Nothing says the Fourth of July quite like hot dogs, burgers, barbecue, ice cream and someone proudly explaining why their potato salad is better than everyone else's. This year, restaurants and food brands across the country are leaning into the holiday with patriotic pricing, freebies, app deals and limited-time desserts. If you are planning your own cookout, these classic Fourth of July foods still deserve a spot on the [...]
Aldi shoppers are seeing major changes at stores nationwide
Aldi shoppers may notice some major changes the next time they visit the discount grocer — and in some markets, the changes may be even bigger than a new item on the shelf. The company is in the middle of a major U.S. expansion, a private-label packaging refresh, and a broader update to the ingredients allowed in its exclusive-brand foods. Some shoppers may simply see new packaging or reformulated products. Others may see a [...]
Iconic chain closes its first Alabama restaurant after more than five decades
Alabama has lost one of its longest-running chain restaurants. The Red Lobster at 1030 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills permanently closed on May 24, 2026, after 54 years in business. Its departure adds another prominent name to the growing list of beloved Alabama restaurants closing their doors. The restaurant opened in 1972 and was reportedly the first Red Lobster location in Alabama. The 9,585-square-foot building [...]
What’s going on with Rodney Scott’s BBQ empire?
Rodney Scott's BBQ went from one of the South's most celebrated barbecue names to one of the restaurant industry's most surprising trouble stories almost overnight. The brand built around James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott has been known for whole-hog barbecue, long lines, national acclaim and locations across several states. But on May 3, 2026, every Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ location closed simultaneously [...]
Is Buc-ee’s coming to Minnesota? Here’s what we currently know
Minnesota does not have a Buc-ee's, and for now, there is no confirmed sign that one is coming soon. Despite speculation and what's going on in Wisconsin. That may disappoint road-trippers who have watched the Texas-based travel center chain push farther into the Midwest. Buc-ee's is known for its giant stores, clean bathrooms, barbecue sandwiches, Beaver Nuggets, branded merchandise and fuel pumps that seem to stretch [...]
The 3 most beloved South Carolina restaurants that shut down this month
South Carolina diners have had to say goodbye to several familiar food and drink spots recently, and each one leaves a different kind of hole. Some closures were tied to business pressures. Some were sudden. Some involved restaurants with national recognition but deep local roots. The losses come during a stretch when beloved South Carolina restaurants have already been disappearing across the state. Here are three [...]
