Forget strict diets this New Year — why “add before you subtract” is the healthier approach
Every New Year, millions of people resolve to “eat better,” often by cutting carbs, sugar, or entire food groups. But dietitians (like myself) agree that strict diets rarely last — and for many, they backfire entirely, and can even lead to bigger problems like disordered eating. Instead, aim for a simpler, more sustainable approach for the new year: add before you subtract. Why New Year’s diets often fail Highly [...]
