Gen X Men Buy The Most Breakfast: The Top Food News Of The Week

Did you ever want to own Chuck E. Cheese's? Or eat Tom Cruise's favorite cake? Or eat a poke bowl in the middle of Walmart? Then these top food news stories of the week are for you. Additionally, there are some important snack recalls, and a roundup of our favorite fast food discoveries of 2023. Read on to catch up on the food news from December 18-23, 2023.

The subject of fast food is sprawling and fascinating, and this year brought us a vast treasure trove of discoveries. As much as we think we know every McDonald's menu and Taco Bell promotion like the back of our hand, there were still so many things we never learned until 2023—even though some of these fast food secrets had been hiding in plain sight for years on end. Let's look back at the year in burgers and fries to recount the cool things we uncovered. – Dennis Lee Read More

Now that Americans are slowly returning to the office with greater frequency due to increasing corporate mandates, it's only natural that grab-and-go breakfast sales are rising, too—but not everyone is throwing down. In fact, one very particular group of people is driving the growth of restaurant breakfast sales, and they're doing so at a much higher rate than any other demographic. – Dennis Lee Read More

There's no question that movie theaters are struggling to stay afloat when more and more people opt to stay at home to watch via streaming services. Some theater chains are experimenting with full meal service to get butts in seats, or, failing that, partnering with third-party delivery services to bring movie popcorn and snacks straight to your doorstep. Cinemas have to make up for that lagging revenue somehow, and food, so far, has been their best bet to do it. But now, movie theaters are trying to adapt concession sales to a different beast: long movies. – Dennis Lee Read More

This time of year, especially if you live in Los Angeles, there are a few things you can count on when it comes to holiday cheer: Every palm tree will be covered in Christmas lights; you will see fake snow (called snoap) falling from the sky at Disneyland and almost everywhere else you go; and your internet algorithm will change to focus on one food and one food only: The Tom Cruise cake. – Julie Tremaine Read More

If you've ever dreamed of owning Chuck E. Cheese—not just a franchise location, but the whole shebang—now might be your chance. Reuters reports it might just be on the market soon, with sources alleging the brand is "exploring a sale amid acquisition interest." You'd likely need to save up a little coin, however, because based off the valuation of its competitors, Chuck E. Cheese could be worth over $1 billion. – Dennis Lee Read More

When a food recall is announced, it's always a good idea to double check your pantry or refrigerator for the affected products. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted an announcement by the Quaker Oats Company of a widespread recall on dozens of popular products, many of which you're likely to have in your home. Notably, the snacks involved often make appearances in children's backpacks and lunches. – Dennis Lee Read More

Late last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall on cinnamon applesauce pouches sold at various grocery stores and Dollar Tree locations, due to possible elevated levels of lead. But what started as a seemingly commonplace food recall is starting to get complicated. – Dennis Lee Read More

"I'm going to hold out for late '23 that we can introduce a private label brand of popular candies, in our theaters, offer them to consumers at a lower price and achieve a higher profitability in doing so." This was the optimistic projection of Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Theatres, in a Q1 earnings call back in May of this year. It seems that Aron was right on target: the nation's largest cinema chain has just announced that it will begin selling its own brand of "gourmet" candies this week under the label AMC Cinema Sweets. – Marnie Shure Read More

Walk down any city block in America and you're bound to wander past a coffee shop, whether it's independently run or an outlet of a major chain. After all, we do love our caffeine, our routine, and our Frappuccinos. Now, though, CNN reports that even though the United States has an immense amount of branded coffee chains, we've been unseated by a country that's more known for its love of tea than coffee: China has just taken the title for most branded coffee outlets in the world. – Dennis Lee Read More

When you picture grabbing a meal inside Walmart, you probably think of Subway locations tucked near the entrance (did you know some of them sell hot dogs?). But these days, the American dining public prefers a more diverse food selection, which is why we're hoping Walmart's new partnership with a surprising category of fast-casual food chain might usher in some new flavors. Care for a poke bowl with your tube socks and AA batteries? – Dennis Lee Read More