2 days ago
CNBC reported that American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) announced seven new international routes for its summer 2027 schedule, most flown on its Airbus A321XLR.
New destinations include Philadelphia to Porto and Vienna and JFK to Amsterdam and Nice, alongside a returning Reykjavik route and Charlotte-Barcelona and Chicago-Tokyo Narita service on widebody jets. American's SVP of network and schedule planning, Brian Znotins, said the XLR "really opens up the menu for all these destinations that are just too small for a widebody." The announcement came the same week that rival United Airlines, which flies more international routes than any other U.S. carrier, unveiled its own 2027 international additions. American has said its flying is split roughly 80% domestic and 20% international.
The XLR gives American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) a more flexible way to expand its international network. The smaller, long-range aircraft lets American serve thinner transatlantic markets without committing the capacity of a larger widebody jet. That flexibility opens opportunities such as Philadelphia-Vienna and Philadelphia-Porto and gives American another way to grow international revenue.
The XLR's premium-heavy configuration also gives American more room to target higher-value travelers. American designed the aircraft's new interior with more premium seating than its other aircraft, allowing the airline to offer a stronger premium product on long-haul routes. If American can fill those seats at attractive fares, the aircraft could improve the economics of its international expansion.
American also gains a competitive advantage on Philadelphia-Vienna. The airline said it will become the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service between the two cities. That position gives American a differentiated product on the route and could help it capture travelers who value nonstop service.
#american #airlines #widebody
New destinations include Philadelphia to Porto and Vienna and JFK to Amsterdam and Nice, alongside a returning Reykjavik route and Charlotte-Barcelona and Chicago-Tokyo Narita service on widebody jets. American's SVP of network and schedule planning, Brian Znotins, said the XLR "really opens up the menu for all these destinations that are just too small for a widebody." The announcement came the same week that rival United Airlines, which flies more international routes than any other U.S. carrier, unveiled its own 2027 international additions. American has said its flying is split roughly 80% domestic and 20% international.
The XLR gives American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) a more flexible way to expand its international network. The smaller, long-range aircraft lets American serve thinner transatlantic markets without committing the capacity of a larger widebody jet. That flexibility opens opportunities such as Philadelphia-Vienna and Philadelphia-Porto and gives American another way to grow international revenue.
The XLR's premium-heavy configuration also gives American more room to target higher-value travelers. American designed the aircraft's new interior with more premium seating than its other aircraft, allowing the airline to offer a stronger premium product on long-haul routes. If American can fill those seats at attractive fares, the aircraft could improve the economics of its international expansion.
American also gains a competitive advantage on Philadelphia-Vienna. The airline said it will become the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service between the two cities. That position gives American a differentiated product on the route and could help it capture travelers who value nonstop service.
#american #airlines #widebody
2 days ago
Rachel Dratch stars as Pumpkin Spice, a fictional sixth Spice Girl, in Dunkin's new fall-themed campaign
Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell-Horner appear in the ad, reflecting on Pumpkin Spice's quirky contributions to the group
Dratch says the costume and concept felt like an SNL sketch and loved working with the Spice Girls in London
Scary Spice, Sporty Spice, Baby Spice, Ginger Spice, Posh Spice and … Pumpkin Spice?
Rachel Dratch plays a little-known sixth member of the Spice Girls in a cheeky new campaign for Dunkin', released Tuesday, Sept. 8 following the launch of its fall menu.
#dratch #pumpkin #rachel
Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell-Horner appear in the ad, reflecting on Pumpkin Spice's quirky contributions to the group
Dratch says the costume and concept felt like an SNL sketch and loved working with the Spice Girls in London
Scary Spice, Sporty Spice, Baby Spice, Ginger Spice, Posh Spice and … Pumpkin Spice?
Rachel Dratch plays a little-known sixth member of the Spice Girls in a cheeky new campaign for Dunkin', released Tuesday, Sept. 8 following the launch of its fall menu.
#dratch #pumpkin #rachel
3 days ago
RHONY alum Jill Zarin has come under fire after posting a video about her experience at celebrity chef Alain Ducasse's restaurant in ******* an. The 62-year-old TV personality criticized her experience after apparently misreading a sign.
In a now-deleted post, Jill shared a video, "Okay, I finally have something to complain about. I'm in a department store at an Alain Ducasse little post thing. I want to show you this, okay?"
She then revealed two ice cream flavors, each matched with a coordinating cone. The chocolate came in a chocolate cone, while the vanilla was served in a vanilla cone. She said, "I asked them if I could have a chocolate ice cream in this [vanilla] cone … She said no. I said, 'Why not?' No reason, just because. So, my girlfriend got vanilla in the [vanilla] cone, and she says, 'You know, I don't mind. I wouldn't mind the chocolate cone. Just swap them out.' The answer was [still] no."
Jill suggested that the issue could be a ******* an-specific practice or something related to Alain Ducasse. She said she planned to tag the celebrity chef and ask why his staff could not accommodate her request. Jill pointed to the sign, which said customers could have their ice cream served in "a cone or a cup of your choice," and explained that she chose chocolate ice cream in a vanilla cone.
But according to a photo posted by Mr Marcus White on Instagram, the sign reads, "a cone or a cup, your choice," rather than "a cone or a cup of your choice." Netizens did not hold back, taking aim at Jill over her complaint. One of them wrote on Reddit, "If she's in ******* an, and I lived there for a few years, YOU DO NOT ask to modify items on a menu. No one will tell you why. It's simply not done. If you go to a nice enough restaurant, they will gladly prepare something special for you, but they will tell you how it will be prepared and not the other way around."
#chocolate #alain #Japan
In a now-deleted post, Jill shared a video, "Okay, I finally have something to complain about. I'm in a department store at an Alain Ducasse little post thing. I want to show you this, okay?"
She then revealed two ice cream flavors, each matched with a coordinating cone. The chocolate came in a chocolate cone, while the vanilla was served in a vanilla cone. She said, "I asked them if I could have a chocolate ice cream in this [vanilla] cone … She said no. I said, 'Why not?' No reason, just because. So, my girlfriend got vanilla in the [vanilla] cone, and she says, 'You know, I don't mind. I wouldn't mind the chocolate cone. Just swap them out.' The answer was [still] no."
Jill suggested that the issue could be a ******* an-specific practice or something related to Alain Ducasse. She said she planned to tag the celebrity chef and ask why his staff could not accommodate her request. Jill pointed to the sign, which said customers could have their ice cream served in "a cone or a cup of your choice," and explained that she chose chocolate ice cream in a vanilla cone.
But according to a photo posted by Mr Marcus White on Instagram, the sign reads, "a cone or a cup, your choice," rather than "a cone or a cup of your choice." Netizens did not hold back, taking aim at Jill over her complaint. One of them wrote on Reddit, "If she's in ******* an, and I lived there for a few years, YOU DO NOT ask to modify items on a menu. No one will tell you why. It's simply not done. If you go to a nice enough restaurant, they will gladly prepare something special for you, but they will tell you how it will be prepared and not the other way around."
