A downtown Columbia restaurant promised upscale dining, but for more than a year its patrons couldn’t order a cocktail or a glass of wine with their steaks and salmon because the South Carolina Department of Revenue refused to grant the business a license to sell alcohol. The Department of Revenue says it cannot approve a … Read more
A new year is often meant to symbolize a new beginning, but for one of America’s most recognizable casual dining brands, 2024 offered the opposite. Instead of renewal, the year was marked by financial problems, bankruptcy and a significant loss of its domestic and international footprint. Founded in 1965 in New York City, this restaurant … Read more
As someone who grew up about 20 minutes from Boston’s famous North End Italian neighborhood, my standards for Italian restaurants have always been high. But I also grew up in the 80s when Chef Boyardee was a menu staple. So when I visit an Italian restaurant, I’ve long understood that it’s about expectations. A chain … Read more
Hearing about restaurant closings has become more common, but the news often hits hardest when old establishments close their doors. These restaurants are much more than places to eat; many have become prominent pieces in their communities, tied to years of local memories and traditions. Even well-established chains have not been immune to this troubling … Read more
short An iconic restaurant along the San Francisco waterfront has closed after 56 years. The Waterfront opened at Pier 7 in 1969. The restaurant has hosted figures including Tony Bennett, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. SAN FRANCISCO – An iconic dining destination that drew locals and tourists alike to San Francisco’s Embarcadero for more than … Read more
In many cases, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy does not mean the end of a restaurant chain. That’s at least in part because brand names have value, and as long as the finances can be worked out with lenders, there will usually be more investors willing to get behind a Red Lobster comeback than those who … Read more
Less than two days before the violence destroyed their lives, Rob Reiner and his wife Micheal shared a modest dinner close to home. The evening passed quietly among friends, staff and familiar dishes. Now, as investigators piece together what happened next, the owner of the restaurant that served them is revealing what he witnessed before … Read more
Although Chick-fil-A is not available worldwide, the beloved American fast food chain known for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and the phrase “My pleasure” has become one of the most important restaurant chains in the industry. Unlike many other global fast food giants, Chick-fil-A has expanded its business with a slower but purposeful growth strategy. … Read more