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- McDonald’s is pulling a Mr. Lippman and stealing Elaine Benes’s idea to sell only the best part of the muffin. In an effort to boost its morning business, the fast-food giant is testing out muffin tops as a new breakfast item. Mickey D’s turned a years-long sales slump around by launching all-day breakfast in 2015, but the company has since “lost a little focus on that breakfast day part,” admits chief financial officer Kevin Ozan. If McDonald’s can figure out what to do with the muffin stumps, it will really be on to something.
- The Nashville hot chicken buzz has died down a bit, but don’t tell Pringles. The potato chip-in-a-tennis ball can purveyor is launching a hot chicken flavor that will be sold exclusively at Dollar General stores, according to a press release. Pringles suggests pairing the new flavor with its dill pickle variety for a potato chip approximation of a hot chicken sandwich.
- Here is a good New Yorker cartoon featuring a topical reimagining of Nighthawks, the Edward Hopper painting that depicts a lonely diner and has been the centerpiece of so many college apartments.
- Artichoke toast is a thing now, apparently. If the trend sticks around, this will be the luxury food item that prevents Generation Z from buying homes.
- Sales are down at Starbucks, and the company blames healthy eaters who now turn their noses up at the sugar-packed coffee milkshakes known as Frappuccinos.
- In other Starbucks news, the chain is expanding health benefits for employees who are transgender. Coverage will be available for procedures that were previously considered to be “cosmetic.”
- Today in #brands news: Tiny-burger chain White Castle will have some sort of home-shopping show on QVC tonight at 9 p.m.
- This GQ profile of Big Gay Ice Cream explains how the burgeoning, New York-based frozen dessert empire has become a hit in “middle America.”
- A couple of Chick-fil-A locations in Texas have temporarily shuttered because supplier issues have left them with a chicken shortage. If this problem spreads, there may be riots in the streets.
- But, in Texas, who needs Chick-fil-A when the state is home to Whataburger? This fast-food chain is so beloved it regularly hosts weddings.
- Reboots aren’t just for television: Planters is bringing Cheez Balls back after a 12-year absence.
- Cottage cheese, another ultimate ’90s food, is making a comeback too.
- Butchers in France are seeking police protection because of what they perceive as “anti-meat sentiment.” French vegans seem to be causing all sorts of trouble.
- Cheesecake Factory is one of the best places for millennials to work, according to Fortune magazine. No wonder Drake likes it so much.
- Taco Bell’s nacho fries are coming back in July, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.
- World Central Kitchen hero chef José Andrés’s non-profit that feeds victims in the wake of disasters, has served more than 100,000 meals in Guatemala following the eruption of the Fuego Volcano.
- Happy birthday to the Michelin Man, mascot of tires and snobby restaurant guides. He turns 120 years old today.
Well, today, and until the end of the year, we will be celebrating a very important event for Michelin... pic.twitter.com/cZuXtRgvVj
— Michelin (@Michelin) June 27, 2018
- The Securities and Exchange Commission isn’t happy with LaCroix. Last year, the fizzy-water darling responded to a slipping stock price by putting out a boastful press release, and the SEC wants to verify some of the sales claims. So far, LaCroix has refused.
- It looks like the gig economy will be the answer to labor shortages in the restaurant industry. An app called Pared, which allows restaurants book workers on demand, raised $10 million in a round of funding.
- And, finally, vegetable season has arrived at Noma. Those planning to make the trip to René Redzepi’s renowned restaurant should not plan on traveling by kayak.
