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New York CNN —Once a holdout on using third-party services, Olive Garden is reversing course and will use Uber to deliver breadsticks and pasta. Olive Garden already offers delivery through its website and app, delivered by the restaurant’s employees. Even during the height of the pandemic, Olive Garden didn’t use the services, although the services benefited their competitors. The partnership likely alleviated some of the pain of a dismal quarter for Olive Garden, which reported a 2.9% drop in same-store sales for the quarter. Olive Garden doesn’t offer many discounts, like its competitors do.
Persons: Uber, Olive Garden, Olive, , Rick Cardenas, ” Darden, Darden, Ruth Chris Organizations: New, New York CNN, Darden, it’s, Olive, Longhorn Locations: New York, Olive
New York CNN —Wednesday is National Cheeseburger Day, with some of the biggest chains offering some much-needed discounts amid consumer complaints about rising prices. It’s part of company’s string of deals to kickstart slumping sales, including recently extending its popular $5 value meal until December. Fast food has been a low-profit margin business with little customer loyalty. McDonald’s pricey burgers have become a flashpoint of criticism and a symbol of elevated fast food prices. So deals are particularly crucial to fast food companies at the moment to lure customers back.
Persons: they’re, Burger King, Jack, Jack ” cheeseburger, , Joe Erlinger Organizations: New, New York CNN, Wednesday, McDonald’s Locations: New York, White, McDonald’s USA
It features “over 1,000 contestants, $5,000,000 prize, and many other world records,” the creator MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, said at the time. The 54-page document describes allegations of players being subjected to “unreasonable, unsafe, and unlawful employment conditions” that led to “several” contestants being hospitalized. Last month, a New York Times report detailed some claims of dangerous conditions from unnamed contestants on the set of the show hosted by the 26-year-old Donaldson. MrBeast nor Amazon immediately responded to CNN’s request for comment about the lawsuit. In recent years, each of his videos easily surpasses 100 million views, and at times has pushed half a billion.
Persons: MrBeast, Jimmy Donaldson, Donaldson, Organizations: New, New York CNN, YouTube, Amazon, Amazon Prime, New York Times, Times, Beast, Netflix Locations: New York, Los Angeles, Nevada, Las Vegas
New York CNN —With its line-up of sweet snacks, Hershey isn’t known as a purveyor of diet foods. As the use of weight-loss drugs — notably Ozempic and Wegovy — grows, the 130-year-old confectionery company is adjusting to this new era by pushing further into the wellness category with protein powders and energy drinks in popular candy flavors. Hershey’s namesake milk chocolate and Reese’s peanut butter and chocolate will soon be sold as protein powders and its Jolly Rancher candies will be turned into bubbly energy drinks. Energy drinks, which are most often bought by millennial and Gen Z customers, have “a lot of affinity” with Hershey’s products, Cunningham told CNN. C4 has already had success with using flavors from Skittles, Starburst and Popsicle for its other energy drinks.
Persons: Hershey, , , , Doss Cunningham, Red Bull, Cunningham, ” Cunningham, Andrea Hernández, Hernández, Hershey’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Hershey Company, C4 Energy, Red, Energy, CNN, Kroger, Walmart, Hershey, One Locations: New York, , United States, Amazon
New York CNN —Some of YouTube’s biggest stars are taking on Lunchables with a competitor of their own. MrBeast, Logan Paul and KSI are teaming up on a “groundbreaking new better-for-you lunch option” called Lunchly, which combines all of their products into one meal that’s aimed at their young fan base. “Our end game has always been to not only provide high quality products, but also healthier alternatives,” Lunchly cofounder Logan Paul said in a press release. Lunchly’s launch comes when Lunchable, owned by Kraft Heinz, announced a major initiative last year to be a part of school lunch programs. Of course, KSI, Paul and MrBeast know how to launch brands, thanks in part to their fervent fan base.
