Tag:

Restaurant Industry

Most Popular Fast-Food Chain Revealed For CT, Beyond Most Popular Fast-Food Chain Revealed For CT, Beyond
Most Popular Fast-Food Chain Revealed For CT, Beyond Craving burgers, fries, or fried chicken? A new study reveals the biggest fast-food chain in every state, and the rankings might surprise you. Tasting Table analyzed the most popular and widespread fast-food brands across the country, highlighting the go-to spots from coast to coast. The research ranks each state’s top chain based on store count and popularity. Here’s how the Northeast shakes out: New York: McDonald's  New Jersey: Dunkin’ Connecticut: Dunkin’ Pennsylvania: McDonald’s Massachusetts: Dunkin’ Maryland: McDonald’s Virginia: Chick-fil-A Accor…
Best Diner On Long Island In 2025: Oconee Diner Best Diner On Long Island In 2025: Oconee Diner
Best Diner On Long Island In 2025: Oconee Diner We are thrilled to announce that Oconee Diner has been named Best Diner on Long Island in the 2025 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! Oconee Diner brings decades of experience to the table, with its family behind the business having spent more than 50 years in the restaurant industry, according to its Facebook page. According to the diner’s Facebook page, Oconee Diner focuses on making sure guests feel cared for from the moment they arrive. Congratulations to Oconee Diner! Visit the diner at 749 Montauk Highway in Islip. For more information, check out its Facebook page.
Domino's Pizza Gets First Major Makeover In 13 Years: Here's What's New Domino's Pizza Gets First Major Makeover In 13 Years: Here's What's New
Domino's Pizza Gets First Major Makeover In 13 Years: Here's What's New Domino's Pizza is changing its look for the first time in more than a decade, with updated packaging, brighter colors, and a new jingle. The Michigan-based pizza chain announced its first major brand refresh since 2012 on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The changes will roll out "over the coming months" in the US and a dozen international markets. Customers will see the updates on pizza boxes, employee uniforms, menu boards, and advertising. The refresh introduces sharper shades of red and blue in the Domino's logo, a thicker custom typeface called "Domino's Sans," and black-and-gold boxe…
Rutherford Dad, Restaurateur, Realtor Charlie Diehl Dies Unexpectedly At 45 Rutherford Dad, Restaurateur, Realtor Charlie Diehl Dies Unexpectedly At 45
Rutherford Dad, Restaurateur, Realtor Charlie Diehl Dies Unexpectedly At 45 The sudden death of a North Jersey dad, realtor, and restaurateur is spreading shock through the community. John “Charlie” Diehl died unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 15. He was 49 years old. GoFundMe photo Diehl, who lived in Rutherford with his wife Mimi and their daughters, was remembered for the impact he made both personally and professionally. He worked as a realtor and trained with his Brazilian jiu-jitsu family at Notorious MMA, who described themselves as “heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and teammate.” “More than just a training partner, Charlie was a devoted h…
Cracker Barrel Scraps Restaurant Makeovers After Right Bashes 'Woke' Rebrand Cracker Barrel Scraps Restaurant Makeovers After Right Bashes 'Woke' Rebrand
Cracker Barrel Scraps Restaurant Makeovers After Right Bashes 'Woke' Rebrand Cracker Barrel is stopping its controversial makeover after weeks of fierce pushback from conservatives who made the chain their latest target in the "anti-woke" movement. The planned remodeling of Cracker Barrel's 660 restaurants has been suspended, the Tennessee-based company announced on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The move comes two weeks after the chain abandoned its plans to use a redesigned logo without its Uncle Herschel mascot. Only four restaurants were remodeled, with many fans saying the changes took away from Cracker Barrel's country charm. "We heard clearly that the modern remodel…
Cracker Barrel Makeover Blasted As 'Woke' By Conservatives, Petitions Call For Boycott Cracker Barrel Makeover Blasted As 'Woke' By Conservatives, Petitions Call For Boycott
Cracker Barrel Makeover Blasted As 'Woke' By Conservatives, Petitions Call For Boycott Cracker Barrel's push to modernize has sparked fierce criticism, as the restaurant chain is the latest brand to be labeled "woke" by conservatives The Tennessee-based company, known for its rustic country stores and Southern meals, unveiled its first new logo in nearly 50 years on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The logo drops the familiar man-and-barrel image for a simpler design as part of a broader remodel and menu refresh. Right-wing figures like Donald Trump Jr. have criticized the changes. "WTF is wrong with @CrackerBarrel??!" the President's son tweeted on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Florida R…
Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows
Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows The return of the McDonald's Snack Wrap has spiced things up for the chain after it suffered a sharp sales decline as Americans cut back on restaurant spending. The snack wrap returned to US menus on Thursday, July 10. On that day, McDonald's saw a 15% jump in foot traffic compared to an average day in 2025, and an 11.4% jump compared to a typical Thursday, according to Placer.ai. The surge continued into the weekend, with a 22.3% traffic rise on Friday, July 11, compared to an average 2025 day. "After nine years of pent-up demand, fans showed up in full force to celebrate the re…
Trendy Hot Chicken Chain Started In Parking Lot Sold After Passing $600M Sales Mark Trendy Hot Chicken Chain Started In Parking Lot Sold After Passing $600M Sales Mark
Trendy Hot Chicken Chain Started In Parking Lot Sold After Passing $600M Sales Mark A private equity giant is buying a hot chicken restaurant chain that grew from a parking lot to an international brand that's very popular on TikTok. Roark Capital has purchased a majority stake in Dave's Hot Chicken, the restaurant said in a news release on Monday, June 2. Dave's said the sale will help the Los Angeles-based chain grow to more than 400 restaurants worldwide by the end of 2025. The company said it'll remain committed to delivering an "exceptional experience" for customers, employees, and franchise partners. "This is one of the great entrepreneurial journeys …
Bahama Breeze Suddenly Closes 15 Locations: Here's Where Bahama Breeze Suddenly Closes 15 Locations: Here's Where
Bahama Breeze Suddenly Closes 15 Locations: Here's Where Bahama Breeze has suddenly shut down more than a third of its restaurants across the United States, with 15 locations quietly closed this week, according to multiple reports. The closures span 11 states, including Florida, New Jersey (Woodbridge, Toms River, Paramus, Wayne), New York (Lake Grove), Illinois, Massachusetts (Tyngsborough), Michigan, Nevada, and Tennessee, according to USA Today. In a statement to CNN, parent company Darden Restaurants said the closures were “the right decision because it will allow Bahama Breeze to focus on its highest performing restaurants and strengthen the…
On The Border Finds Buyer After Tex-Mex Restaurant Chain Declared Bankruptcy On The Border Finds Buyer After Tex-Mex Restaurant Chain Declared Bankruptcy
On The Border Finds Buyer After Tex-Mex Restaurant Chain Declared Bankruptcy A Texas restaurant company is set to buy On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina after the Tex-Mex chain filed for bankruptcy, closing more than 70 locations – including more than a dozen in the Northeast. Pappas Restaurants won an auction for On The Border, the Houston-based group said in a news release on Wednesday, May 7. The deal needs court approval and is expected to be finalized "in the coming weeks." The price wasn't mentioned in Pappas' announcement. The company previously submitted a $15.9 million stalking horse bid to buy On The Border, FSR Magazine reported in A…
The Ground Round Returns To MA, Promising 'Great Food And Unforgettable Memories' In Shrewsbury The Ground Round Returns To MA, Promising 'Great Food And Unforgettable Memories' In Shrewsbury
The Ground Round Returns To MA, Promising 'Great Food And Unforgettable Memories' In Shrewsbury A nostalgic favorite in family-friendly dining has officially returned to Massachusetts. The Ground Round in Shrewsbury is now offering limited dinner service, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page. It's located at 271 Grafton Street, in the former home of a Chinese-Japanese restaurant named Bauhinia. A grand opening celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 30. "First few days have been incredible, thank you to all who stopped in this weekend," The Ground Round posted on Monday, April 7. "Fish & Chips and Steak Tips were flying out of the kitchen!" The bar is open for walk…
New Peruvian Restaurant Brings Bold Flavors, Family Feel To Watervliet New Peruvian Restaurant Brings Bold Flavors, Family Feel To Watervliet
New Peruvian Restaurant Brings Bold Flavors, Family Feel To Watervliet The Capital Region’s newest restaurant is a passport to Peru. Quechua Peruvian Restaurant, located at 1297 Broadway in Watervliet, celebrated its grand opening on Thursday, March 20. Under the direction of husband-and-wife owners Edith and Oscar Geronimo–who also run Greenbush Salsa Latina–the eatery bills itself as a celebration of classic Peruvian cuisine with vibrant nods to Japanese, Spanish, and Italian influences. With more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, the Geronimos are bringing the rich, diverse flavors of Peru to Watervliet in a setting that feels more like a family d…