#chocolate #alain #Japan
6 days ago
99% of auto-enrollment plans default workers into target-date funds that often carry higher fees and unnecessary bond exposure for 25-year-olds.
VTI, DGRO, and BND together deliver total-market growth, a dividend-quality tilt, and controllable bond stability at costs most 401(k) menus cannot match.
The three-fund portfolio requires annual rebalancing, which means investors who will never log in again are actually better served by the default fund.
Read More: Learn 7 secret wealth tips high net worth investors use that most investors miss (sponsor)
You were auto-enrolled in your 401(k) at 25, checked a box, and moved on. Five years later, you still own whatever target-date fund the plan defaulted you into, and you have never once opened the prospectus. You are not alone. By year-end 2025, 61% of Vanguard defined contribution plans had adopted automatic enrollment, and 99% of automatic enrollment plans used a target-date or other balanced investment strategy as the default fund, with 98% choosing a target-date fund. That default is fine, but it is not optimized. If you want to graduate from "whatever they picked" to a portfolio a grown-up would actually build, three ETFs do the job: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSEARCA:VTI), iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO), and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (NASDAQ:BND).
#vanguard #total #market #plans
VTI, DGRO, and BND together deliver total-market growth, a dividend-quality tilt, and controllable bond stability at costs most 401(k) menus cannot match.
The three-fund portfolio requires annual rebalancing, which means investors who will never log in again are actually better served by the default fund.
Read More: Learn 7 secret wealth tips high net worth investors use that most investors miss (sponsor)
You were auto-enrolled in your 401(k) at 25, checked a box, and moved on. Five years later, you still own whatever target-date fund the plan defaulted you into, and you have never once opened the prospectus. You are not alone. By year-end 2025, 61% of Vanguard defined contribution plans had adopted automatic enrollment, and 99% of automatic enrollment plans used a target-date or other balanced investment strategy as the default fund, with 98% choosing a target-date fund. That default is fine, but it is not optimized. If you want to graduate from "whatever they picked" to a portfolio a grown-up would actually build, three ETFs do the job: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSEARCA:VTI), iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO), and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (NASDAQ:BND).
#vanguard #total #market #plans
6 days ago
Interested in Yum! Brands, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
Yum! Brands sold its Pizza Hut business outside Mainland China to LongRange Capital for about $1.5 billion, with total carve-out proceeds reaching roughly $2.7 billion.
The divestiture lets Yum! Brands shift toward a leaner, higher-margin franchising model concentrated on Taco Bell and KFC amid industrywide fast-food traffic declines.
The company also authorized an approximately $4 billion share buyback and maintains an eight-year dividend growth streak, reinforcing shareholder returns despite short interest and executive turnover concerns.
The fast-food industry is facing a severe reality check. Menu price hikes are pricing out the core lower-income demographic, causing a decline in foot traffic across the sector. Yet amid this crisis, one operator just executed a masterclass in corporate defense.
#fast #Food #TRAFFIC #mainland
Yum! Brands sold its Pizza Hut business outside Mainland China to LongRange Capital for about $1.5 billion, with total carve-out proceeds reaching roughly $2.7 billion.
The divestiture lets Yum! Brands shift toward a leaner, higher-margin franchising model concentrated on Taco Bell and KFC amid industrywide fast-food traffic declines.
The company also authorized an approximately $4 billion share buyback and maintains an eight-year dividend growth streak, reinforcing shareholder returns despite short interest and executive turnover concerns.
The fast-food industry is facing a severe reality check. Menu price hikes are pricing out the core lower-income demographic, causing a decline in foot traffic across the sector. Yet amid this crisis, one operator just executed a masterclass in corporate defense.
#fast #Food #TRAFFIC #mainland
6 days ago
No stadium and no canteen would be complete without it: the good old currywurst. In Germany, this cult dish is so important that it even has its own day on September 4.
So naturally, we find ourselves asking: which former or current Bundesliga pro would actually run the best snack stand and whip up an absolutely first-class currywurst for us there?
Mr. Kebab Toss is, of course, the undisputed number one. If you order a dish here, you'll either get it handed to you or, alternatively, thrown straight into your face from three meters away. Better not walk into this place wearing Schalke gear.
His snack stand would probably have 47 special offers at the same time. No one understands the menu, but in the end everything tastes delicious. The server talks nonstop to the guests or, if necessary, to the deep fryer.
As the owner of numerous kebab shops, Poldi is already deeply involved in the business. So what's stopping him from expanding it a little further? If it tastes good, it tastes good.
#september
So naturally, we find ourselves asking: which former or current Bundesliga pro would actually run the best snack stand and whip up an absolutely first-class currywurst for us there?
Mr. Kebab Toss is, of course, the undisputed number one. If you order a dish here, you'll either get it handed to you or, alternatively, thrown straight into your face from three meters away. Better not walk into this place wearing Schalke gear.
His snack stand would probably have 47 special offers at the same time. No one understands the menu, but in the end everything tastes delicious. The server talks nonstop to the guests or, if necessary, to the deep fryer.
As the owner of numerous kebab shops, Poldi is already deeply involved in the business. So what's stopping him from expanding it a little further? If it tastes good, it tastes good.
#september
7 days ago
Shakespeare's Pizza and several other Columbia-area favorites are joining the food lineup at Memorial Stadium as Mizzou Athletics rolls out new concessions and hospitality offerings for football fans this season.
The additions come through a partnership involving Sodexo Live!, Mizzou Athletics and Columbia-based Upper Crust Food Service, according to a community announcement. Fans attending games will see new local vendors, updated menu items and expanded hospitality options throughout the stadium.
For the first time, Shakespeare's Pizza will be available inside Memorial Stadium, bringing one of Columbia's best-known food brands into the game-day experience.
"As we looked at the new hospitality offerings we wanted to bring to fans this season, we wanted to focus on food that feels like home while giving fans new reasons to explore and enjoy the game-day experience," Brian Gaskill, regional vice president of Sodexo Live!, said in the announcement. "Shakespeare's is a huge part of Columbia, and we know how excited fans will be to see it in the stadium. We're bringing a strong lineup of local favorites, Missouri flavors and some fun new takes on game-day classics straight to fans."
The partnership also brings several other local businesses into the stadium, including Champ's Chicken, Buck's Ice Cream and Mya's Gourmet Popcorn.
#game
The additions come through a partnership involving Sodexo Live!, Mizzou Athletics and Columbia-based Upper Crust Food Service, according to a community announcement. Fans attending games will see new local vendors, updated menu items and expanded hospitality options throughout the stadium.
For the first time, Shakespeare's Pizza will be available inside Memorial Stadium, bringing one of Columbia's best-known food brands into the game-day experience.