Persons: Logan Paul, Paul, Lunchly, Lunchables ”, ” Lunchly, Kat, Kraft Heinz, MrBeast, hasn’t, ” Jeffrey Klineman, BevNet, “ Paul Organizations: New, New York CNN, Kraft, Consumer, Gatorade, BodyArmor, CNN Locations: New York, Lunchables
New York CNN —Amazon is demanding that its corporate employees return to the office five days a week, a significant change from its current pandemic-era hybrid policy that requires them to be in the office just three days a week. Jassy has previously advocated that employees work in the office, writing that a physical presence improves company culture. Last year, some corporate workers staged a walkout at its Seattle headquarters, citing multiple grievances, including the push to get workers back in the office at least three days a week. The walkout in May 2023 also occurred months after the company confirmed it was laying off some 27,000 workers over multiple rounds of cuts. Although companies in certain sectors, particularly on Wall Street, have emphasized a full return, companies have largely let up on demanding that employees work five days a week in the office.
Persons: Andy Jassy, Jassy, , ” Jassy Organizations: New, New York CNN, Conference Board Locations: New York, Seattle
Amazon is rolling out a new “no-frills” private label brand called Amazon Saver, with most items priced at less than $5 and that include an array of household staples and pantry items such as cookies and crackers and perishable items like sliced turkey and ham. Shoppers at its roughly 50 Amazon Fresh stores and online are getting price cuts on more than 3,000 items. Typically, Prime members get a 10% discount, but now they can get up to 50% off eight to 15 grocery items that change weekly, including fresh produce and meats. And more than 1,200 rotating grocery items from popular brands will be discounted 25%. Prime members will also get an additional 10% off its new lineup of Saver products.
Persons: , Neil Saunders, ” Saunders, Sarah Wyeth Organizations: New, New York CNN, Target’s, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Aldi, GlobalData, , CNN, Shoppers Locations: New York, Aldi
Big Lots files for bankruptcy
  + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com   time to read: +3 min
New York CNN —Big Lots, the beleaguered discount retailer that previously warned it had “substantial doubt” about its survival, has filed for bankruptcy. As part of its Chapter 11 filing, the retailer announced that private equity firm Nexus Capital Management is acquiring “substantially all” of Big Lots stores and business operations. Big Lots blamed several economic factors for its bankruptcy, including high inflation and interest rates. Big Lots is in the process of closing roughly 300 of its 1,400 store across the United States. Big Lots joins a growing list of well-known retailers hitting financial turbulence as customers cut back spending on non-essential items.
Persons: , Bruce Thorn, McDonald’s, it’s, Sarah Foss, ” Foss Organizations: New, New York CNN, Nexus Capital Management, Lots, Walmart, Debtwire, CNN Locations: New York, United States
New York CNN —DirecTV wants its customers to stick with the service during an increasingly nasty dispute with Disney that threatens to black out tonight’s “Monday Night Football” game. So DirecTV developed an unusual strategy: It’s paying customers to subscribe to a rival. Affected customers of DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and U-Verse can get a free weeklong trial of Fubo for two of its packages that carry ESPN and Disney networks and an additional $30 off the first month of service. DirecTV is also giving its customers a $30 credit to sign up for Sling’s orange tier that includes ESPN channels. DirecTV said the deals are a “small way” to help customers while its fight over the expired distribution agreement with Disney stretches into a second week.
Persons: “ Disney, Venu ’, , Venu Sports, Fubo, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, , ’ ”, DirecTV’s, – CNN’s Robert Ilich Organizations: New, New York CNN, DirecTV, Disney, Sling, Dish Network, ABC, ESPN, Sunday, Federal Communications Commission, Fox Corp, Warner Bros, CNN, NFL Locations: New York
Selena Gomez is a billionaire
  + stars: | 2024-09-06 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com   time to read: +2 min
New York CNN —Selena Gomez can now add becoming a billionaire to her long list of achievements. The 32-year-old actress, singer, investor and entrepreneur just achieved the financial milestone thus making her one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the United States, according to Bloomberg, which values her net worth at $1.3 billion. But her following has also helped her Rare Beauty line, putting her in the celebrity-led category of makeup brands dominated by Rihanna and the Kardashians. Gomez also has reportedly reached out to investors for Rare Beauty, seeking a $2 billion valuation. Gomez’s representative didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Persons: New York CNN — Selena Gomez, influencers, Instagram, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Gomez, didn’t Organizations: New, New York CNN, Bloomberg, Puma, Rihanna, Rare, Fund, Hulu Locations: New York, United States
The cheapest price to attend the Friday night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium is priced at $333 for one ticket, according to TickPick, an online secondary ticket marketplace. On average, fans are paying about $500 for the 7 pm ET match, which is the fifth-most-expensive US Open men’s semifinal on record, a TickPick spokesperson told CNN. Notably, the demand to see the lower-ranked American players is far greater than the matchup that features the No. Prices for Fritz vs. Tiafoe match are 231% more expensive for the cheapest ticket compared to the cheap seats for Sinner’s 3 pm ET match against Britain’s Jack Draper. The least-expensive prices for that match are hovering around just $80, and court side prices are about $1,500.
