Every few years, America picks a food to symbolize what&#8217;s wrong with the economy. Today, it&#8217;s the burrito. As a chef and restaurant owner, I can tell you something most people don&#8217;t realize — nobody in this business wants to sell a $20 burrito. We&#8217;d much rather sell you a great $10 burrito and see you twice a week; that’s how we make money (in the hope you buy a soda, too).
The problem is that the burrito has become a victim of inflationary monetary policy. Take one bite, and you’re eating the consequences of years of easy money in addition to higher wages, skyrocketing insurance premiums, expensive rent, credit card processing fees, taxes, and regulations (and hopefully not tainted lettuce).
Then there&#8217;s another reality no one likes to talk about — we&#8217;ve become conditioned to pay a premium for convenience. Many Americans stopped cooking decades ago. Then we stopped picking up takeout. Now we expect someone else to leave their house, wait in line, drive across town, and deliver dinner to our couch. By the time you add delivery fees, service charges, small-order fees, communist taxes, inflated menu prices, and a tip, that $12 burrito becomes a $22 burrito-bomb. Then the restaurant becomes the villain.
The irony is that the local taqueria isn&#8217;t getting rich. The independent restaurant owner is working longer hours for thinner margins than ever before. The customer pays more, the delivery app takes a cut — and if the customer complains for any reason, the restaurant pays the price. The owner typically loses money in this scenario.
That&#8217;s why the burrito has become America&#8217;s inflation index. It&#8217;s one of the simplest, most basic meals ever invented — rice, beans, meat, salsa, and a tortilla. When that starts feeling like a luxury purchase, something else in the system is leaking.
There is a silver lining: burritos are still one of the best values in cooking. Buy a chuck roast or pork shoulder instead of expensive steak. Slow-cook it once, and you&#8217;ll have enough filling for a dozen burritos — heck, just slow roast some chicken leg meat on a lazy Sunday, and you’re set for a few dollars per pound. Stretch the meat with seasoned pinto beans instead of trying to make meat the whole meal. You&#8217;ll save money and probably make a better burrito.
Always skip the pre-shredded cheese. Buy a block of Monterey Jack or mild cheddar and grate it yourself; not only does it lack the powdered cellulose you’ll find in pre-grated cheese, but it also melts better, tastes better, and costs less.
Making your own salsa is a must. It can take 60 seconds in a blender. Just add tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, and salt; it costs pennies per serving and beats almost anything from a jar.
Cook a big batch of rice once a week — rice is still one of the cheapest, most versatile ingredients in the grocery store. Mix in some butter, cilantro, and lime zest and juice, and portion it in baggies and freeze for use throughout the week.
Never overlook rotisserie chicken on sale (the cold one is usually cheaper). Pull the meat, crisp it in a skillet with smoked paprika, a dash of honey, and a pat of butter, and you&#8217;ve got restaurant-quality burritos for a fraction of the cost.
This is what cooks have always done: we stretch ingredients, reduce waste, and turn inexpensive cuts into memorable meals.
The answer isn’t to shame people for complaining about an $18 burrito, nor is it to accuse restaurants of greed. Instead, remember that great food always rewards a modicum of effort. Cook when you can and support your local restaurants. If you&#8217;re ordering takeout, consider driving five minutes to pick it up yourself. You&#8217;ll save money, the restaurant keeps more of the sale, and your burrito will probably be hotter when you get home.
***
Andrew Gruel is a chef, restaurateur, and Huntington Beach City Councilmember.

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Don’t Buy The $20 Burrito Bomb; Make Real Food At Home

