Record Heat Is Closing Restaurant Kitchens This Summer

Record Heat Is Closing Restaurant Kitchens This Summer

NOAA-tracked weather stations logged more than 1,000 daily temperature records in June 2026 and another 1,400-plus through July 19, with a heat dome in late June and early July exposing more than 200 million Americans to dangerous heat.⁸ Independent restaurants and...
Restaurant Hiring Has Stalled for Three Years

Restaurant Hiring Has Stalled for Three Years

Restaurants and bars shed nearly 33,000 jobs in June 2026, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revised May’s initially reported gain down by 10,300 jobs, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.¹ The industry has added positions at just 0.62% annually...
The FDA Is Phasing Out Food Dyes You Probably Really Need.

The FDA Is Phasing Out Food Dyes You Probably Really Need.

Ten years ago, General Mills announced it was removing artificial colors from its cereals. Consumers pushed back so hard that within two years, classic Trix, the neon-bright version with Red 40 and Yellow 6, was back on shelves. General Mills publicly acknowledged...
Is There Hope for Those of Us Who Still Love Craft Beer?

Is There Hope for Those of Us Who Still Love Craft Beer?

Many of us don’t want craft beer to fail. We’ve spent too many Saturday afternoons in taprooms sampling a flight of beers, then digging into one for the rest of the evening. Looking at the numbers for the business coming out of 2025, it may be hard to stay...