"As we looked at the new hospitality offerings we wanted to bring to fans this season, we wanted to focus on food that feels like home while giving fans new reasons to explore and enjoy the game-day experience," Brian Gaskill, regional vice president of Sodexo Live!, said in the announcement. "Shakespeare's is a huge part of Columbia, and we know how excited fans will be to see it in the stadium. We're bringing a strong lineup of local favorites, Missouri flavors and some fun new takes on game-day classics straight to fans."
The partnership also brings several other local businesses into the stadium, including Champ's Chicken, Buck's Ice Cream and Mya's Gourmet Popcorn.
#game
8 days ago
50 Cent has had a busy 2026, and one particular Hublot watch has been right there with him enjoying the ride.
The rapper and entrepreneur has been spotted wearing the Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold 44mm at high-profile appearances on both coasts, including the Planet Hollywood Times Square "Faves" menu launch in New York and the Apple Music x Complex VERZUZ event in Los Angeles.
At the Planet Hollywood event, 50 paired the skeletonized chronograph with an Amiri look and Bottega accessories, making the Hublot one of the standout pieces of his outfit.
The appearance came months after 50 and Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl announced a $100 million partnership in March aimed at transforming PH Live into a larger entertainment destination. The plans include immersive hospitality experiences, LED production technology and celebrity performances.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#planet #complex
The rapper and entrepreneur has been spotted wearing the Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold 44mm at high-profile appearances on both coasts, including the Planet Hollywood Times Square "Faves" menu launch in New York and the Apple Music x Complex VERZUZ event in Los Angeles.
At the Planet Hollywood event, 50 paired the skeletonized chronograph with an Amiri look and Bottega accessories, making the Hublot one of the standout pieces of his outfit.
The appearance came months after 50 and Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl announced a $100 million partnership in March aimed at transforming PH Live into a larger entertainment destination. The plans include immersive hospitality experiences, LED production technology and celebrity performances.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#planet #complex
8 days ago
Aurora Culpo and Zac Duvernet hosted an intimate Italian-inspired engagement party at their Manhattan Beach home, sharing all the details with PEOPLE
The event featured yellow and blue florals, Italian ***** tails, pizza, gelato, and personalized touches like custom menus
The couple plans a small courthouse wedding this year followed by a larger celebration with friends and family next year
Aurora Culpo and her fiancé Zac Duvernet celebrated their love with an intimate, Italian-inspired backyard engagement party.
The internet personality, 36, and her fiancé invited 50 of their friends and family to celebrate their engagement on Saturday, Aug. 29 at their Manhattan Beach, Calif. home. The "loosely Southern Italy" inspired event, which included Aurora's sisters Olivia Culpo and Sophia Culpo as well as their friends, was an "intimate and personal" afternoon to honor Aurora and Zac.
#aurora
The event featured yellow and blue florals, Italian ***** tails, pizza, gelato, and personalized touches like custom menus
The couple plans a small courthouse wedding this year followed by a larger celebration with friends and family next year
Aurora Culpo and her fiancé Zac Duvernet celebrated their love with an intimate, Italian-inspired backyard engagement party.
The internet personality, 36, and her fiancé invited 50 of their friends and family to celebrate their engagement on Saturday, Aug. 29 at their Manhattan Beach, Calif. home. The "loosely Southern Italy" inspired event, which included Aurora's sisters Olivia Culpo and Sophia Culpo as well as their friends, was an "intimate and personal" afternoon to honor Aurora and Zac.
#aurora
8 days ago
50 Cent has had a busy 2026, and one particular Hublot watch has been right there with him enjoying the ride.
The rapper and entrepreneur has been spotted wearing the Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold 44mm at high-profile appearances on both coasts, including the Planet Hollywood Times Square "Faves" menu launch in New York and the Apple Music x Complex VERZUZ event in Los Angeles.
At the Planet Hollywood event, 50 paired the skeletonized chronograph with an Amiri look and Bottega accessories, making the Hublot one of the standout pieces of his outfit.
The appearance came months after 50 and Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl announced a $100 million partnership in March aimed at transforming PH Live into a larger entertainment destination. The plans include immersive hospitality experiences, LED production technology and celebrity performances.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#planet #complex #cent #unico
The rapper and entrepreneur has been spotted wearing the Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold 44mm at high-profile appearances on both coasts, including the Planet Hollywood Times Square "Faves" menu launch in New York and the Apple Music x Complex VERZUZ event in Los Angeles.
At the Planet Hollywood event, 50 paired the skeletonized chronograph with an Amiri look and Bottega accessories, making the Hublot one of the standout pieces of his outfit.
The appearance came months after 50 and Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl announced a $100 million partnership in March aimed at transforming PH Live into a larger entertainment destination. The plans include immersive hospitality experiences, LED production technology and celebrity performances.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#planet #complex #cent #unico
10 days ago
Seattle Seahawks
legend Marshawn Lynch has a new national gig nearly two decades after Applebee's played an unlikely role in introducing his personality to football fans.
Lynch is starring in a new Applebee's advertising campaign promoting the restaurant chain's O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger, which launched nationally on August 31. The partnership reunites Lynch with a brand connected to him since before his 12-year NFL career ever began.
Applebee's announced the new menu item on August 31, with Lynch announcing it too on his Instagram, describing it as an expanded version of its longtime Quesadilla Burger. The burger includes bacon and Pepper Jack cheese and arrives in a skillet of molten queso and melted Cheddar, along with tortilla chips, queso, pico de gallo and cilantro. It is being offered for a limited time as part of the chain's 2 for $25 menu.
But for Seahawks fans, the more interesting part of the rollout is the person Applebee's chose to sell it.
#seahawks #august #menu #part
legend Marshawn Lynch has a new national gig nearly two decades after Applebee's played an unlikely role in introducing his personality to football fans.
Lynch is starring in a new Applebee's advertising campaign promoting the restaurant chain's O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger, which launched nationally on August 31. The partnership reunites Lynch with a brand connected to him since before his 12-year NFL career ever began.
Applebee's announced the new menu item on August 31, with Lynch announcing it too on his Instagram, describing it as an expanded version of its longtime Quesadilla Burger. The burger includes bacon and Pepper Jack cheese and arrives in a skillet of molten queso and melted Cheddar, along with tortilla chips, queso, pico de gallo and cilantro. It is being offered for a limited time as part of the chain's 2 for $25 menu.
But for Seahawks fans, the more interesting part of the rollout is the person Applebee's chose to sell it.
#seahawks #august #menu #part
12 days ago
More than a decade after exiting a market where it once operated 18 locations, Dunkin' is looking to reopen a chapter that ended following a contentious franchise dispute.
The coffee and donut chain has been pursuing new growth opportunities as it expands its footprint in the U.S. and internationally, including recent moves into markets where it previously operated.
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the U.S., with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. The chain became part of Inspire Brands in 2020, joining a portfolio that also includes Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, and Sonic.
Dunkin' is coming back to Puerto Rico in 2027 through a new partnership with Fusion Restaurant Group, a Puerto Rico-based restaurant operator that will lead the brand's expansion across the island. The first locations are expected to begin opening in 2027.