Burrito

Burrito Index

DW Opinion

Restaurant

Police are investigating a suspicious overnight fire at Nöam, a kosher restaurant in Montreal&#8217;s Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, as local leaders and community members urge authorities to treat the incident as a hate crime.
The blaze broke out around 3:15 a.m. on Saturday. While no injuries were reported, the building sustained major physical damage.
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A kosher restaurant in Montreal, Canada, was burned to the ground in a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Saturday morning. Emergency services were called to Nöam restaurant at around 3:15 a.m. after a man was seen on video apparently starting the fire before fleeing… <a href="https://t.co/8abdyivkBt">pic.twitter.com/8abdyivkBt</a>
&mdash; StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) <a href="https://x.com/StandWithUs/status/2083885987046854934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) spokesperson Raphael Bergeron confirmed investigators possess security video showing an individual in a white T-shirt setting the fire before fleeing. Building owner Howard Szalavetz expressed heartbreak over the destruction, sharing fears that the business was intentionally targeted due to its Jewish identity. Quebec Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and Provincial Representative Elisabeth Prass both visited the site, condemning the attack and demanding a thorough hate-crime investigation, CBC <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/police-fire-kosher-restaurant-9.7293777#:~:text=(%20St%C3%A9phane%20Gr%C3%A9goire%2FRadio%2DCanada)%20Social%20Sharing.%20Police%20are,Ville%20de%20Montr%C3%A9al%20(SPVM)%20spokesperson%20Raphael%20Bergeron.">reported</a>.
The arson attack reflects a wider, escalation of hostility directed at Canada&#8217;s 400,000-strong Jewish population. Over recent months, cities including Toronto and Montreal have experienced a noticeable surge in violent incidents: A Toronto Jewish girls&#8217; school was targeted by overnight gunfire on three separate occasions; <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bagels-and-bullets-antisemitic-terror-wave-hits-jewish-bakery-chain">shots were fired</a> at Kiva’s Bagel Bar in Toronto, two Montreal Jewish institutions faced firebombings, and multiple synagogues in Nova Scotia were defaced with hate-filled graffiti.
Other reported incidents include attempted abductions and the assault of a Jewish man in front of his children in Montreal.
Community advocates note that these events put 2026 on track to be one of the most violent years on record for the Canadian Jewish community.
Meanwhile, only hours after the fire, the hostility extended into professional sports during a Major League Soccer match at Stade Saputo. Israeli international forward Dor Turgeman, playing for the visiting New England Revolution against CF Montréal, was subjected to hostile chants including &#8220;Death to Israel&#8221; and &#8220;Free Palestine&#8221; from sections of the crowd throughout the game.
Turgeman answered on the field in the 36th minute, scoring to give New England a 2–0 lead. He  celebrated by running toward the stands with his arms outstretched, pointing to his ears as if to say he couldn’t hear the hostility.
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That was quick ⚡️
Dor Turgeman makes it 2-0 for <a href="https://x.com/NERevolution?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NERevolution</a>!
📺 Apple TV: <a href="https://t.co/OHJW1JrVDJ">https://t.co/OHJW1JrVDJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/kgA8Z8TpUC">pic.twitter.com/kgA8Z8TpUC</a>
&mdash; Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://x.com/MLS/status/2083709603888455830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Spectators reportedly <a href="https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/artc-targeted-by-chants-of-death-to-israel-dor-turgeman-responds-with-a-goal#:~:text=Throughout%20the%20match%2C%20some%20Montreal%20supporters%20chanted,allegedly%20behind%20recent%20antisemitic%20attacks%20in%20Canada.">hurled beer bottles</a> onto the pitch in response, and Montréal goalkeeper Sebastian Breza shoved Turgeman, triggering a brief altercation between players on both teams.

Views Of Quebec’s Largest City As Home Sales Rise

Montreal Kosher Restaurant Torched In Arson Attack As Anti-Semitic Hostility Spills Across Canada

Canada

Fire

Montreal

Soccer

Olive Garden is betting America still has an appetite for unlimited carbs, bringing back its iconic Never-Ending Pasta Pass for the first time since 2019.
The popular promo always causes a sensation, and for good reason. Passholders get to gorge on 13 weeks of unlimited pasta, homemade sauces, and protein toppings along with unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks as part of the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion. 
Beginning July 16 at 2 p.m. ET, Olive Garden addicts can visit <a href="https://pastapass.com/">PastaPass.com</a> and pay $100 to reap all the carb-tastic benefits. There are only 10,000 passes available.
The Never-Ending Pasta Pass debuted in 2014 and was an instant hit with restaurant goers, per <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/olive-garden-announces-the-return-of-its-iconic-never-ending-pasta-pass-302823110.html">PR Newswire</a>. A company rep said people have been asking for it ever since it was last available seven years ago.
&#8220;Guests still ask us about Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which speaks to the lasting enthusiasm and connection our fans have for it,&#8221; Jaime Bunker, Olive Garden&#8217;s senior vice president of marketing, said of the promo. &#8220;Bringing it back felt like the right way to recognize the loyalty of so many guests who have kept it top of mind all these years, while celebrating what they love most about Olive Garden – abundance and incredible value – all wrapped into one experience.&#8221;
Those who grab the $100 pass can load up on Olive Garden’s bounty beginning August 31 through November 22. The passes are non-transferable and require photo identification for use. The company noted that it can only be used for dine-in orders, and not for takeout or online purchases.
While many chain restaurants have been struggling due to rising food costs and people generally spending less on dining out, Olive Garden has remained a top performer in the space. However, it has been slipping and was dethroned by Texas Roadhouse last year as America’s number one dining spot. 
This was based on systemwide sales data from Technomic for the Top 500 largest restaurant chains in the U.S., as <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/steakhouse-unseated-olive-garden-america-144754310.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported by Yahoo</a> in 2025. 
Olive Garden had been in the top position since 2018. The nationwide chain recorded $5.2 billion in U.S. systemwide sales for 2024 and opened 15 new restaurants. It currently operates more than 900 locations in 49 states.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden Revives Wildly Popular Deal After Seven-Year Hiatus

