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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 …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
MA Has Top 10 Food Scene In U.S., Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why MA Has Top 10 Food Scene In U.S., Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why
MA Has Top 10 Food Scene In U.S., 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…

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by Chris Spiker
Lifestyle
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
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…

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by Josh Lanier
Lifestyle
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Wahlburgers Expanding To Connecticut With New Location At Foxwoods Resort Casino Wahlburgers Expanding To Connecticut With New Location At Foxwoods Resort Casino
Wahlburgers Expanding To Connecticut With New Location At Foxwoods Resort Casino Wahlburgers, a restaurant chain founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Chef Paul Wahlberg in Massachusetts, is set to open a new location in Connecticut. Foxwoods Resort Casino, located in New London County, said in an announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 3, that a new Wahlburgers restaurant will open at the hotel and casino complex next summer. Wahlburgers at Foxwoods will be the brand's only Connecticut location. Foxwoods is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard in Ledyard. “The addition of Wahlburgers signifies yet another exceptional property moment as we continue our mission to elevate the…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts The sexual misconduct trial of celebrity chef Mario Batali, who has run restaurants in New York and Connecticut -- in Westchester and Fairfield counties -- is underway in Massachusetts. On Monday, May 9 in Boston, a woman testified that Batali, age 61, kissed and groped her while attempting to take a selfie at a Massachusetts restaurant after the chef waived his right to a jury. Related story - Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali Now Under Investigation By NY AG Instead, a judge will decide Batali’s fate at the conclusion of the trial, where proceedings are expected…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best
Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best A celebrated chef from the region has been named the world's best by an association of highly-rated restaurants, according to a new report.  Les Grandes Tables Du Monde, an association of 179 restaurants across 23 countries, announced that Chef Daniel Boulud, a resident of Northern Westchester County, was voted the world's best restaurateur, according to AFP news. Boulud opened his flagship restaurant, "Daniel," in New York City in 1993. "At the heart of Manhattan, Restaurant Daniel is a celebrated culinary destination that blends refinement and sophistication with New York style and …

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Mexican Grill is increasing menu prices to cover the costs of raising its workers’ wages, the company announced. Consumers will see price increases of approximately 4 percent at the popular Mexican food chain, with that money being used to increase employees’ paychecks following the company’s announcement that hourly wages for workers would reach an average of $15 by the end of the month. The price hike is likely not to be felt too badly by consumers, with company officials saying that it will amount to quarters and dimes while dramatically boosting their ability to pay employees. …

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by Zak Failla
News
Western Mass Business Owner Accused Of Scheme To Defraud State Of Sales Tax Western Mass Business Owner Accused Of Scheme To Defraud State Of Sales Tax
Western Mass Business Owner Accused Of Scheme To Defraud State Of Sales Tax A Western Massachusetts business owner has been indicted in an alleged scheme in which he sold software that allowed restaurants to delete cash sales from cash registers and keep meal taxes paid by customers. Hampden County resident Paul K. Backholm, age 53, of Westfield, was charged and arraigned on Friday, April 9, said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. The AG’s Office alleges from 2010 to 2015, Backholm, who owns a company that sells cash registers, sold sales suppression software to restaurants for cash that enabled the restaurants to delete cash sales, keep the meals tax t…

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by Kathy Reakes
Obituaries
COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65
Covid-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 The founder and chief executive officer of a national restaurant chain died by suicide amid a battle with COVID-19-related symptoms, the company announced. Kent Taylor, who launched Texas Roadhouse in 1993, was 65 years old. The symptoms included severe tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, and his suffering had increased in recent days, the company, Texas Roadhouse, announced in a statement sent to CNN. Taylor died on Thursday, March 18. "Kent leaves an unmatched legacy as a people-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people company that just happened to se…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Length Of Time Diners Are Willing To Wait For Takeout Is Dropping Fast COVID-19: Length Of Time Diners Are Willing To Wait For Takeout Is Dropping Fast
Covid-19: Length Of Time Diners Are Willing To Wait For Takeout Is Dropping Fast There is only so long people are waiting to wait in line for takeout - and the pandemic seems to be wearing on people's patience, according to a new poll. Consumer willingness to wait for orders at restaurants, drive-thrus, and curbside pickup has dropped from 10 minutes just six months ago to six minutes in January, according to "The State of What Feeds Us III," a survey by business technology solutions firm Bluedot. Customers were also fairly intolerant of long lines with 77 percent of study respondents saying they would leave an eatery if they could see a lot of people waiting. …