Persons: Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe —, Arthur Ashe, Italy’s, Britain’s Jack Draper, Fritz, hasn’t Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Fritz Locations: New York
McDonald’s is giving its McFlurry a makeover
  + stars: | 2024-09-04 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com   time to read: +2 min
New York CNN —Nearly a year after McDonald’s ditched the hollow plastic spoon, more changes are coming for the McFlurry. McDonald’s set a goal in 2018 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its offices and restaurants by 36% between 2015 and 2030. In 2023, McDonald’s phased out the McFlurry plastic spoon, which doubled as a spindle that inserted into a machine to mix in the toppings. Also rolling out next week is a smaller McFlurry serving size, called the Mini McFlurry, for customers looking for a petite or more budget-appeasing dessert option. Adding more value-minded items, like a Mini McFlurry, could help McDonald’s reposition the chain as a source for budget-friendly food.
Persons: McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, Organizations: New, New York CNN Locations: New York
LL Flooring is going out of business
  + stars: | 2024-09-04 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com   time to read: +3 min
New York CNN —LL Flooring, formerly known as Lumber Liquidators, is going out of business after the bankrupt company failed to find a buyer to rescue the 30-year-old retailer. As a result, LL Flooring will liquidate. LL Flooring started out as Lumber Liquidators about three decades ago as a company that bought and sold excess inventory. LL Flooring had more than 400 locations at its peak in 2018. LL Flooring changed its name from Lumber Liquidators in 2021 following a controversial few years.
Persons: , Mitchell, Bob Williams, Conn’s, Lots Organizations: New, New York CNN Locations: New York
New York CNN —Shein and Temu, two Chinese low-cost e-commerce websites, are the target of a proposed investigation by the United States government for selling “deadly baby and toddler products.”Two leaders from the Consumer Products Safety Commission said in an open letter Wednesday that they want commission staff to look into how the two companies comply with US safety regulations. Pointing to “recent media reports” that dangerous products sold for kids are easy to find on the websites, CPSC commissioners Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak said they want to “better understand these firms, particularly their focus on low-value direct-to-consumer” shipmentsOne particular concern for the Commission is the companies’ use of “de minmis,” a rule that exempts shipments valued at $800 or less from tariffs. Much of the products sold on Shein and Temu are cheap and range from furniture to fast fashion. “As the Commission sets its priorities for next year, we expect agency staff to investigate the companies’ safety and compliance controls; relationships with third-party sellers and consumers; and any representations they make when products are imported,” Feldman and Dziak wrote. Last year, a US congressional commission called out Shein and Temu in a report that suggested the companies and others in China were potentially linked to the use of forced labor, exploitation of trade loopholes, product safety hazards or intellectual property theft.
Persons: New York CNN —, Peter Feldman, Douglas Dziak, ” Feldman, Dziak, Shein, ” Temu, they’re Organizations: New, New York CNN, United, Consumer Products Safety Commission, CNN Locations: New York, United States, China
New York CNN —A number of viral TikTok videos had some people believing they could get “free” cash from Chase ATMs. The problem is that this is just a form of check fraud, a criminal offense. In the case of the viral videos, participants wrote checks for obscene amounts of money and then withdrew as much as they could before the check could bounce. “Regardless of what you see online, depositing a fraudulent check and withdrawing the funds from your account is fraud, plain and simple,” a Chase spokesperson said. Do not spend it, do not move it, just leave it alone and tell the bank,” Wang said.