Food

United States

For more than a decade, Chick-fil-A has sat at the very top as the best-rated fast food chain restaurant for customer satisfaction. But that all changed in the most recent survey shared on Tuesday.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (<a href="https://theacsi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/26jun-restaurant-STUDY.pdf">ACSI</a>), which rates eateries based on thousands of customer surveys, reported that Jersey Mike’s is the new top contender by one point. Following a poll of 16,464 respondents, Jersey Mike’s was awarded 84 out of 100 possible points, while Chick-fil-A scored 83.
The next highest options in customer satisfaction were Jimmy John’s, Panda Express, KFC, Papa John’s, and Pizza Hut, in that order. Chick-fil-A has been the top-rated fast food restaurant for the past 13 years in the ACSI survey.
Well-known brands like Burger King and McDonald’s were further down the list, with BK earning a 77 and McDonald’s scoring just 70 points out of 100.
This was the first time Jersey Mike’s made it in this category at all. Other restaurants on the rise that debuted on the ACSI list include Wingstop (77 points) and Raising Cane’s (79 points).
&#8220;The U.S. restaurant industry faced difficulties in 2025, with total sales struggling to keep pace with inflation,&#8221; the report said. &#8220;In a market defined by trade-offs, customers are placing greater emphasis on consistency, reliability, and perceived value as opposed to just price. Brands that deliver a consistently enjoyable experience are gaining ground.&#8221;
Chick-fil-A is so popular that long lines at the drive-thru at some franchises became a real point of concern in years past. In California, the Santa Barbara City Council considered labeling one of the locations a public nuisance over long lines that backed up into nearby streets and caused traffic issues.
The franchise’s traditional values have also led to controversies in some parts of the nation. In 2021, Democratic state legislators in New York pushed to keep Chick-fil-A out of rest stops in the state because of past donations to organizations that are allegedly anti-LGBT. 
But despite the Left’s desperate attempt to take down Chick-fil-A, the brand has remained stronger than ever, even though it&#8217;s only open six days per week and is closed on Sundays. The restaurant is always working on innovating, including the latest menu update in the form of the first-ever non-chicken kids meal.
The new Mac and cheese kids&#8217; meal will feature a medium cup of Mac and cheese, made with Chick-fil-A’s blend of Parmesan, Cheddar, and Romano cheeses, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/chick-fil-a-introduces-non-chicken-kids-meal-with-fan-favorite-entree?author=Catherine+Maxwell&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=The+Latest+Chick-fil-A+Menu+Move+Has+Nothing+To+Do+With+Chicken">reported</a>.

Chick-fil-A

Who Just Knocked Chick-fil-A Off The Top Spot?

