Ever grab your usual box of cereal, bag of chips, or favorite snack and feel like it’s smaller than last time? That’s not your imagination. Food manufacturers are quietly shrinking packages while keeping prices the same—a practice known as "shrinkflation". Essentially, you’re paying the same amount for less product, and it’s happening across the grocery aisle. Why companies are doing it Rising costs for ingredients, [...]
Dozens of Virginia restaurants have closed — here are the most significant losses
Restaurants across Virginia have continued to close in recent months as rising costs, lease expirations, and shifting consumer habits take a toll on the state’s dining scene. Many of the closures impacted community staples that had been in business for decades, acting as a reminder that even the longest-standing eateries aren’t immune to closing for good. Roanoke One of the most notable closures came in Roanoke, [...]
The Palo Alto restaurant Steve Jobs loved is closing after 36 years
After 36 years as a staple of downtown Palo Alto’s dining scene, the Italian restaurant Il Fornaio is closing permanently. The restaurant, known for wood‑fired pizzas, classic pastas, and elegant yet warm ambiance, will serve its final meals on January 18, 2026. For decades, it was more than just a place to eat — it was a gathering place for locals, tech leaders, and visitors alike. A hub for community and tech [...]
White Claw producer paused operations, laid off 143 workers in New Jersey
In late 2025, the manufacturer behind White Claw Hard Seltzer and other ready-to-drink beverages conducted a substantial round of layoffs at its New Jersey brewery, affecting hundreds of workers and reflecting broader challenges in the alcoholic beverage market. Layoff timeline Mark Anthony Brewing, the company that produces White Claw, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and several other ready-to-drink (RTD) brands, filed a WARN [...]
From factory floors to dining rooms: Michigan workers reeling after food industry layoffs
Over the past six months, Michigan’s food and beverage industry has seen several major layoffs and plant closures, affecting hundreds of workers from production floors to dining rooms. Economic pressures, supply chain restructuring, and operational shifts have driven these impacts across manufacturing and hospitality categories. Historic Muskegon plant closure — Cole’s Quality Foods September-November 2025: Cole’s [...]
Trump signs landmark bill: Whole milk returns to America’s school lunches after nearly 40 years
In a move celebrated by dairy farmers, kids, and parents alike, President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on January 14, 2026, officially allowing whole and reduced-fat milk to return to school meals nationwide. This marks the first time in nearly four decades that students can enjoy milk with its natural fat content in cafeterias — a nostalgic return to the beverage many adults remember from their own [...]
