Author: Sam Watanuki

MOD Pizza is known around the country for its unique take on quick and delicious pizzas. They first opened their doors in Seattle in 2008, and by the end of 2023, there were more than 560 restaurants.  However, MOD Pizza has just closed 27 of its locations around the US without any warning or announcement explaining why, even to their now out-of-work employees.  The History of MOD Pizza Source: @MODPizza/Facebook When one thinks of fast-food pizza, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, or Papa John’s typically come to mind. These popular chains certainly have a lot to offer, such as delivery services, affordable…

Bloomin’ Brands, the powerhouse behind Outback Steakhouse and other popular dining spots, is closing 41 of its locations.  “Closing restaurants is never easy. This was a business decision that has no reflection on the staff or their service,” the company shared in a statement. Opportunities Amidst Closures Source: Wikimedia Commons Despite the closures, Bloomin’ Brands is ensuring a silver lining for affected employees.  Many will have the chance to transfer to other locations, while those who can’t will be offered severance packages to aid their transition. Strategic Business Moves Source: Wikimedia Commons During an earnings call, Bloomin’ Brands CEO David…

Once a staple in Midwest homes, Oberweis Dairy finds itself in a rocky situation, navigating through Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  The brand, beloved for its ice cream and dairy products, owes over $4 million to its top 20 creditors. Insight Into Oberweis Dairy Bankruptcy Filing Source: Town of Wake Forest, NC/Facebook Among those lining up for payments is Greco & Sons, the largest unsecured creditor with a claim of over $721,000.  The financial woes extend to local taxes, with Oberweis Dairy also owing Cook County treasurer more than $173,000. Secured Debts and Financial Struggles Source: Fred Andy/Facebook Oberweis’s troubles are deepened…

Ohio trucker Monte Wiederhold is raising a red flag about California’s zero-emission vehicle standards.  During an appearance on “FOX & Friends First,” he labeled the new regulations as “catastrophic” for both the trucking industry and the entire U.S. supply chain, stressing the severe consequences they could bring. Zero Emissions? Zero Sense Source: Gabriel Santos/Unsplash Monte Wiederhold didn’t mince words when discussing the new emission laws.  He declared, “There is nothing about this law that makes any sense,” voicing his strong disapproval of the measures he believes could severely disrupt essential trucking routes across the nation. Court Endorses California’s Emission Plans…

This month, the beloved 99 Cents Only Stores announced a wave of closures across California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona, totaling 371.  With 265 stores closing in California alone, the impact is substantial for communities that have depended on these outlets for budget-friendly finds. A California Institution Says Goodbye Source: Wikimedia Commons Since their establishment in 1982, 99 Cents Only Stores have become a fixture in California’s retail scene.  The closure of many original locations represents more than a business decision; it signifies a significant disruption for the locals. At the core of this impactful decision is the company’s headquarters in…

Remember when you couldn’t walk through a mall without seeing an Express store?  Those days are in the rearview mirror. Now, this former retail titan is grappling with the prospect of bankruptcy, a stark turn fueled by relentless competition from trendy, low-cost brands. Navigating Financial Turbulence Source: Wikimedia Commons According to Bloomberg, Express is currently in negotiations with lenders as it considers filing for bankruptcy.  It’s tough out there—shoppers are now spending their dollars at online behemoths like Amazon and Shein, leaving Express in a pinch. Shakeup at the Top Source: Wikimedia Commons Following a significant decline in sales, CEO…

After California raised the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20, many local franchise owners have started to gently raise their menu prices to cope with the extra costs.  There’s a growing concern among them that their regulars might start drifting toward more wallet-friendly options like Chili’s and Applebee’s, which haven’t been hit by the wage increase. The Casual Dining Edge Source: Wikimedia Commons Because casual dining chains like Chili’s and Applebee’s do not fall under the new minimum wage law, they are not expected to raise their prices as significantly as fast-food outlets. Business Insider notes that this price…

Jay Pandya, the man behind Boston Market, recently received yet another denial for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  This latest court decision not only denies the request but also prevents him from filing again for the next six months. With creditors closing in, the timing couldn’t be worse for Pandya’s company as it struggles under hefty financial pressures. Growing Consumer Discontent Source: Boston Market Customer reviews highlighted growing dissatisfaction among patrons. Consumer feedback on platforms such as Yelp and Google indicated a noticeable decline in food quality and customer service at various Boston Market locations across the country, contributing to the…

California is experiencing a mass exodus of its richest residents thanks to a new state tax that targets affluent residents. Aimed at addressing California’s significant budget deficit, reaching $68 billion, the state is taxing the wealthy who stay or leave. Hoping to avoid California’s already high prices and future wealth taxes, the wealthiest residents are leaving the state, taking their tax dollars with them. California’s Wealth Tax Source: Freepik Finance expert John Williams recently analyzed California’s new tax policies and attributed the substantial budget deficit in California is what led to this wealth tax, which includes an annual taxation of…

Stellantis, owner of the vehicle brands Jeep and Dodge just announced a wave of layoffs that will affect 400 workers. These white-collar workers had been told to work remotely for the day just before being fired. Some are criticizing this trend of firing employees remotely as “cold” or “impersonal,” in a continuing discussion about how companies should be handling layoffs in the modern digital landscape. Layoffs Source: Romain V/Unsplash A report by CNBC described the layoffs of 400 U.S. workers as due to “unprecedented” uncertainties. The layoffs will affect 2% of workers in the company’s engineering, technology, and software units.…