Under the exclusive development and operating agreement, Fusion Restaurant Group will oversee Dunkin's growth across Puerto Rico and bring the chain's coffee, iced beverages, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and other menu offerings back to consumers on the island.
#puerto #coffee #fusion #operated
The coffee and donut chain has been pursuing new growth opportunities as it expands its footprint in the U.S. and internationally, including recent moves into markets where it previously operated.
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the U.S., with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. The chain became part of Inspire Brands in 2020, joining a portfolio that also includes Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, and Sonic.
Dunkin' is coming back to Puerto Rico in 2027 through a new partnership with Fusion Restaurant Group, a Puerto Rico-based restaurant operator that will lead the brand's expansion across the island. The first locations are expected to begin opening in 2027.
Under the exclusive development and operating agreement, Fusion Restaurant Group will oversee Dunkin's growth across Puerto Rico and bring the chain's coffee, iced beverages, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and other menu offerings back to consumers on the island.
#puerto #coffee #fusion #operated
13 days ago
More than a decade after exiting a market where it once operated 18 locations, Dunkin' is looking to reopen a chapter that ended following a contentious franchise dispute.
The coffee and donut chain has been pursuing new growth opportunities as it expands its footprint in the U.S. and internationally, including recent moves into markets where it previously operated.
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the U.S., with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. The chain became part of Inspire Brands in 2020, joining a portfolio that also includes Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, and Sonic.
Dunkin' is coming back to Puerto Rico in 2027 through a new partnership with Fusion Restaurant Group, a Puerto Rico-based restaurant operator that will lead the brand's expansion across the island. The first locations are expected to begin opening in 2027.
Under the exclusive development and operating agreement, Fusion Restaurant Group will oversee Dunkin's growth across Puerto Rico and bring the chain's coffee, iced beverages, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and other menu offerings back to consumers on the island.
#fusion #operated #locations
The coffee and donut chain has been pursuing new growth opportunities as it expands its footprint in the U.S. and internationally, including recent moves into markets where it previously operated.
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the U.S., with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. The chain became part of Inspire Brands in 2020, joining a portfolio that also includes Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, and Sonic.
Dunkin' is coming back to Puerto Rico in 2027 through a new partnership with Fusion Restaurant Group, a Puerto Rico-based restaurant operator that will lead the brand's expansion across the island. The first locations are expected to begin opening in 2027.
Under the exclusive development and operating agreement, Fusion Restaurant Group will oversee Dunkin's growth across Puerto Rico and bring the chain's coffee, iced beverages, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and other menu offerings back to consumers on the island.
#fusion #operated #locations
13 days ago
Our ******* ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Operating profit growth of 118.9% significantly outpaced the 10% revenue increase, reflecting the release of operating leverage as earlier investments in employee capacity and store management began to materialize.
Management attributed the 3.9 turns per day table turnover rate to a decentralized strategy where regional teams autonomously adjust menus and marketing to local consumer trends while leveraging a centralized digital platform.
Revenue diversification improved as delivery and 'other' business segments doubled their contribution, now representing nearly 9.6% of total revenue compared to 5% in the prior year.
The 'Pomegranate Plan' has expanded to 12 brands and 22 restaurants, focusing on low-barrier, replicable models like the Hi Bowl Malatang and ******* anese Izakaya to capture local dining scenarios beyond traditional hotpot.
#bowl
Operating profit growth of 118.9% significantly outpaced the 10% revenue increase, reflecting the release of operating leverage as earlier investments in employee capacity and store management began to materialize.
Management attributed the 3.9 turns per day table turnover rate to a decentralized strategy where regional teams autonomously adjust menus and marketing to local consumer trends while leveraging a centralized digital platform.
Revenue diversification improved as delivery and 'other' business segments doubled their contribution, now representing nearly 9.6% of total revenue compared to 5% in the prior year.
The 'Pomegranate Plan' has expanded to 12 brands and 22 restaurants, focusing on low-barrier, replicable models like the Hi Bowl Malatang and ******* anese Izakaya to capture local dining scenarios beyond traditional hotpot.
#bowl
14 days ago
The Jacksonville Jaguars are giving fans another reason to get excited about the 2026 season.
Alongside a transformation that includes a new stadium in the works, the Jaguars are adding a fresh look to their on-field identity. The team officially unveiled its new "Bold City" alternate uniform on Aug. 25 as part of the Nike x NFL Rivalries program.
The new uniforms will make their game-day debut Nov. 1, 2026, when Jacksonville hosts AFC South rival the Indianapolis Colts.
Here's what to know about the new Rivalries uniform and when fans can get their hands on new merch.
More: Jaguars launch $4.99 menu at EverBank Stadium for 2026 season
#rivalries #fans #season #alongside
Alongside a transformation that includes a new stadium in the works, the Jaguars are adding a fresh look to their on-field identity. The team officially unveiled its new "Bold City" alternate uniform on Aug. 25 as part of the Nike x NFL Rivalries program.
The new uniforms will make their game-day debut Nov. 1, 2026, when Jacksonville hosts AFC South rival the Indianapolis Colts.
Here's what to know about the new Rivalries uniform and when fans can get their hands on new merch.
More: Jaguars launch $4.99 menu at EverBank Stadium for 2026 season
#rivalries #fans #season #alongside
15 days ago
Dolly Parton learned to cook Southern food out of necessity while helping care for her 11 siblings in Tennessee
Parton became a lover of Southern food, creating recipes like chicken and dumplings and inspiring Dollywood menu items
She expanded her food legacy with cookbooks, baking mixes and frozen meals inspired by her upbringing and family recipes
Though Dolly Parton was a lover of Southern cooking, it first came to her "out of necessity."
Over the course of her life, the singer-songwriter, who died at age 80 on Aug. 25, went from cooking when necessary to help out with her siblings to sharing her love for Southern cuisine through cookbooks and her own grocery store items.
#siblings #lover #cookbooks
Parton became a lover of Southern food, creating recipes like chicken and dumplings and inspiring Dollywood menu items
She expanded her food legacy with cookbooks, baking mixes and frozen meals inspired by her upbringing and family recipes
Though Dolly Parton was a lover of Southern cooking, it first came to her "out of necessity."
Over the course of her life, the singer-songwriter, who died at age 80 on Aug. 25, went from cooking when necessary to help out with her siblings to sharing her love for Southern cuisine through cookbooks and her own grocery store items.
#siblings #lover #cookbooks
17 days ago
If you had the chance to ask your favorite celebrity any question, what would you ask? At Allrecipes, when we get that opportunity, it should come as no surprise that we're always wondering what's on their plates. We love to learn what actors, television hosts, and other professionally busy people eat on their days on, days off, and all other days in between.
Savannah Guthrie is no exception. The "Today" co-anchor, The New York Times best-selling author, and self-proclaimed "recovering attorney" is one busy woman. Her days start early—and we mean really early—and when she's not on duty at "Today", she's busy keeping up with her daughter, Vale (12), and son, Charley (9). So what's on her menu?
