Fast-Food Chains Chase a Thirstier, Younger Crowd
Americans are drinking less alcohol, and fast-food chains have spotted a chance to fill the gap. They are courting young customers with frozen coffees and energy drinks that buyers can customize down to the flavor shot. Taco Bell has pushed harder than most, opening more than 30 Live Más Cafés inside its existing restaurants, where workers it calls "Bellristas" serve creamy chillers, fruity refreshers, and seasonal drinks alongside the usual menu. A diner can wash down a Triple Double Crunchwrap with a Pineapple Lime Rockstar Energy Refresca and its 200 milligrams of caffeine, roughly twice a regular coffee. Early results have already justified the expansion. After Taco Bell debuted Live Más Café outside San Diego in late 2024, that location saw a 40% sales lift, and the chain now plans a systemwide rollout as it chases $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030.
Dunkin' Returns to Canada to Face Tim Hortons Again
Dunkin' is heading back to Canada, eight years after it gave up on a market it couldn't crack. The coffee chain, owned by Atlanta-based Inspire Brands, said it has signed a deal with Foodtastic to open "hundreds" of locations across the country. Foodtastic, which owns Freshii and runs 27 brands and more than 1,200 locations in Canada, already operates Inspire's Jimmy John's sandwich shops there. Both sides pointed to that track record.
Convenience Stores Are Becoming Fast-Food Restaurants. Here's Who's Leading the Charge
Convenience stores are adding name-brand restaurant counters at a pace that would have seemed strange five years ago. Wetzel's Pretzels, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, and Cinnabon are all pushing into c-store aisles, and regional operators are signing up fast.
Popeyes, Burger King and Papa Johns line up blockbuster menu tie-ins for 2026
Three of the biggest names in fast food are betting on pop culture to drive traffic this spring and summer, lining up menu collaborations with One Piece, Star Wars and Toy Story 5.
Must-Try New Restaurants in New York City This Season
Finding the best new restaurants in New York City can be a challenge, with a steady stream of openings across Manhattan and beyond. These spots span a range of cuisines, offering something for every palate. What sets the best apart isn’t just the hype - they’re worth choosing for a memorable dinner, even if you're tempted by the city’s iconic, long-established favorites.
The 10 Best Burgers in Calgary
Calgary doesn't do things halfway. Not with its beef, not with its winters, and definitely not with its burgers. This is cattle country - a city where people take patty composition personally, where the debate between smash and thick-cut can outlast a hockey game, and where a single "special sauce" recipe has been guarded since 1962. This isn't a list of the best burger restaurants in Calgary. It's a list of the best burgers - the actual sandwich, bite by bite. We ranked based on flavor, texture, composition, and the one metric that never lies: the silence that falls over the table after the first bite. From a drive-thru institution that's been slinging burgers since JFK was president, to a wood-paneled smash spot that opened in 2023 and is already being called the best in Canada - here are the ten burgers worth crossing the city for.
A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Chicago
Pizza is a huge part of Chicago's food culture, offering a wide variety of styles beyond just the famous deep dish. Here are 10 pizzerias, where you can try this famous food in all its different types. We'll look at old pizza shops that have been around for decades and recent places trying new things with ingredients.
A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in New York City
Pizza in New York is a part of the city's culture and history. Each pizzeria has its story, often reflecting the neighborhood's character and the passion of the people who run them. Here are ten of the best pizzerias in New York that you should try.
El Pollo Loco Wants to Give You Concert Tickets, Not Coupons
El Pollo Loco is betting that loyalty members want more than discounts. The fire-grilled chicken chain rolled out a refreshed Loco Rewards program earlier this year, pairing exclusive experiences with app-driven promotions as part of a broader turnaround that's already delivering results. The centerpiece of the relaunch: a partnership with Coca-Cola for a "soccer challenge" giving members a shot at a VIP trip to the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game in Charlotte, N.C., on July 29. The grand prize includes two game tickets, hotel accommodations, flight vouchers, and a $300 Visa gift card. A hundred runner-up winners each receive a $25 El Pollo Loco gift card.
Where to Celebrate Vaisakhi Authentic Punjabi Food 2026 Across the United States
On April 14, 2026, Sikhs and Punjabi communities across the United States celebrate Vaisakhi - the Sikh New Year and the traditional harvest festival of Punjab. The day is marked by prayers at gurdwaras, bhangra dancing, community gatherings, and langar - free meals served to anyone who comes. For those who want to experience the spirit of the holiday at a restaurant table, here is a guide to the best Punjabi and North Indian spots across the country.