Fast-Food

Fast food chain Chick-fil-A has launched its first non-chicken kids meal featuring one of customers’ favorite sides: macaroni and cheese.
The mac and cheese kids meal features a medium cup of macaroni and cheese, made with Chick-fil-A’s blend of Parmesan, Cheddar, and Romano cheeses.
The meal also includes a side, a drink, and a toy. The fast food chain — famous for chicken — first introduced macaroni and cheese as a been a side item for regular meals in 2019.
The new kids meal reflects customers’ requests for more flexible menu options for children who do not like chicken. A February Reddit thread was <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/ChickFilA/comments/1rfm5up/its_been_years_why_havent_they_added_a_mac_cheese/">filled</a> with users excited about the idea of a macaroni and cheese kids meal.
“This really seems like a no brainer [sic] to me,” one user said. “I didn’t eat meat as a kid and would have loved to have this option.”
The kids meal is now available at participating locations for $6.75.
“My kids absolutely love their Mac and Cheese and one of [them] won’t touch the nuggets,” another Reddit user said. “I’d love to see them add a Mac and Cheese kids meal.”
This is the first time Chick-fil-A has offered a non-chicken entree in a kids meal. Its other options include regular or grilled chicken nuggets and chicken strips.
Customers can choose from sides including applesauce, a fruit cup, and waffle fries. Drink options include apple juice, chocolate milk, regular milk, and orange juice.
The new meal is being debuted alongside several new kids meal toys as well, <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-food-drink/chick-fil-a-launches-its-first-non-chicken-kids-meal-entree-mac-cheese-available-nationwide">according</a> to Fox Business. The toys include a Cow Case with foldable games, a Cow Kart cardboard racer, a keychain, and Hasbro Cow Games.
The kids meal was introduced as Chick-fil-A announced the return of seasonal summer menu items such as the pineapple dragonfruit lemonade, the honey pepper pimiento sandwich, and the peach milkshake.

Chick-fil-A Draws Conservative Criticism For Its Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Policy

The Latest Chick-fil-A Menu Move Has Nothing To Do With Chicken

kids

Parenting

The CEO of Hooters says the chain doesn’t want to be known for just big hooters anymore.
Neil Kiefer, who has been involved with Hooters since its founding in 1983 and became CEO in 1992, insists the restaurant has always been a family-friendly destination despite its famously scantily clad waitstaff.
“It&#8217;s a neighborhood place that many families frequent, and singles and couples,” Kiefer <a href="https://people.com/hooters-is-rebranding-as-family-friendly-as-ceo-insists-we-ve-never-switched-from-being-a-neighborhood-place-exclusive-11981778">told</a> People after The New York Times published a recent report on the company&#8217;s attempt to reinvent itself.  
Hooters was founded by six Florida businessmen who, according to the company&#8217;s website, “got together to open a place they couldn’t get kicked out of.” During its heyday, there were more than 420 locations in 42 states and 29 countries, and even a Hooters airline, as the Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/style/hooters-restaurant-chain-family-rebrand.html">reported</a>.
Things went downhill during the 2008 recession, the COVID pandemic, and amid various lawsuits. Hooters of America closed several locations and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2025.
But Kiefer is not ready to give up on the original concept just yet. While the CEO blames the takeover of private equity on the restaurant’s overly sexualized image, the NYT noted that scantily clad “Hooters Girls” were part of the gimmick from the start. Now, Kiefer is leaning into a different aesthetic.
“We’re getting back to what makes us a beach-themed restaurant as opposed to a girlie bar,” Kiefer told the NYT, blaming the owners of certain locations for taking the sexy image too far. 
“It was a sporty athletic look at the time, and I think in the last 10 or 15 years, a lot of the country has seen a more sexualized version of that,” he added. “That chased away a lot of customers.”
“That was never the intention when this concept started,” the CEO insisted.
When asked whether the company is trying to become more family-friendly, Kiefer <a href="https://people.com/hooters-is-rebranding-as-family-friendly-as-ceo-insists-we-ve-never-switched-from-being-a-neighborhood-place-exclusive-11981778">told</a> People the restaurant has “been that way always.”
“If you&#8217;ve ever been to a Hooters in Chicago or in Tampa Bay or in South Florida, you&#8217;re going to see tons of families, tons of children,” he said. “It&#8217;s [a] tongue-in-cheek type of beach theme restaurant.”
“I understand the word hooters, the Steve Martin joke,” he said. “It was a double entendre. It was acceptable humor back then, and it&#8217;s coming back to be acceptable humor, but it was oversexualized too much in the last 15, 20 years.”
The restaurant was named after a Steve Martin comedy routine during which he insisted that the real name for breasts should be “hooters.” 
Kiefer claims family-friendly, beach-themed locations in Florida and Chicago are doing well, though he also admits it will take time to “win customers back” after decades of a scandalous reputation. 
“We&#8217;re having success, but it&#8217;s a long road to climb out of it,” he told People.

