As if California needed any more bad news. After a wave of factory closures that have engulfed the Golden State over the past year... Unfortunately, more hits just keep coming. More specifically, California’s food-manufacturing sector absorbed a major blow this year as the Spreckels Sugar Company shut down its large beet-processing plant in Brawley. The company confirmed that the 2025 harvest would be the facility’s [...]
Massachusetts abruptly loses another factory as economic downturn accelerates
Massachusetts has had a rough year so far, and unfortunately it doesn't look like it's getting any better as we head into the holiday season. After losing far too many factories (and good manufacturing jobs) earlier this year... It looks like the pain is poised to continue. More specifically, Coffee Holding Co. recently shut down its Comfort Foods Inc. roasting and packaging plant in North Andover, at the cost of 76 [...]
Here come the next 3 Wegmans stores — get ready, Pittsburgh and North Carolina
Wegmans is pushing ahead with a fresh wave of expansion, and the next three stores on the horizon are already generating excitement — especially for shoppers in the Pittsburgh region and in North Carolina. According to the company’s updated “Future Store Locations” list, these sites represent Wegmans’ next moves. Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Region) Perhaps the biggest headline is Wegmans’ long-awaited [...]
Troubled Italian chain abruptly shuts down, permanently leaves Illinois
Chicago, IL - The popular Bucktown neighborhood bistro Etta Bucktown has permanently ceased operations, according to an announcement noting that the restaurant served its final meal on Sunday, October 19. It's been a long time coming, though... Etta was beloved because it nailed a few things Chicagoans value. Its wood-fired pizza and comfort-forward menu (e.g. housemade pastas and a fire-baked focaccia served with ricotta [...]
Beloved 42-year-old Pennsylvania chain abruptly shuts down over 20% of locations
Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery, a cherished Pennsylvania restaurant chain known for its colorful bird-themed sandwiches and community-driven spirit, is permanently closing three of its 13 locations, marking one of the most significant contractions in its 42-year history. The shutdowns represent over 20% of the company’s footprint, sending shockwaves through loyal customers across the state. The chain announced that its [...]
Illinois suddenly loses another factory as unemployment crisis spirals
Even leaving aside everything that's been happening in Chicago for the last month... Illinois has had a rough 2025. Factories across the state have been closing as the trade war's impacts decimate American manufacturers in the Midwest... And unfortunately, we now have another loss we can add to Illinois' painful tally. More specifically, Johnsonville recently closed its processing plant in Momence, Illinois, with [...]