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19 Masks To Be Worn In More Situations, For Longer Under New Regs COVID-19 Masks To Be Worn In More Situations, For Longer Under New Regs
Covid-19 Masks To Be Worn In More Situations, For Longer Under New Regs People are required to wear their face masks for longer and in more situations under the newest economic restrictions to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. On Sunday, Dec. 13, Massachusetts rolled back the economy to Step 1 of Phase 3 - a move that reduces restaurant capacity, and closes indoor performance spaces, among other things, according to an outline provided by the Governor's office. Patrons in restaurants must now wear masks unless they are eating or drinking and masks must be worn in offices and gyms at all times unless a person is there alone. A protest of the new r…

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by Kristin Palpini
Business
10 New Restaurants Coming To Worcester 10 New Restaurants Coming To Worcester
10 New Restaurants Coming To Worcester Since September, about 10 new restaurants have opened or have announced plans to open soon in Worcester. Among the new offerings serving up tasty plates are barbecue, donuts, coffee, as well as Greek, Thai, and Caribbean food. While COVID-19 has restricted how many eateries operate - forcing some to close for good - at least nine new restaurants are making their way to Worcester. And at least three of these restaurants have already opened. The city is also considering a license application from a club that wants to reopen and serve food. The new eateries add to Worcester's cred as a rising…

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by Kristin Palpini
Business
Amherst Could Pay You To Shop And Eat In Town Amherst Could Pay You To Shop And Eat In Town
Amherst Could Pay You To Shop And Eat In Town To help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Amherst BID is awarding gift cards to people who shop in the town's stores and eat at its restaurants. The Amherst Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) announced Thursday, Oct. 7, the launch of its “Take the Pledge” campaign. From now until Dec. 31 people can turn in their receipts from an official checklist of restaurants, retailers, and services or salons to be entered to win one of three prizes: $100-$500 in Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce gift cards. “As our town navigates through the pandemic during the fall and early…

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by Kristin Palpini
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives
Covid-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives Restaurants already struggling to stay afloat due to the COVID-19 outbreak have a new challenge rapidly approaching as the weather begins shifting, limiting outdoor dining options. The pandemic forced extreme restrictions on restaurants and bars for the past six months, with many scrambling to arrange temporary, and now possibly permanent outdoor dining options, while even more were forced to shut down for good due to a lack of business. Since mid-March, occupancy at restaurants has been restricted, face coverings must be worn by patrons and staff, social distancing must be practiced at all…

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: College-Town Businesses More Likely To Stay Closed COVID-19: College-Town Businesses More Likely To Stay Closed
Covid-19: College-Town Businesses More Likely To Stay Closed College town businesses that closed due to COVID-19 conditions are 24 percent more likely to stay permanently closed once the virus is gone compared to communities without institutions of higher education, according to a recent Yelp analysis. Northern Connecticut and Western Massachusetts are home to many communities with economies that depend on business serving higher education institutions and people - especially: - Worcester, MA: (Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Assumption College, UMass Worcester, Becker College, etc.), - Hartford, CT: (Hartford University, Trinity…

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by Kristin Palpini
Business
Town-by-Town: 350 Employee COVID-19 Complaints Filed Against WMass, Worcester Co.s Town-by-Town: 350 Employee COVID-19 Complaints Filed Against WMass, Worcester Co.s
Town-by-Town: 350 Employee Covid-19 Complaints Filed Against WMass, Worcester Co.s Massachusetts has received hundreds of employee complaints alleging their workplaces are not meeting state safety and compensation standards during COVID-19. In March, the Massachusetts Attorney General started tracking worker complaints related to COVID-19. As of Friday, Aug. 7, Massachusetts workers had filed about 350 complaints against employers. The most heavily represented industry on the list is hospitals/nursing homes - over 50 complaints. The most common complaint was the nonpayment of wages. Of the complaints, 38 said they were retaliated against for coming forward with a grievan…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic
Covid-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic New data is revealing just how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic has been to the restaurant industry. Yelp's latest Local Economic Impact Report, released this week, reports that nearly 16,000 restaurants have permanently closed throughout the nation since the outbreak began in March. Of the 26,160 total restaurant closures listed on Yelp as of mid July, 15,770 were permanent. New York has seen the third-most restaurant closures at 8.4 percent, behind California (14.4 percent) and Texas (8.5 percent), according to Business Insider. Restaurants have passed the retail industry to accou…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
A New Restaurant For Northampton? T. Roots Applies For Liquor License A New Restaurant For Northampton? T. Roots Applies For Liquor License
A New Restaurant For Northampton? T. Roots Applies For Liquor License T. Roots Inc. is seeking a new seasonal liquor license in Northampton. The company, which was founded in May, has plans to open a restaurant at 249 Main St., according to public records. It is the site of the former Viva Fresh Pasta restaurant on the corner of Main and Masonic streets. Viva closed in August 2019. Owners are applying for a new seasonal wine and malt restaurant license. A Northampton License COmmission hearing on the liquor application will be held, virtually, Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. T. Roots president is Hui Lan Tsao, according to the Secretary of State. Pei Yi Fu, of Jamaica …

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by Kristin Palpini