Oregon diners had to say goodbye to several Portland-area favorites this month, continuing a rough stretch for the state's restaurant scene. Oregon had already seen major food-service losses in recent years, including Cracker Barrel's exit from the state. But this month's closures were more local and more personal. Here are four beloved Oregon restaurants and food spots that closed this month. Hunnymilk in [...]
Texas-based burger chain continues expansion as new locations open across the U.S.
While some restaurant chains are shrinking their footprints, Whataburger is continuing its push into new markets. The Texas-born burger brand has announced additional openings and development plans as it works to bring its signature orange-and-white restaurants to more communities nationwide. Whataburger expands beyond its Texas roots Founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Whataburger spent decades building a loyal [...]
Popular Midwest chain hits major milestone with 1,000 restaurants nationwide
Culver’s has reached a major milestone, surpassing 1,000 restaurants across the United States as the Wisconsin-based chain continues its steady expansion into new markets. The company, known for its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard, celebrated the achievement after growing from a single restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin, to one of the nation's largest fast-casual chains. The first Culver’s opened on July 18, 1984, [...]
Two once-popular restaurant chains shut down for good as final locations close
Restaurant closures are becoming increasingly common, but few developments have been as dramatic as the complete disappearance of two longtime casual dining brands. In 2026, both Smokey Bones and Bahama Breeze announced plans that ultimately resulted in every remaining location either closing or being converted to another concept. Smokey Bones abruptly ceases operations Smokey Bones, the barbecue-focused chain founded in [...]
The 5 weirdest restaurants in Wyoming
Wyoming does not need chain restaurants to create memorable dining. In fact, it is one of only six states without a Cracker Barrel. Instead, diners can eat surrounded by horror-movie monsters, taxidermy, bison herds and more Old West history than most museums contain. Here are five of Wyoming's weirdest restaurants. Little Shop of Burgers in Casper Little Shop of Burgers is a horror-themed restaurant inspired [...]
“Just not worth it”: Cracker Barrel diners share why they’re finally done
“Just. Not worth it.” That was how one frustrated Reddit user summed up a recent Cracker Barrel meal, saying the food no longer felt worth the cost of taking a family out to eat. Cracker Barrel has long built its reputation on comfort food, road-trip nostalgia, rocking chairs, country-store gifts, and a familiar old-fashioned atmosphere. But online, some diners say the restaurant does not feel as dependable as it once [...]
