For generations, these factories helped feed the country and supported thousands of California families. Now, three major food manufacturing closures are leaving entire communities reeling as decades-old facilities go dark. Leprino cheese factory closure ends a long era One of the most impactful closures involves Leprino Foods’ mozzarella production facility in Lemoore. The plant, which had been operating for more than a [...]

For generations, one of the Central Valley’s most enduring industrial landmarks turned gallons of milk into mozzarella for some of America’s biggest pizza chains. Now, that storied role is coming to an end as Leprino Foods, the world’s largest mozzarella producer, winds down operations at its Lemoore East facility, affecting hundreds of workers and underscoring larger shifts in the food manufacturing industry. Leprino Foods [...]

Red Lobster Red Lobster, long known for its seafood platters and cheddar bay biscuits, has seen a significant decline in popularity. Changing consumer tastes toward fresher and more sustainable seafood, along with competition from fast-casual concepts, have contributed to falling same-store sales and multiple location closures following bankruptcy in 2024. TGI Fridays TGI Fridays, once a staple of casual dining and [...]

One of the most recognizable seafood chains in the U.S. has been quietly shrinking over the past decade, closing the vast majority of its locations. Now, a Florida restaurant is the latest to go, highlighting just how much the chain’s footprint has dwindled. Jacksonville Beach location Joe’s Crab Shack on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, closed its doors on January 24, 2026, ending decades of local seafood [...]

Over a quarter of Americans use food delivery apps at least once per week. As this trend has risen, many customers have started asking the same question: Are you actually getting the same amount of food when you order delivery as when you dine in? While restaurants don’t advertise different portion sizes for delivery vs. dining in, the answer is more complicated than it seems. What restaurants say about portions Most [...]

When the wildfires tore through Lahaina, Hawaii, in 2023, countless local businesses vanished overnight, leaving the town’s future uncertain. Now, after nearly two years of rebuilding, one beloved restaurant is approaching its first anniversary of reopening — marking a major milestone in the community’s recovery. Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina – destroyed and rebuilt After being destroyed in the 2023 wildfires that [...]