Persons: Chase, Jim Wang, , ” Wang, – CNN’s Matt Egan Organizations: New, New York CNN, Chase, CNN, JPMorgan, Wall Street, Federal, Currency, Locations: New York
New York CNN —For DirecTV subscribers frustrated by the loss of ESPN and other Disney-owned channels, the TV provider is offering some compensation as the blackout stretches into its third day. The company is offering credits of at least $20 to customers who have DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and U-Verse services — but customers won’t get the credit automatically. They must go to a special website and apply for it using their account’s email, and the credit will show up on a future bill. “We’re pursuing every avenue to get your station back,” DirecTV said on the website. “The Walt Disney Co. is once again refusing any accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and now the American judicial system,” Rob Thun, chief content officer at DirecTV, said in a previous statement.
Persons: won’t, “ We’re, , Rob Thun, it’s, CNN’s Liam Reilly Organizations: New, New York CNN —, DirecTV, ESPN, Disney, NFL, US, ABC, Walt Disney Co, CNN Locations: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, American
New York CNN —Costco customers are now paying more for their annual memberships for the first time since 2017. The price of Costco’s premium “Executive Membership” also went up, by $10 to $130 a year. The company estimated that 52 million memberships will be impacted, a little over half of which are Executive members, Costco previously said. Last year, Costco earned $4.6 billion in revenue from membership fees, an 8% increase from 2022. Costco (COST) is cracking down on membership moochers by implementing stricter policies and requiring shoppers to scan their membership cards to enter stores.
Persons: , Costco, Organizations: New, New York CNN, Costco Locations: New York, Canada
These are either run by the US Open’s top sponsors or available to rent privately for prices up to $100,000. Big spenders laying down the six figures to secure a suite are companies mostly from financial, insurance and legal businesses. A cabin crew staffs the suite checking people in, and the food served inside also matches its first-class offerings, with seafood towers, champagne and caviar. The Honey Deuce cocktail is served for free in many suites at the US Open. Last year, the Dutch beer used the US Open as part of its launch of Heineken Silver, its new low-carb beer.
Persons: Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, Charlize Theron, Justin Bieber, Kylie Jenner, Timothée, Ashe, Sarah Stier, , Shiz Suzuki, aren’t, Arthur Ashe, speck, they’re, Billie Jean King, Bryan Bedder, Al Guido, Maestro Dobel Tequila, Theron, Ariana DeBose, Katie Holmes, Lander Otegui, Theron “, Otegui, Paloma, Charlize Theron sips, John Angelillo, Zendaya, Bieber, Haley, Nicole Kidman, Aaron Judge, Nicola Coughlin, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, , ” Ahmad, Nathan Congleton, Honey, ” Aleco Azqueta, Goose, Zach Braff, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, ” Azqueta, Bob Lynch, ” Lynch, Joe Keery, Craig Barritt, ” Pattie Falch, Silver, Taylor Fritz, Morgan Riddle Organizations: New, New York CNN, United States Tennis Association, American Express, , England’s Wimbledon, US, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, San Francisco 49ers, CNN, Daily Mail, Maestro, UPI, Emirates Airline, Emirates, Yankees, Emirates ’, NBA, NBC, Getty, Bacardi, Heineken, Heineken “, Heineken Silver Locations: New York, Montauk, Bridgehampton, Queens —, Covid, Canada, ” Emirates
New York CNN —New Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol won’t be a constant presence at its Seattle headquarters where he takes the helm next month. Starbucks is giving him a corporate jet to use to commute back and forth. Niccol is also expected to be traveling often, visiting stores and workers since he’s running a global operation of 39,000 stores and 450,000 employees. Earlier this month, Starbucks announced that Niccol would replace Laxman Narasimhan, whose stint as CEO lasted less than two years. Niccol is tasked with turning Starbucks’ fortunes around and mirroring the success he’s had at Mexican-inspired food chain Chipotle for the past six years.