Red Robin May Close Dozens Of Struggling Restaurants: Here's What We Know Red Robin May Close Dozens Of Struggling Restaurants: Here's What We Know
Red Robin May Close Dozens Of Struggling Restaurants: Here's What We Know Red Robin may soon serve its last burgers and orders of bottomless steak fries at dozens of locations nationwide. Red Robin is considering closing up to 70 underperforming restaurants, the chain revealed in its latest earnings report. The announcement came after Red Robin posted a $77.5 million net loss in 2024. One restaurant already closed during the fourth quarter, the Colorado-based company said. "While financial results for 2024 fell well below our original expectations, we've made substantial improvements to the guest experience and believe we still have a significant …
Popular Restaurant Chain To Place Surcharge On Each Egg Sold: Here's How Much Popular Restaurant Chain To Place Surcharge On Each Egg Sold: Here's How Much
Popular Restaurant Chain To Place Surcharge On Each Egg Sold: Here's How Much A well-known restaurant chain is making a change that may leave customers scrambling. Regulars stopping in for their usual orders at Waffle House will soon notice a small but significant addition to their bill. Waffle House, known for its affordable, around-the-clock breakfast offerings, is implementing a 50-cent surcharge per egg due to skyrocketing egg prices caused by an ongoing avian influenza outbreak.  The surcharge, which applies to all egg-based menu items, is what it calls a temporary measure as the chain navigates higher costs. “Customers and restaurants are being…
Fast-Growing Charcuterie Brand Expands In Bergen County With Haworth Shop Fast-Growing Charcuterie Brand Expands In Bergen County With Haworth Shop
Fast-Growing Charcuterie Brand Expands In Bergen County With Haworth Shop A fast-growing charcuterie brand is bringing its gourmet grazing boards to a new part of Bergen County. Graze Craze, known for its artfully crafted charcuterie spreads, has opened at 160 Terrace Street in Haworth. This is the chain's third New Jersey location and it has more than 60 nationwide and internationally. The shop is owned by Jenny Jee, a restaurant industry veteran who turned her passion for fresh, high-quality food into a full-time venture. "I'm thrilled to offer something new to the community that brings people together to create memories over good food," Jee said. Graze Craze…
NY Has Nation's Second-Best Food Scene, Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why NY Has Nation's Second-Best Food Scene, Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why
NY Has Nation's Second-Best Food Scene, Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why Three states in the Northeast stood out in a nationwide study for their vibrant food scenes. New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey were ranked in the top 10 by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. While Hawaii easily claimed the top spot in the annual food scene rankings, New York scored high enough to earn second place. The study, which analyzed factors like restaurant spending, jobs, and independent eateries, highlighted these states for their vibrant food cultures and economic contributions. "Usually when we think of a restaurant "scene," we think on the small scal…
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Rising costs and shifting priorities are reshaping how Americans approach dining out.  Reports reveal a notable decline in restaurant visits, particularly among middle-class families and younger generations. Here are key factor driving the decline: Rising Menu Prices: Inflation has notably driven up the cost of dining out significantly. According to Yahoo Finance’s “6 Reasons the Middle Class Can’t Afford To Dine Out Anymore,” soaring food prices have left many consumers rethinking their restaurant habits. Economic Pressures: Broader inflationary trends are squeezing househo…
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul New Yorkers can now enjoy fairer access to coveted restaurant reservations. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 19, prohibits third-party reservation platforms from arranging reservations without a restaurant's consent. The platforms often charge consumers additional fees, creating a costly “black market” for popular dining spots and making it harder for diners to secure tables without paying a premium. “We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the …
PA Brewing Co. Owes $184K After Tip Investigation: Feds PA Brewing Co. Owes $184K After Tip Investigation: Feds
