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Major US restaurant chains reported varied earnings for Q2 2025 amid economic uncertainty. McDonald's and Burger King saw sales growth driven by value offerings and promotions, while others like Sweetgreen and Wendy's faced declining sales due to cautious consumer spending. Industry outlook remains cautious.
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Residents of Montmartre and other historic neighborhoods in Paris are protesting the impact of overtourism, which has led to the disappearance of local shops, increased crowding, and a loss of community atmosphere. Some residents are selling their homes and calling for measures to limit visitor numbers.
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Recent data indicates a slowdown in US employment growth, with unemployment claims fluctuating and job creation falling short of forecasts. Despite low layoffs, economic uncertainty and federal workforce reductions are impacting the labor market, raising concerns about future growth and stability.
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Keurig Dr Pepper will acquire JDE Peet’s for €31.85 per share, then split into two companies: one for coffee, led by CEO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi, and one for beverages like Dr Pepper and 7UP, led by CEO Tim Cofer. The move aims to focus on growth amid market challenges.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the city will block a federal plan to deploy immigration enforcement officers, which could begin as early as September 5 and last 30 days. The city aims to protect residents' constitutional rights amid federal immigration efforts, contrasting with the federal government's focus on immigration enforcement in Democratic cities.
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Arabica coffee futures hit their highest since May, rising over 2% amid supply worries. Brazilian crop estimates have been revised downward due to weather, and tariffs on Brazilian imports are pushing roasters to raise prices globally. Major brands are increasing costs, signaling sustained price pressures.
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Starbucks faces ongoing challenges in New York with declining sales, poor store conditions, and slow service, despite CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to improve customer experience. Meanwhile, a new Edinburgh coffee shop highlights the city's independent coffee scene, emphasizing quality and history.
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Starbucks employees backed by unions have filed class-action lawsuits in Illinois and Colorado, claiming the company violated laws by not reimbursing them for new clothing required by a stricter dress code implemented on May 12. Complaints also lodged with California authorities, with plans for further legal action if needed. Employees cite financial strain from wardrobe costs and enforcement issues.
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A Starbucks employee wrote a racist message on a cup in response to a customer supporting conservative figure Charlie Kirk, leading to the employee's firing. The incident has reignited discussions on free speech, corporate policies, and political expression in retail spaces.
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On September 25, 2025, Starbucks announced layoffs of approximately 900 staff and the closure of about 1% of its North American stores, including its flagship Seattle roastery. CEO Brian Niccol aims to restore the coffeehouse experience amid six quarters of declining US sales. The cuts mainly affect support and corporate roles, while the company plans to invest in store improvements and technology.
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Recent UK regulations restrict free refills of sugary drinks in hospitality venues and ban multi-buy deals on unhealthy foods to combat rising obesity. These measures, effective from October 2025, aim to promote healthier choices and reduce health risks like diabetes and heart disease, amid ongoing industry adjustments.
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Dubai-style chocolate bars, known for their thick texture and exotic fillings like pistachio and tahini, have surged in global popularity since 2021. Major retailers and restaurants worldwide now offer variations, fueling demand and causing a pistachio shortage. The trend reflects a growing appetite for indulgent, textured confections blending luxury and novelty as of late October 2025.
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Goldman Sachs plans role reductions amid AI-driven overhaul, while Sea doubles down on AI to boost growth. Both companies see AI as a key driver for future expansion, despite potential workforce disruptions. Starbucks CEO warns of regulatory lag in AI development. These moves highlight AI's growing influence across sectors.
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Recent articles highlight ongoing advancements and strategic shifts in AI development, corporate adoption, and regulation. From AI-driven coding experiments to China’s regional AI cooperation, and corporate hiring strategies, the stories reflect a rapidly changing landscape with significant implications for industry and policy as of October 17, 2025.
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Amazon Web Services experienced a significant outage originating from its Virginia data center region, affecting hundreds of online services including social media, gaming, and financial platforms. The outage lasted over 15 hours, highlighting the risks of high cloud infrastructure concentration and its widespread impact.
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South Korea's K-beauty industry, driven by small startups and major manufacturers, has surpassed $10 billion in exports, fueled by social media and e-commerce. The industry’s growth is supported by a surge in international demand, especially in the US, with brands leveraging influencers and retail chains like Olive Young.
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Chipotle, Cava, and Sweetgreen report declining visits from 25-35-year-olds due to economic pressures, leading to lower sales and stock drops. Chains plan promotions and menu innovations to counteract reduced spending amid broader industry challenges.
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Starbucks will sell a 60% stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital for $4 billion, aiming to expand from 8,000 to over 20,000 stores. The deal provides Starbucks with capital and local expertise amid declining sales and rising local competition.