Over the past year, California’s food and beverage manufacturing sector has faced a series of significant plant closures and production shutdowns, underscoring ongoing cost pressures, shifting demand, and industry restructuring across the state. From a cheese supplier for many of your favorite pizza brands to Coca-Cola, factories are shutting down in California at an alarming speed. Coca-Cola bottling plant in Napa [...]
High-protein foods are everywhere — dietitians say avoid these 3 popular types
High-protein claims have become a powerful marketing tool across grocery aisles (and at coffee shops), but dietitians caution that some packaged foods promoted for protein benefits deliver far more sugar than consumers realize, which can negate the benefits of the added protein. Here’s a look at three specific protein-enriched foods that dietitians (like myself) suggest avoiding, or at least not reaching for on a regular [...]
Once-packed restaurants now bankrupt: major chains in trouble
The U.S. restaurant industry has faced intense pressure over the past two years, with inflation, rising labor costs, high debt loads, and shifting consumer habits pushing several well-known chains into bankruptcy within the past two years. From casual dining staples to regional favorites, these filings signal a major reset for the sector. Red Lobster Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 after years of [...]
Popeyes closures hit Florida hardest amid bankruptcy turmoil
A wave of closures has hit Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurants across Florida after a major franchisee filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, resulting in the shuttering of a significant number of locations as the company restructures its business. While some locations shuttered in Georgia, Florida accounted for the majority of the closures. Sailormen Inc. bankruptcy impacts Florida outlets Miami-based Sailormen [...]
Chipotle plans to open hundreds of new restaurants in 2026 as drive-thru demand grows
During a February 2026 earnings call, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced plans to open approximately 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026, marking one of the most aggressive expansion efforts in the company’s history as it looks to boost long-term growth. The new locations will be spread across the United States and select international markets, adding to Chipotle’s growing presence even as the restaurant industry faces higher [...]
Popular new California restaurant loses liquor license after multiple complaints
A trendy Westside restaurant is facing an uncertain future after city officials revoked its liquor license, citing repeated complaints from nearby residents and violations tied to its alcohol permit. Beethoven Market, which opened in 2025 in a former neighborhood grocery space near Palms Boulevard, quickly became a destination for diners drawn to its market-style menu and lively atmosphere. However, the restaurant’s rapid [...]