PA Brewing Co. Owes $184K After Tip Investigation: Feds Sly Fox Brewing Company owes over $184,000 in back wages, damages, and penalties after federal investigators found the company unlawfully withheld tips from employees, the U.S. Department of Labor announced on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The Wage and Hour Division's investigation revealed that managers at Sly Fox’s Pittsburgh Taphouse at the Point and Pittsburgh Brewery at the Highline were allowed to participate in the restaurant’s tip pool—an action prohibited under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Federal law bans employers or managers from keeping tips for any reason, and such violations nul…
Winning $1M Lottery Scratcher Sold At Severn Liquor Store Winning $1M Lottery Scratcher Sold At Severn Liquor Store
Winning $1M Lottery Scratcher Sold At Severn Liquor Store An otherwise mundane day turned into a memorable one for a Maryland man who had a hunch, made a pit stop at an area liquor store, and picked up a winning $1 million scratcher. The man told Lottery officials in Baltimore that he was driving past Severn Liquors in the 8200 block of WB&A Road in Severn when he had a hankering to try his luck on a scratch-off ticket. "I just had a hunch," he mused. That urge turned out to be fortuitous for the Anne Arundel County man, who purchased a $20 Millionaire's Club ticket, because he "liked the look of the game" and because it was relatively n…
Newark Restaurant Fined $168K For Failing To Pay Workers In Overtime Newark Restaurant Fined $168K For Failing To Pay Workers In Overtime
Newark Restaurant Fined $168K For Failing To Pay Workers In Overtime A New Jersey restaurant owes more than $168,000 after failing to pay employees for overtime labor, federal officials said. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,  Swahili Village Bar and Grill in Newark willfully failed to pay 84 servers, cooks, and bussers overtime pay when they worked more than 40 hours in a workweek, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. “Restaurant industry workers too often fall victim to employers who shortchange their wages and deprive them of their hard-earned wages,” said Wage and Hour District Director Paula Ruffin in Mountainside, New J…
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Buca di Beppo is Buca di bankrupt. The popular Italian eatery chain announced it had filed for Chapter 11 this week and would close several underperforming locations, including restaurants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.  Like many other restaurant chains, Buca di Beppo said the business hadn't bounced back since the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer spending is lower than expected, and supply costs remain high, according to court documents. It's a common tale for several "fast-casual" dining restaurants that have failed to thrive in recent years.   Revenue for…
'And That Is Long Enough:' Family Announces Plans To Sell NJ Restaurant After 75 Years 'And That Is Long Enough:' Family Announces Plans To Sell NJ Restaurant After 75 Years
'And That Is Long Enough:' Family Announces Plans To Sell NJ Restaurant After 75 Years A Sussex County restaurant is celebrating its 75th year in business — "and that is long enough," the owners said. The owners of the Walpack Inn, located in Walpack Township, are working toward selling the restaurant as they work toward retirement. We are taking reservations for Father’s Day, Sunday June 19th! Visit www.walpackinn.com/reservations to book your table... Posted by The Walpack Inn on Sunday, June 12, 2022 In a statement posted to Facebook, Jim Heigis, his wife, Lee, and their daughters Lara and Jenny said:  "We would like to thank our many friends and l…
High School Teacher, Coach In Maryland Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor, Police Say High School Teacher, Coach In Maryland Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor, Police Say
High School Teacher, Coach In Maryland Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor, Police Say A 38-year-old teacher in Maryland has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor, police announced on Sunday. On Friday, Carlos Arroyo was arrested by detectives with the Baltimore County Crimes Against Children Unit following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a juvenile, according to authorities. Arroyo is a teacher at Randallstown High School, police noted. Randallstown High School Google Maps street view He has been charged with two felonies, which include sexual abuse of a minor and third-degree sexual offense, as well as two misdemeanor offenses. …
Closed Jersey Shore Pizzeria Returning In New Location With 'Some Insane Upgrades' Closed Jersey Shore Pizzeria Returning In New Location With 'Some Insane Upgrades'
Closed Jersey Shore Pizzeria Returning In New Location With 'Some Insane Upgrades' A recently shuttered Jersey Shore pizza shop is getting a second chance at serving slices a few miles down the coast. Bakeria 1010 will reopen at 955 Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, owner Mike Fitzick posted on Instagram on Friday, Apr. 19. The pizzeria was located in The Exchange on New Road in Linwood and closed in February 2023. Fitzick, who also goes by the nickname "The Pizza Jew," said he's excited to revive the restaurant from a "pile of ashes." "The new venue will be in a local spot, yet slightly seasonal as well," wrote Fitzick. "Expect all your old favorites and clearly so…