When we sat down with Guthrie for the Fall 2023 issue of Allrecipes magazine, she told us all about how she tends to mix it up at dinnertime. Living in New York City, she frequents Mediterranean, Thai, and Mexican restaurants in her neighborhood, but also still loves a good burger, fries, and milkshake ("I love a milkshake more than is reasonable for someone my age to love."). But when it comes to lunch, she keeps it simple.
"Embarrassingly, I eat [the same thing] for lunch every single day of the week." And she wasn't exaggerating—Guthrie even had it in her purse when we chatted. What's more—it's not a gourmet offering or one from a niche NYC deli. It's from a fast food chain we all frequent. So which sandwich secured the spot? None other than a breakfast offering from Starbucks.
Guthrie turns to the Bacon-Style Turkey, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich from Starbucks every day at lunchtime. On first glance, it seems like the ideal grab-and-go lunch alongside a coffee in the morning. Since we at Allrecipes wholeheartedly believe anything good enough for Guthrie is good enough for us, I decided to give it a try.
#guthrie #good #lunch
Savannah Guthrie is no exception. The "Today" co-anchor, The New York Times best-selling author, and self-proclaimed "recovering attorney" is one busy woman. Her days start early—and we mean really early—and when she's not on duty at "Today", she's busy keeping up with her daughter, Vale (12), and son, Charley (9). So what's on her menu?
When we sat down with Guthrie for the Fall 2023 issue of Allrecipes magazine, she told us all about how she tends to mix it up at dinnertime. Living in New York City, she frequents Mediterranean, Thai, and Mexican restaurants in her neighborhood, but also still loves a good burger, fries, and milkshake ("I love a milkshake more than is reasonable for someone my age to love."). But when it comes to lunch, she keeps it simple.
"Embarrassingly, I eat [the same thing] for lunch every single day of the week." And she wasn't exaggerating—Guthrie even had it in her purse when we chatted. What's more—it's not a gourmet offering or one from a niche NYC deli. It's from a fast food chain we all frequent. So which sandwich secured the spot? None other than a breakfast offering from Starbucks.
Guthrie turns to the Bacon-Style Turkey, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich from Starbucks every day at lunchtime. On first glance, it seems like the ideal grab-and-go lunch alongside a coffee in the morning. Since we at Allrecipes wholeheartedly believe anything good enough for Guthrie is good enough for us, I decided to give it a try.
#guthrie #good #lunch
17 days ago
Wendy's chief executive Bob Wright outlined a five-point turnaround strategy on Monday, saying the burger chain sacrificed ingredient quality for cost savings and became too dependent on discounts — factors he said contributed to Wendy's losing its long-held position as the country's second-largest burger chain by U.S. sales.
Wright told The Wall Street Journal that Burger King seized that position by overhauling its Whopper sandwich and modernizing its restaurant fleet. "We have made some decisions around quality that were rooted in efficiency and cost savings," Wright said. "We have let our value equation erode."
Wright, 58, took the helm as permanent president and CEO in May. His turnaround plan covers five areas: food quality and value, operations, store upgrades, marketing, and digital sales. Wright said a comprehensive menu overhaul is needed, working from individual ingredients through finished items and across every major category, including hamburgers, chicken, salads, and the Frosty-anchored dessert lineup.
As part of the leadership overhaul, Wright said Tariq Hassan, a former McDonald's executive, has joined Wendy's in the newly created role of chief marketing and customer growth officer. The current head of U.S. marketing is set to leave the company within weeks. Wright noted that the chain's marketing spending amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and said both the creative messaging and the way that money is placed across media channels require a rethink.
On the question of store count, Wright acknowledged that net unit losses have accumulated over the last year, with more closures anticipated, and framed those shutdowns as a deliberate mechanism for helping individual franchisees bring greater financial health to their restaurant holdings.
#quality #chief #executive
Wright told The Wall Street Journal that Burger King seized that position by overhauling its Whopper sandwich and modernizing its restaurant fleet. "We have made some decisions around quality that were rooted in efficiency and cost savings," Wright said. "We have let our value equation erode."
Wright, 58, took the helm as permanent president and CEO in May. His turnaround plan covers five areas: food quality and value, operations, store upgrades, marketing, and digital sales. Wright said a comprehensive menu overhaul is needed, working from individual ingredients through finished items and across every major category, including hamburgers, chicken, salads, and the Frosty-anchored dessert lineup.
As part of the leadership overhaul, Wright said Tariq Hassan, a former McDonald's executive, has joined Wendy's in the newly created role of chief marketing and customer growth officer. The current head of U.S. marketing is set to leave the company within weeks. Wright noted that the chain's marketing spending amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and said both the creative messaging and the way that money is placed across media channels require a rethink.
On the question of store count, Wright acknowledged that net unit losses have accumulated over the last year, with more closures anticipated, and framed those shutdowns as a deliberate mechanism for helping individual franchisees bring greater financial health to their restaurant holdings.
#quality #chief #executive
17 days ago
Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, will have to be prepared for some cultural changes when they start their new life in the UK.
The Duke and ****** ss of Sussex's plan to return to live in Britain was announced on Wednesday, and their children's schools have already been chosen ahead of their entries into year three and year one.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already chosen a UK school for Archie and Lilibet – here's what we know (@ Instagram)
But according to Consultancy Director at The Good Schools Guide, Grace Moody-Stuart, the sibling duo will have a lot to adjust to when they start preparatory school.
The menu will be worlds apart from what they're used to in Montecito, for example. "English schools are quite wholesome; it's lots of fish and chips. It's not all about granola and blackberries," Grace explains, referencing the importance Californians place on healthy eating.
#prince #grace #school
The Duke and ****** ss of Sussex's plan to return to live in Britain was announced on Wednesday, and their children's schools have already been chosen ahead of their entries into year three and year one.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already chosen a UK school for Archie and Lilibet – here's what we know (@ Instagram)
But according to Consultancy Director at The Good Schools Guide, Grace Moody-Stuart, the sibling duo will have a lot to adjust to when they start preparatory school.
The menu will be worlds apart from what they're used to in Montecito, for example. "English schools are quite wholesome; it's lots of fish and chips. It's not all about granola and blackberries," Grace explains, referencing the importance Californians place on healthy eating.
#prince #grace #school
17 days ago
This story was originally published on QSR. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily QSR AM Jolt.
In today's challenging restaurant environment, operators are under constant pressure to grow sales while managing rising food, labor, occupancy, and operating costs. While much attention is placed on pricing, promotions, labor optimization, and food costs, one of the most powerful tools for improving restaurant economics is often overlooked: the menuboard.
The menuboard is one of the most important points of communication between a restaurant and its customers. It does more than tell customers what is available and what it costs. A well-designed and strategically optimized menuboard can greatly influence product selection, increase average check, improve throughput, reduce decision friction, and make the operation easier to execute. When these benefits are considered together, the return on investment from menuboard optimization can be substantial.