Hooters

Hooters Says It Was Never Really About The Hooters

Business

Families

Living on the East Coast has its perks, but one common complaint is the frustrating lack of access to In-N-Out, which is mostly located out west. But now there’s a solution.
In between filling out petitions to open more In-N-Out restaurants, hungry customers can head to McDonald’s and use a very specific hack to mimic the taste of the fast food chain’s uber-popular “Animal Style” burger. It’s about as close as East Coasters can get to In-N-Out without purchasing a plane ticket. 
It all starts with ordering a Double Cheeseburger at McDonald’s. Next, the order should be customized to include Big Mac sauce, extra pickles, and grilled onions on the burger, <a href="https://www.foodrepublic.com/2160907/mcdonalds-burger-in-out-animal-style-trick/">per </a>Food Republic. The outlet notes that this request works best during non-peak hours, as grilled onions are not a standard menu item at McDonald’s.
The customization doesn’t stop there. Hungry customers can also modify their French fries order at McDonald&#8217;s to be Animal Style. To achieve this hack, you’ll need to order an extra two slices of American cheese, grilled or raw onions, and Big Mac Sauce. It’s important to put the cheese on first so it melts, the outlet notes.
Like Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out has always been near and dear to conservative hearts. The fast-food restaurant is known for its conservative corporate culture, inspired by the Christian faith of its founders. In-N-Out, founded in 1948, has largely rejected modernization techniques used by other fast-food chains. It has a limited menu, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to quality. 
Liberals have also criticized the company for donating to Republican political campaigns and for printing Bible verses on its packaging. However, calls for boycotts usually don’t work because their fans are too loyal. 
The company was also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/donotcomply-praise-erupts-online-for-in-n-out-burgers-anti-vax-mandate-stand">praised by conservatives</a> in 2021 when it refused to enforce a COVID vaccine mandate for customers in San Francisco, temporarily closing a location and making it clear that it refuses “to become the vaccination police for any government.”

In-N-Out burgers

A Simple Hack Brings In-N-Out To Every Hometown

In-N-Out Burger

McDonald’s

McDonald’s customers are annoyed by what the fast food company just pitched as a bargain.
For a limited time, the McDouble will be available on the company&#8217;s &#8220;McValue&#8221; menu for $2.50. But social media commenters are pointing out that this “value” only highlights how much prices have increased in a short period, as the same sandwich once cost $1.
People were further incensed when McDonald’s discontinued its popular “Buy 1, Get 1 for $1” promo in late April. That’s been replaced by the “Under $3” menu that includes the McDouble and other items, many of which were included in the earlier promotion. 
&#8220;Look, it was my go-to lunch for work every single day. Quick, easy and 5 bucks for lunch. That&#8217;s gone, so am I,&#8221; one commenter wrote. &#8220;No reason else to go. Might only be 1 person, but that&#8217;s one customer gone.&#8221; 
“Anyone remember when McDoubles used to be 99 cents? It was only 10 years ago &#8230;&#8221; one Reddit user noted. 
&#8220;All these were 99-cent items, then it [turned] into a &#8216;value&#8217; meal, then we have what we got now,” another commenter observed. 
&#8220;Thing was a dollar, they sell billions of burgers and I&#8217;m supposed to be impressed by 2.50?&#8221; a third agreed.
McDonald’s pushed back against those criticisms, insisting that their offerings remain a great value.
&#8220;Our focus has always been on listening to our customers and meeting their needs,&#8221; McDonald&#8217;s USA said in a statement, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/mcdonalds-2-50-mcdouble-sparks-backlash-americans-say-fast-food-no-longer-cheap">per</a> Fox News Digital.
&#8220;That&#8217;s why McValue was built as a flexible platform designed to evolve with them. The under $3 menu delivers on what they&#8217;ve told us matters most: consistently great prices on their favorite items and the freedom to order what they want, when they want — no bundling required.&#8221;
The fast-food chain is also facing backlash for continuing to phase out its self-serve beverage stations, which many dine-in customers valued for free refills. 
“As confirmed in 2023, McDonald’s will be transitioning away from self-serve beverage stations in dining rooms across the U.S. by 2032,” the company said in a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/mcdonalds-continues-to-phase-out-popular-restaurant-feature-nationwide">statement</a> this week. “The change is being rolled out over 10 years, and is intended to create a consistent experience for both customers and crew across all ordering points, whether that’s McDelivery, the app, kiosk, drive-thru or in-restaurant.&#8221;