CT Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business: Here's When CT Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business: Here's When
CT Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business: Here's When A Connecticut restaurant that has been a fave of many has announced it plans to close this week due to financial issues. New Haven County's Eli's Orange, located on Boston Post Road, has served American-style pub food and drinks for the past 10 years. The restaurant says it is "sad to announce we will be leaving this wonderful community." The restaurant, known for its wings, quesadillas, and craft cocktails, will celebrate its last day on Sunday, April 28, with customers from 3 to 6 p.m. with a special "thank you celebration." The restaurant said owners, managers, and employees will be pre…
Asian Restaurant Closes 3 Locations In Somerville, Boston, Woburn: Report Asian Restaurant Closes 3 Locations In Somerville, Boston, Woburn: Report
Asian Restaurant Closes 3 Locations In Somerville, Boston, Woburn: Report Grainmaker, a popular chain of Asian restaurants has closed all of its locations, according to a new report.  Boston Restaurant Talk said they received a tip about the closures in Somerville's Davis Square, Downtown Crossing in Boston, and Woburn Village in Woburn on Monday, March 25.  Calls to the restaurants go unanswered, the social media accounts for each location have been removed, and the websites no longer exist.  Google and Yelp list all of the locations as permanently closed as well. It's unclear what led to the closings, or what day they shuttered.  …
Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character' Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character'
Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character' Michael Tarsitano, a former co-owner of the restaurant claiming to be "Atlantic City's oldest pizza joint," has died, the pizzeria said. Tarsitano died on Monday, Jan. 8 at 67 years old, according to a Facebook post by Tony's Baltimore Grill.  "There is an incredibly high chance that if you ate a pizza at Tony’s, it was under the direction of Michael and his family," the Atlantic Avenue restaurant said on Facebook. "We send love and light and healing from all of us at the Baltimore Grill." It is with profound sadness that we announce the following. On Monday, January 8th, Mic…
Popular Restaurateur Opening Englewood Tequila Bar With 'Modern Twist' Popular Restaurateur Opening Englewood Tequila Bar With 'Modern Twist'
Popular Restaurateur Opening Englewood Tequila Bar With 'Modern Twist' A North Jersey restauranteur is expanding his empire with a tequila bar in Englewood. Ariel Espejo is opening Mexcal Tequila Bar at 24 N Van Brunt St. in the city sometime in February. Espejo, who runs Bent Hospitality with his partner, Michele Bittan, also runs Vida Garden, El Tango, Hidden Garden in Englewood and Tengo Steak in Moonachie.  Mexcal Tequila Bar will offer almost 80 different kinds of tequila, along with Mexican cuisine like tacos, enchiladas while a DJ will be on hand during the weekend. Espejo felt Englewood was missing an establishment like Mexcal. "It's a convenient loca…
$4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market $4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market
$4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market House hunters have a rare opportunity to own a piece of culinary history. Saratoga County’s Villa Balsamo – located in Saratoga Springs at 2255 Ballston Avenue – is currently the county’s most expensive home on the market at $4.3 million. Built in 1929, the 14-acre estate was opened to the public as a restaurant in 1976, regularly welcoming in hungry travelers heading to Saratoga Race Course on Route 50. The restaurant closed after the 2017 season and the property has been for sale since July 2023. The main staircase at Villa Balsamo. eXp Realty “Nestled in the picturesque Saratoga S…
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report An analysis of orders from diners across the US in 2023  by Grubhub has uncovered the biggest food and beverage trends of the year. Spoiler alert: Spice is nice. In 2023, over 53 million items were ordered with added spice, the report on deliveries says.  Classic favorites like Sriracha (a sauce made from chili peppers) were added over 91,000 times, and buffalo chicken wings came in first as the most ordered wing flavor followed by lemon pepper, BBQ, teriyaki and garlic parmesan. The report notes that in 2023 diners enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zones and break…