A menuboard should be viewed as a "silent" salesperson that serves every customer, every day. Unlike a traditional advertising investment, the menuboard goes to work at the precise moment a customer is making a purchase decision.
Its job is to answer three fundamental customer questions quickly: What can I order? What looks appealing? What represents the best value for me?
#menuboard #costs #customer #optimization
In today's challenging restaurant environment, operators are under constant pressure to grow sales while managing rising food, labor, occupancy, and operating costs. While much attention is placed on pricing, promotions, labor optimization, and food costs, one of the most powerful tools for improving restaurant economics is often overlooked: the menuboard.
The menuboard is one of the most important points of communication between a restaurant and its customers. It does more than tell customers what is available and what it costs. A well-designed and strategically optimized menuboard can greatly influence product selection, increase average check, improve throughput, reduce decision friction, and make the operation easier to execute. When these benefits are considered together, the return on investment from menuboard optimization can be substantial.
A menuboard should be viewed as a "silent" salesperson that serves every customer, every day. Unlike a traditional advertising investment, the menuboard goes to work at the precise moment a customer is making a purchase decision.
Its job is to answer three fundamental customer questions quickly: What can I order? What looks appealing? What represents the best value for me?
#menuboard #costs #customer #optimization
19 days ago
A Disneyland frequent theme park visitor and fan, known across the internet as "Peter Pan Girl," has now responded to the viral memes surrounding her interactions with the Peter Pan character in the park. Her recent TikToks interacting with the character in the park went viral, resulting in memes and speculation about her relationship with the character performer.
The discussion spread so far online that it even resulted in one of the Peter Pan character performers addressing the controversy, and it's called into question a debate about when character interactions might cross boundaries. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a new menu at a sit-down restaurant for passholders and the expansion of an airport perk.
READ MORE – 5 Best Easy-to-Book Disney World Restaurants That Actually Have Good Food
Christina Toni Kulusich, who has been meeting the Peter Pan character performers for over a decade at Disneyland, recently had a video go viral with more than 29 million views. This video, which you can watch at the end of the article, shows her gifting Peter Pan a handmade crochet keychain and sparked hundreds of comments questioning the ethics of her interactions with the character performers at Disneyland.
Kulusich spoke to USA TODAY about her thoughts on all the attention after this viral moment, sharing that "it's been a little rough" and that she never thought these moments would "blow up this much – of like, the entire internet to know I exist." Some commenters poked fun at the video, with one comment saying, "I know he went on a cigarette break after this," receiving 1.5 million likes. Another comment read, "Forced to stay in character but you can tell he's so uncomfortable." The video resulted in many viral memes and satirical videos, with some editing the interaction in black and white and adding horror movie scores to the audio.
#peter #park #interactions #disney
The discussion spread so far online that it even resulted in one of the Peter Pan character performers addressing the controversy, and it's called into question a debate about when character interactions might cross boundaries. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a new menu at a sit-down restaurant for passholders and the expansion of an airport perk.
READ MORE – 5 Best Easy-to-Book Disney World Restaurants That Actually Have Good Food
Christina Toni Kulusich, who has been meeting the Peter Pan character performers for over a decade at Disneyland, recently had a video go viral with more than 29 million views. This video, which you can watch at the end of the article, shows her gifting Peter Pan a handmade crochet keychain and sparked hundreds of comments questioning the ethics of her interactions with the character performers at Disneyland.
Kulusich spoke to USA TODAY about her thoughts on all the attention after this viral moment, sharing that "it's been a little rough" and that she never thought these moments would "blow up this much – of like, the entire internet to know I exist." Some commenters poked fun at the video, with one comment saying, "I know he went on a cigarette break after this," receiving 1.5 million likes. Another comment read, "Forced to stay in character but you can tell he's so uncomfortable." The video resulted in many viral memes and satirical videos, with some editing the interaction in black and white and adding horror movie scores to the audio.
#peter #park #interactions #disney
19 days ago
Bethenny Frankel is facing more criticism over her new Supermodel Café after the reality star's latest business venture encountered problems almost immediately after opening.
Mixed reviews are pouring in following its opening in the Hamptons, with The Washington Post praising the atmosphere while taking issue with much of the food.
The Real Housewives of New York City alum opened the pink-and-white café in East Quogue, New York, on August 13, drawing a major crowd of customers eager to try the menu she developed with Goldberg's Famous Bagels.
Mega
But according to The Washington Post's Aug. 21 review, the food did not live up to the excitement surrounding the café.
#washington
Mixed reviews are pouring in following its opening in the Hamptons, with The Washington Post praising the atmosphere while taking issue with much of the food.
The Real Housewives of New York City alum opened the pink-and-white café in East Quogue, New York, on August 13, drawing a major crowd of customers eager to try the menu she developed with Goldberg's Famous Bagels.
Mega
But according to The Washington Post's Aug. 21 review, the food did not live up to the excitement surrounding the café.
#washington
22 days ago
On Aug. 4, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) reported that U.S. same-store sales growth slowed to just 0.8% as "business slowed significantly" in the second quarter. CEO Chris Kempczinski pinned the shortfall on the company's own execution, and U.S. chief Joe Erlinger was replaced the same day in what the company called a "planned transition."
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
For a brand built on consistency, the results since last year have been anything but. That's when traffic patterns within the restaurant industry began to change as diners became more value-conscious.
At roughly 20.5 times forward earnings, the stock trades below its five-year average, pricing in modest earnings growth from here. So, is this an opportunity now for investors?
McDonald's spent years raising prices to offset inflation. By last fall, Kempczinski acknowledged that lower-income diners had been pulling back for a couple of years. The company responded by relaunching Extra Value Meals, which drove a recovery, with U.S. same-store sales growing 3.9% in the first quarter of 2026. In April, management expanded the value platform with a new under-$3 menu and a $4 breakfast meal deal.
#same #NVIDIA #company #kempczinski
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
For a brand built on consistency, the results since last year have been anything but. That's when traffic patterns within the restaurant industry began to change as diners became more value-conscious.
At roughly 20.5 times forward earnings, the stock trades below its five-year average, pricing in modest earnings growth from here. So, is this an opportunity now for investors?
McDonald's spent years raising prices to offset inflation. By last fall, Kempczinski acknowledged that lower-income diners had been pulling back for a couple of years. The company responded by relaunching Extra Value Meals, which drove a recovery, with U.S. same-store sales growing 3.9% in the first quarter of 2026. In April, management expanded the value platform with a new under-$3 menu and a $4 breakfast meal deal.
#same #NVIDIA #company #kempczinski
23 days ago
For all the hoopla about LSU football's claim to the DBU moniker, the program is more of a wide receiver factory than anything else. Jack Marucci, the program's Director of Program Innovation, found that since 2000, LSU wide receivers who start at least 10 games for the Tigers have an 86 percent chance of making it to the NFL.
Even with LSU's anemic offense in 2025, Zavion Thomas still went top-100 in April's draft, while Barion Brown was a seventh-round pick. With Lane Kiffin, Charlie Weis Jr., and new passing game coordinator George McDonald calling the shots, explosive plays downfield ought to be on the menu for the Tigers in 2026.