The McDonald’s Menu Change Sparking Nostalgia For The 99-Cent Era

Economy

McDonald’s has ticked off many customers as it continues making an unpopular change to its restaurants.
The fast-food behemoth announced in 2023 that it planned to gradually phase out self-serve beverage stations. That was not an idle threat, as many customers are now seeing this change implemented at their local McDonald’s.
&#8220;This change is intended to create a consistent experience for both customers and crew across all ordering points, whether that&#8217;s McDelivery, the app, kiosk, drive-thru or in-restaurant,&#8221; the company told USA Today in a statement in 2023.
McDonald’s confirmed that the plan was moving forward despite significant backlash.
&#8220;As confirmed in 2023, McDonald’s will be transitioning away from self-serve beverage stations in dining rooms across the U.S. by 2032,” the company <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-food-drink/mcdonalds-quietly-ditching-popular-in-store-feature-nationwide">told</a> Fox Business this week, giving a nearly identical statement. “The change is being rolled out over 10 years, and is intended to create a consistent experience for both customers and crew across all ordering points, whether that’s McDelivery, the app, kiosk, drive-thru or in-restaurant.&#8221;
The change is being seen as a move away from in-store dining in favor of drive-thru, delivery, and digital orders. This <a href="https://www.today.com/food/restaurants/whatever-happened-to-mcdonalds-playplaces-rcna195698">lines up with</a> many restaurants being remodeled and removing play places for kids, plus generally changing the aesthetic to be more muted and modern. 
Beverages, one of the <a href="https://www.mashed.com/190582/the-real-reason-all-mcdonalds-soft-drinks-are-only-1/">biggest sources of profit</a> for the company, remain a focus for McDonald’s. Sodas have a profit margin of up to 90%, with the fast-food restaurant charging $1.50 to $4 for an item that costs 10 to 40 cents per cup, including product, packaging, and labor.
The company told Fox Business in a statement that it would introduce new items to the lineup, including “dirty sodas” that have been going viral online. 
&#8220;Our fans’ love for McDonald’s beverages runs deep … Next month, we’re building on that passion with a new era of beverages, featuring a variety of Refreshers and crafted sodas rolling out nationwide,&#8221; the statement said.

McDonald’s soda

McDonald’s Continues To Phase Out Popular Restaurant Feature Nationwide

Millennials are rejoicing as a staple of their childhood will make a triumphant return this summer.
Pizza Hut just announced that their “Book It!” summer reading program, which encourages kids to read more books in exchange for free pizza, will be making a comeback. The restaurant announced the news on social media last week.
&#8220;SUMMER OF STORIES IS BACK!” the post caption said, adding that enrollment begins today, May 1. &#8220;Get ready to turn reading time into pizza time! This summer, keep your kids&#8217; reading, learning, and loving books… all while earning FREE pizza.&#8221;
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The free program will reward young readers who hit their milestones by providing them with digital Reading Award Certificates, which are redeemable for a free, one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut. Students can earn up to one free pizza per month.
The promo is available for students in grades preschool through 6th, but commenters insist it should be extended to adults, too.
“Millennials need an adult version! Some of us are still readers because of this program!” one reaction said.
“Can us Gen X and millennials get this back for us!!! Us big kid need pizza too,” a second person echoed.
“Thank you so much for bringing this program back! I have a 1st grader who we&#8217;ve been expressing the importance of reading so having this program as an incentive is helpful,” another person said.
“We are so excited! The nostalgia that our kiddo gets to participate!” another person wrote.
The Book It! program began following a 1984 initiative from President Ronald Reagan calling for more businesses to promote education. It was created by Arthur Gunther, the president of Pizza Hut at the time, and marketing executive Bud Gates, per The New York Times. More than 70 million children have participated in the program, resulting in 1.5 billion free pizzas being given out as rewards.
The summer reading Book It! Promotion will run from June 1 until August 31. Parents can sign kids up through the BOOK IT! App.

Pizza Hut

Millennials Celebrate A Childhood Staple Making A Comeback

Books

Children

U.S.

