Washington’s dining and nightlife industry has found itself at the center of two simultaneous stories this August. On one hand, restaurant and bar owners have reported steep drops in attendance and reservations in the first week of the federal government’s takeover of the District’s police force. On the other, the city’s popular Summer Restaurant Week kicked off with strong numbers, bringing a nearly 30 percent boost in reservations compa

Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse ingredients. As Indian restaurants become more popular across the USA, dining in one can be an unfamiliar experience for some. If you're visiting an Indian restaurant in the USA, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the dining etiquette to make the most of your meal and show respect for the cultural traditions behind the cuisine. Here’s a comprehensive guide to d

A well-known Chicago café and fast-casual restaurant is set to open its newest location in Wilmette in fall 2025. Goddess and the Baker, a popular eatery recognized for its vibrant menu and welcoming atmosphere, will move into Edens Plaza at 3232 Lake Avenue, taking over the space formerly occupied by Corner Bakery, which closed earlier this summer. The arrival of Goddess and the Baker marks a significant addition to Edens Plaza, a shopping center in West Wilmette that has

A popular Hoboken restaurant is working toward reopening after a fire temporarily shut down its operations on Thursday evening. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. when heavy smoke was reported coming from the building. Both the restaurant and the residential units located above were promptly evacuated as emergency responders arrived on the scene. More than 30 firefighters responded swiftly and were able to locate the fire within the walls of the structure. The fire was quickly

Tensions ran high during a DC Council meeting Monday evening as members voted on the 2026 budget while also tackling the controversial amendment to Initiative 82, a wage law aimed at increasing pay for tipped workers. The session began over an hour late without any official explanation, sparking frustration among attendees. When questioned, Council Chair Phil Mendelson explained that the delay stemmed from extensive internal discussions and negotiations over multiple issues. The mos

The debate over Initiative 82, the voter-approved law designed to gradually increase wages for tipped workers in Washington DC, has intensified as the city council considers whether to repeal or modify the measure. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) claims that the law is causing restaurants to shut down at a historic rate, while worker advocacy groups argue that the data presented by the industry is misleading and does not reflect the true state of the restaurant se

Over the past decade, Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular across the United States. Driven by changing tastes, a growing South Asian population, and increasing awareness of diverse food cultures, Indian food franchising is now emerging as a lucrative business opportunity. Entrepreneurs, especially those from the Indian diaspora, are tapping into this market, setting up food franchises that range from quick-service restaurants (QSRs) to fine-dining ch

Sitting down at a formal dining table can feel like a test. From the way the table is set to the numerous types of forks, spoons, and knives, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, table manners are less about strict rules and more about showing respect and grace. Whether attending a wedding, business dinner, or high-end restaurant meal, understanding how to use each piece of cutlery correctly will boost your confidence. A formal table setting is designed to accommodate mu

Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual chain Cava is preparing to launch its very first Ohio location, setting its sights on the city of Columbus. The popular restaurant brand, known for customizable grain bowls, pitas, and house-made dips, has submitted plans to open at 1370 Polaris Parkway, directly across from Polaris Fashion Place. A building permit filed in June indicates that the Columbus branch will occupy a space previously used by another restaurant, signaling Cava’s growing national

We've all had that moment. You're at a restaurant, the food is hot and ready, and the waiter asks, “Would you like sauce or ketchup?” You freeze for a second. You smile politely, pretend to know, but deep down you’re unsure what exactly the difference is. You want to ask, but you hold back. You think of searching it on your phone later, but the moment passes. Days go by and then, while casually scrolling during your break or while relaxing, you stumble across this ar

The D.C. Council has voted to delay a planned increase in the tipped minimum wage from $10 to $12, a move originally scheduled to take effect on July 1. The decision, which passed in an 8-4 vote, shifts the increase to October, reigniting debate surrounding the future of Initiative 82. This voter-approved ballot measure, passed in 2022 with overwhelming support, aims to gradually raise the minimum wage for tipped workers to $17.50 by 2027. However, with growing concerns from the restaurant in

As Memorial Day 2025 approaches, many Americans prepare for a long weekend filled with family gatherings, outdoor activities, and last-minute shopping. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or simply want to stock up on supplies, knowing which stores and restaurants are open or closed is essential. Here's a detailed roundup of what will be operating across the U.S. on Memorial Day and which places you’ll want to plan ahead for. Several major retailers will r

On Tuesday, the D.C. restaurant community was shaken by visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, which sparked a mix of anxiety and anger throughout the industry. Sources confirm that agents visited at least nine restaurants in the District, igniting concerns over the treatment of immigrant workers. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed alarm over the actions of the ICE agents, calling the reports disturbing. "It appears that ICE is at restaurants or even in

Subway, one of America's most recognized fast food franchises, has seen its number of US locations drop below 20,000 for the first time in over 20 years. In 2024 alone, the chain shuttered 631 restaurants, reducing its US footprint to 19,502 outlets. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Subway has scaled back its presence in its home country. Despite this consistent decline, Subway still holds the distinction of being the largest restaurant chain in the United States by number of loca

Heinz, a global leader in condiments, is trialing a new sauce machine that could change the way sauces are served in restaurants. In a limited test across three suburban restaurant locations, the company is introducing the Heinz Remix—a high-tech condiment dispenser that empowers customers to personalize their own sauce blends using a touch interface and multiple flavor options. The Heinz Remix is modeled after customizable drink machines but is designed specifically for con

Portillo's, the renowned Chicago-based chain known for its hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, has embarked on a new culinary venture by introducing a breakfast menu at select locations. This marks a significant expansion in the brand's offerings, aiming to cater to early risers and breakfast enthusiasts in the Chicago area. Starting April 15, 2025, five Portillo's locations began serving breakfast daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The participating locations includ

Renowned American restaurant chain Hooters of America has filed for bankruptcy protection in Texas as part of a major restructuring effort aimed at addressing its mounting debt of $US376 million (approximately $601 million AUD). The company announced that it will transfer ownership of its company-operated restaurant locations to a group backed by the original founders of the brand, with the aim of strengthening its financial future. Despite the bankruptcy filing, Hooters has confirmed that it

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut is set to open her new restaurant, "The Mountain Story," in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on February 14. The restaurant will feature traditional Himachali cuisine and stunning local decor. In a recent social media post, Kangana shared a nostalgic video where she had expressed her long-time dream of opening a restaurant with a world menu, drawing inspiration from her global culinary experiences. Resharing this video, she humorously invited actress Deepik

This New Year’s Eve marked a remarkable recovery for the restaurant industry, with occupancy rates 15-30% higher than last year, defying concerns of low consumer spending amidst persistent inflation. Many dining spots reported record-breaking sales and packed houses, especially on December 31. Zorawar Kalra, founder of Massive Restaurants Pvt., mentioned that several of their chains achieved "all-time high" sales. Rajit Shetty from the Ramee Group of Hotels also note