Today we preview LSU's wide receivers and tight ends.
Player
Height/Weight
#tigers
Even with LSU's anemic offense in 2025, Zavion Thomas still went top-100 in April's draft, while Barion Brown was a seventh-round pick. With Lane Kiffin, Charlie Weis Jr., and new passing game coordinator George McDonald calling the shots, explosive plays downfield ought to be on the menu for the Tigers in 2026.
Today we preview LSU's wide receivers and tight ends.
Player
Height/Weight
#tigers
23 days ago
On August 7, Wendy's (NASDAQ:WEN) held its second-quarter earnings call under new President and CEO Robert Wright, a Wendy's veteran of 28 years who most recently ran Potbelly, joined by new CFO Steven Cirulis. Global systemwide sales fell 6.5%, and the company pulled its full-year outlook entirely. Wright did not soften the message: traffic is down, value has slipped, and franchisee economics are strained.
Not everything in the quarter was bleak. US company-operated restaurants outperformed the broader system by 280 basis points, and customer satisfaction scores in the US improved even as traffic fell. Wendy's also kept building, opening 21 new US restaurants and 27 internationally, with systemwide sales abroad still growing 3.4%. Strip out a soft Canadian market, and international same-restaurant sales were actually positive, with sales up 8.6%.
Wright laid out five strategic priorities going forward: rebuilding the menu around quality and value, sharpening marketing around a consistent brand narrative, tightening restaurant operations, improving the digital and loyalty experience, and getting back to unit growth. He promised a full strategic plan by the next quarterly update and framed the dividend cut as a deliberate move to free up capital for that turnaround rather than a sign of distress.
The core problem is that customers are visiting less often. US same-restaurant sales dropped 7.0%, driven by a 12.5% decline in traffic that a 5.6% jump in average check could not offset. Wright pointed to eroding food quality, an increasingly complex and less compelling Biggie value platform, and inconsistent drive-thru execution as root causes. Commodity costs rose about 9% in the quarter, including continued beef inflation, while labor costs climbed roughly 4%, squeezing US company-operated restaurant margin down to 13.8%. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $124.1 million, down $22.5 million from a year earlier, and adjusted EPS came in at just $0.18. The company also closed 289 US restaurants in the first half of the year.
Management does not expect systemwide sales to return to growth in either the third or fourth quarter, and it cut the quarterly dividend to $0.07 per share while pausing share buybacks for 2026 to preserve cash. Net leverage stood at 5.0 times, and roughly $430 million of debt maturing in 2028 will need refinancing in the coming months.
#quarter #systemwide #TRAFFIC #down
Not everything in the quarter was bleak. US company-operated restaurants outperformed the broader system by 280 basis points, and customer satisfaction scores in the US improved even as traffic fell. Wendy's also kept building, opening 21 new US restaurants and 27 internationally, with systemwide sales abroad still growing 3.4%. Strip out a soft Canadian market, and international same-restaurant sales were actually positive, with sales up 8.6%.
Wright laid out five strategic priorities going forward: rebuilding the menu around quality and value, sharpening marketing around a consistent brand narrative, tightening restaurant operations, improving the digital and loyalty experience, and getting back to unit growth. He promised a full strategic plan by the next quarterly update and framed the dividend cut as a deliberate move to free up capital for that turnaround rather than a sign of distress.
The core problem is that customers are visiting less often. US same-restaurant sales dropped 7.0%, driven by a 12.5% decline in traffic that a 5.6% jump in average check could not offset. Wright pointed to eroding food quality, an increasingly complex and less compelling Biggie value platform, and inconsistent drive-thru execution as root causes. Commodity costs rose about 9% in the quarter, including continued beef inflation, while labor costs climbed roughly 4%, squeezing US company-operated restaurant margin down to 13.8%. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $124.1 million, down $22.5 million from a year earlier, and adjusted EPS came in at just $0.18. The company also closed 289 US restaurants in the first half of the year.
Management does not expect systemwide sales to return to growth in either the third or fourth quarter, and it cut the quarterly dividend to $0.07 per share while pausing share buybacks for 2026 to preserve cash. Net leverage stood at 5.0 times, and roughly $430 million of debt maturing in 2028 will need refinancing in the coming months.
#quarter #systemwide #TRAFFIC #down
27 days ago
VTBIX quietly anchors most Vanguard 401(k) bond allocations, bundling thousands of investment-grade U.S. bonds into one near-zero-cost institutional fund.
BND, VTBIX's tradeable ETF twin, lost 1.4% on price over five years but has gained over 14% over ten.
VTBIX holds no junk bonds, no TIPS, and no emerging-market debt, making it a poor fit for yield-seekers or inflation hedgers.
Act now: the ****** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and VTBIX didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Only about 3% of Vanguard 401(k) contribution dollars in 2024 went into dedicated bond funds, and a big chunk of that money sits in one place most participants never open a fact sheet for: the institutional bond index fund quietly stapled to the back of their plan menu.
#vanguard #fund
BND, VTBIX's tradeable ETF twin, lost 1.4% on price over five years but has gained over 14% over ten.
VTBIX holds no junk bonds, no TIPS, and no emerging-market debt, making it a poor fit for yield-seekers or inflation hedgers.
Act now: the ****** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and VTBIX didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Only about 3% of Vanguard 401(k) contribution dollars in 2024 went into dedicated bond funds, and a big chunk of that money sits in one place most participants never open a fact sheet for: the institutional bond index fund quietly stapled to the back of their plan menu.
#vanguard #fund
29 days ago
King Charles reportedly takes unusual control over his daily meals. His former head chef, Visen Anenden, says the monarch stays closely involved and pays attention to where his ingredients come from. Anenden, who served as Charles' head chef for nearly a decade, told Marie Claire that the King has a genuine passion for food and takes a keen interest in what he eats.
According to Anenden, as reported by The Royal Observer, Charles prefers seasonal ingredients and often sources produce directly from royal estates. "He's very seasonal, and everything comes from the estate," Anenden explained. "He always wants to know where something has come from, so menus were very particular."
The chef said the menus could also change depending on where the royal family stayed. Meals at Balmoral, for example, could look very different from those served at Highgrove. When the family stayed at Balmoral, Anenden said the kitchen relied heavily on what the estate's garden could provide.
"It would be only what you could source from the garden," he explained. That approach gave Anenden and his team a practical lesson in farm-to-table cooking. "You really learn how the farm-to-fork aspect works, and it's a phenomenal lesson for a chef!" he said.
Anenden also revealed how much food Charles and Queen Camilla eat. The former chef said they watch their diets closely and usually avoid large portions. "The thing with the royals is that they don't eat a lot," he said. "It was always small portions. It's never substantial, loaded plates at all, never," he added.
#royal #king
According to Anenden, as reported by The Royal Observer, Charles prefers seasonal ingredients and often sources produce directly from royal estates. "He's very seasonal, and everything comes from the estate," Anenden explained. "He always wants to know where something has come from, so menus were very particular."