Wendy’s is reversing course on one of its most unpopular menu decisions. 
The fast-food chain is bringing back the Sweet and Sour dipping sauce after months of customer complaints. The popular sauce, a go-to pairing for chicken nuggets, was removed in September as part of a revamped lineup that included Signature, Scorchin’ Hot, Creamy Ranch, Honey BBQ, Honey Mustard, and Sweet Chili.
While Wendy’s also dropped Ghost Pepper Ranch and BBQ, neither sparked the same backlash as the loss of Sweet and Sour. 
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A Wendy’s spokesperson confirmed the sauce was making a comeback, but said its future depends on customers.  
“After nearly seven months of thousands of social media comments, posts and tags demanding its return, the beloved tangy, savory dip is back,” a spokesperson <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2026/04/27/wendys-brings-back-sweet-and-sour-dipping-sauce/89823827007/">told</a> USA Today earlier this week. 
“At Wendy’s, we’re always listening to our fans — and they made it clear they wanted Sweet and Sour sauce back,” the rep continued. “It’s available now for a limited time only. However, Wendy’s fans can ultimately determine if it sticks around by ordering the sauce with their meals and getting loud on social media.”
The official Wendy’s Instagram account shared the same messaging, urging customers to rally behind the returning sauce.
“Sweet &amp; Sour is BACK… but only for a limited time unless y’all get loud. Go get the sauce in-restaurant + like, comment and share this post to save it. SWEET &amp; SOUR ARMY DO UR THING,” the post caption <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXolJ1ykZiO/?hl=en">said</a>.
Customers quickly flooded the post with reactions.
“Ain&#8217;t nobody want sweet chili i need my sweet n sour,” one commenter wrote.
“Y’all better bring this back permanently,” another warned.
“I can now return as a customer. No Sweet and Sour for my nuggets is a deal breaker. Keep the sauce,” a third commenter said.
“We the people petitioned for you to bring our beloved sauce back. Don&#8217;t play with our emotions and take it away again,” another person wrote. “I haven&#8217;t returned since y&#8217;all got rid of it. I&#8217;ll be in your drive thru tomorrow with expectations and hopefulness.”
The reversal comes as Wendy’s faces broader struggles. In February, the chain announced plans to close at least 300 locations in the first half of 2026 following an 11.3% drop in same-store sales, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wendys-value-restaurants-closing-cfd9a7865904ce569044ded5a205cf73">AP News</a>.

Wendys

Wendy’s Responds To Customers Mad About Menu Change

News

Wendy's

The CEO of Five Guys joked that his motivation behind handing out $1.5 million in employee bonuses was a fear of being murdered.
The restaurant exec Jerry Murrell seemed to be making a dark reference to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. 
“I didn’t want anybody shooting me in the back or anything after the first day, because we really screwed it up. We had no idea that we were going to get that kind of response,” Murrell, 82, <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/03/25/five-guys-ceo-jerry-murrell-bonus-employees-bogo-burger/">told</a> Fortune of their failed buy-one-get-one promotion that made headlines earlier this year.
In February, Five Guys celebrated its 40-year anniversary with a BOGO promo, which proved so popular that it crashed the app and led to many restaurants shutting their doors early and refusing to honor it. This led to massive backlash on social media. 
The company apologized for the chaos with a <a href="https://www.fiveguys.com/news/blog/were-sorry/">statement</a> posted on its website. “We let you down, and we’re sorry,” it said. “The promotion spread far beyond what we anticipated, and our hardworking crews were placed in a difficult situation. Some locations ran out of product and had to close early. Online and app ordering experienced sporadic issues that prevented some of you from redeeming the offer.”
The apology went on to praise employees, saying this wasn’t their fault. “We also want to recognize the incredible men and women working in our restaurants. While yesterday’s issues were through no fault of their own, they handled it with the same grit and dedication that has defined Five Guys for four decades.”
Five Guys ran the promo again the following month with better preparation for how popular it would be. Murrell, founder of the popular burger joint, said he used his own money to pay out the bonuses.
“I was gonna buy my wife a new fur coat, and I spent it on [the bonus] instead,” Murrell told the outlet. “She still looks at me like I’m stupid. But I thought it was worth it. They worked so hard. They were so overwhelmed.”​
The outlet noted that Five Guys is one of the last major fast-food chains that is still private and family-owned. There are approximately 1,500 locations nationwide, meaning each restaurant received about $1,000.

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