The chef said the menus could also change depending on where the royal family stayed. Meals at Balmoral, for example, could look very different from those served at Highgrove. When the family stayed at Balmoral, Anenden said the kitchen relied heavily on what the estate's garden could provide.
"It would be only what you could source from the garden," he explained. That approach gave Anenden and his team a practical lesson in farm-to-table cooking. "You really learn how the farm-to-fork aspect works, and it's a phenomenal lesson for a chef!" he said.
Anenden also revealed how much food Charles and Queen Camilla eat. The former chef said they watch their diets closely and usually avoid large portions. "The thing with the royals is that they don't eat a lot," he said. "It was always small portions. It's never substantial, loaded plates at all, never," he added.
#royal #king
1 month ago
Our ******* ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Completed the multi-step separation of residential and food processing businesses, positioning Middleby as a pure-play commercial foodservice solutions provider.
Organic revenue growth of 8.3% in Q2 was driven by broad-based strength across global channels, particularly within the QSR segment and dealer partners.
Performance was bolstered by strategic investments in the ice and beverage platform, which is seeing rapid adoption as customers seek to expand menus and dayparts.
Management attributed the second consecutive quarter of organic growth to a go-to-market strategy that emphasizes strategic partnerships and next-generation innovation.
#middleby
Completed the multi-step separation of residential and food processing businesses, positioning Middleby as a pure-play commercial foodservice solutions provider.
Organic revenue growth of 8.3% in Q2 was driven by broad-based strength across global channels, particularly within the QSR segment and dealer partners.
Performance was bolstered by strategic investments in the ice and beverage platform, which is seeing rapid adoption as customers seek to expand menus and dayparts.
Management attributed the second consecutive quarter of organic growth to a go-to-market strategy that emphasizes strategic partnerships and next-generation innovation.
#middleby
1 month ago
It's not every day you get to have a memorable breakfast with your boss. Most people expect a quick morning conversation to happen around the office coffee machine. Last month, though, 97.3 The Fan's Ben Higgins and Steve Woods, along with producer Paul Reindl, gathered for something much different. The long-running San Diego morning show, Ben & Woods, was celebrating Woods' birthday.
The mood was light. It was a typical Friday morning wrapping up MLB All-Star Week and preparing for the second half of the Padres season. Breakfast burritos were on the menu, but so was another surprise. Each member of the show received a new three-year contract extension.
"Anytime you can get extended in media these days is a giant win," says Woods, who called the moment the best birthday gift ever. "We have an audience that's so dedicated to the show and knows where we are. Not just us but taking care of our producer was also a big thing for us. As soon as they did that, that forced the issue for us to do this."
Since 2019, Ben & Woods has become a staple for San Diego sports fans. The show originally launched a year earlier on the former Mighty 1090 before moving to Audacy's 97.3 The Fan after the station shut down. The program was built specifically for San Diego, blending sports, culture, humor and personality. Higgins and Woods have never been afraid to let listeners into their lives, and that same transparency extends to contract negotiations.
"Honestly, I would like to handle things behind the scenes. But compromise is part of a good radio marriage," jokes Higgins. "Woods loves bringing it all out there for our listeners. Which is our strongest quality. In terms of our deal, we were in alignment on a lot. It was just a few things that if they agreed on, we'd be ready to sign. We were just so happy to get it done."
#contract
The mood was light. It was a typical Friday morning wrapping up MLB All-Star Week and preparing for the second half of the Padres season. Breakfast burritos were on the menu, but so was another surprise. Each member of the show received a new three-year contract extension.
"Anytime you can get extended in media these days is a giant win," says Woods, who called the moment the best birthday gift ever. "We have an audience that's so dedicated to the show and knows where we are. Not just us but taking care of our producer was also a big thing for us. As soon as they did that, that forced the issue for us to do this."
Since 2019, Ben & Woods has become a staple for San Diego sports fans. The show originally launched a year earlier on the former Mighty 1090 before moving to Audacy's 97.3 The Fan after the station shut down. The program was built specifically for San Diego, blending sports, culture, humor and personality. Higgins and Woods have never been afraid to let listeners into their lives, and that same transparency extends to contract negotiations.
"Honestly, I would like to handle things behind the scenes. But compromise is part of a good radio marriage," jokes Higgins. "Woods loves bringing it all out there for our listeners. Which is our strongest quality. In terms of our deal, we were in alignment on a lot. It was just a few things that if they agreed on, we'd be ready to sign. We were just so happy to get it done."
#contract
1 month ago
After its shares sank by more than 35% at the start of the year, Toast (NYSE: TOST) stock has come roaring back since the spring to near breakeven for the year.
The combination of mixed restaurant industry sales and the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sell-off contributed to its poor early stock performance, but the company itself continued to hit on all cylinders. That was seen again in the second quarter, with the restaurant software and payments company once again delivering strong results.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
While Toast had been dumped in the AI loser bucket with other software companies, that narrative makes even less sense for Toast. First, its focus is on a sprawling industry of millions of small and medium-sized restaurant operators that aren't particularly tech savvy. Frontier model companies aren't going to look to put together the salesforce to sell into this market, and these companies aren't going to vibe code their own solutions.
Meanwhile, Toast's own AI-powered solutions have been gaining traction. Its AI-powered marketing agentic AI tool Toast IQ Grow is on track to become its fastest-ever solution to reach $10 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), as restaurants are seeing great outcomes with it. In addition, the company is looking to expand its agentic AI platform into other areas like payroll, scheduling, tax, and bookkeeping. Things like dynamic menu and margin optimization tools, and predictive labor scheduling can have big impacts for restaurant operators that survive on slim margins, and these are the types of modules that can really help grow its ARPU (average revenue per user) over the long term.
#Companies #aren 't #first
The combination of mixed restaurant industry sales and the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sell-off contributed to its poor early stock performance, but the company itself continued to hit on all cylinders. That was seen again in the second quarter, with the restaurant software and payments company once again delivering strong results.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
While Toast had been dumped in the AI loser bucket with other software companies, that narrative makes even less sense for Toast. First, its focus is on a sprawling industry of millions of small and medium-sized restaurant operators that aren't particularly tech savvy. Frontier model companies aren't going to look to put together the salesforce to sell into this market, and these companies aren't going to vibe code their own solutions.
Meanwhile, Toast's own AI-powered solutions have been gaining traction. Its AI-powered marketing agentic AI tool Toast IQ Grow is on track to become its fastest-ever solution to reach $10 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), as restaurants are seeing great outcomes with it. In addition, the company is looking to expand its agentic AI platform into other areas like payroll, scheduling, tax, and bookkeeping. Things like dynamic menu and margin optimization tools, and predictive labor scheduling can have big impacts for restaurant operators that survive on slim margins, and these are the types of modules that can really help grow its ARPU (average revenue per user) over the long term.
#Companies #aren 't #first