Persons: Brian Niccol won’t, “ Brian Niccol, “ We’re, Niccol, Laxman Narasimhan, he’s, – CNN’s Chris Isidore Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, CNN, , International Energy Agency, Greenpeace, Institute for Policy Studies Locations: New York, Seattle, California, Newport Beach , California
New York CNN —It’s not $5, but Subway is bringing back cheap footlongs and joining the fast food value menu wars. Beginning August 26, Subway will sell any footlong sandwich for $6.99 — a steep discount considering that some footlongs can cost as much as $14 in some cities. It’s the privately held chain’s latest attempt at luring back customers who are balking at rising fast food prices and spending less when they do go out. Subway is owned by a private equity firm and doesn’t often reveal sales like its publicly traded rivals. Technomic data shows that Subway also lags in sales for sides and snacks compared to its competitors.
Persons: New York CNN — It’s, , Burger, , Doug Fry, Dippers, David Henkes, ” Henkes Organizations: New, New York CNN, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks, Sidekicks, CNN Locations: New York, Subway North America, Technomic
New York CNN —A man suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for the wrongful death of his wife is facing a new legal hurdle: Disney is trying to get it dismissed and sent to arbitration — because he signed up for Disney+ years earlier. Company lawyers also claim that because Piccolo used the Walt Disney Parks’ website to buy Epcot Center tickets, Disney is shielded from a lawsuit from the estate of Piccolo’s deceased wife, Kanokporn Tangsuan, who died of a reaction to severe food allergies. In October 2023, Kanokporn Tangsuan, her husband Jeffrey Piccolo and Piccolo’s mother dined at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs, which is part of the Walt Disney World resort in Florida. Signing up for Disney+ should shield the company from court trials, Disney said. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg/Getty Images/FileThe waiter guaranteed the couple that certain foods could be made allergen-free, which the two confirmed “several more times,” according to the lawsuit.
Persons: Jeffrey Piccolo, Piccolo, Piccolo’s, Kanokporn Tangsuan, Brian Denney, , ” Denney, Disney didn’t, Gabby Jones, Tangsuan, , , Maruf, Maria Sole Campinoti Organizations: New, New York CNN, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney, Company, Walt Disney Parks, Epcot, ” Walt Disney Parks, Walt Disney, Bloomberg, Getty Locations: New York, Disney Springs, Florida
New York CNN —Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan is stepping down immediately after just a year in the role, the company announced Tuesday. The struggling coffee chain has tapped Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol to be its new chairman and CEO, effective September 9. Starbucks’ stock soared more than 13% in premarket trading, while Chipotle’s dipped 8%. Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol is leaving the chain for Starbucks. From ChipotleStarbucks’ struggles reflect consumer fatigue with high prices at food chains, restaurants and stores after years of price hikes.
Persons: Laxman Narasimhan, Brian Niccol, Niccol, “ Brian, , Mellody Hobson, ” Narasimhan, Laxman, ” Hobson, Neil Saunders, ” Saunders, Saunders, Narasimhan’s, Howard Schultz, ” Schultz Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, Elliott Investment Management, GlobalData, Wall Street Locations: New York, Mexican, North America
New York CNN —Big Lots is closing more than 300 locations across the United States, or roughly 4% of its stores, following an earlier warning that its future was in “substantial doubt” amid ongoing financial troubles. In a recent regulatory filing, Big Lots said it would increase the number of closures to 315 stores, part of an updated loan agreement to secure its finances. A specific list wasn’t revealed, but Big Lots is listing closing sales at hundreds of its 1,389 stores on its website. Bob’s Stores and 99 Cents Only Stores also went out of business earlier this year. Shares of Big Lots (BIG) are down nearly 90% for the year.
Persons: Lots, Bruce Thorn, Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN Locations: New York, United States,
New York CNN —Chuck E. Cheese has a new subscription program that’s half the price of a Netflix plan, but one the animatronic rat likely hopes double the fun. Chuck E. Cheese hopes the new program attracts inflation-weary customers who have cut back on discretionary spending to save money and seek a better deal. Chang’s providing various versions of their own helping the businesses lock in loyalty and deliver a consistent stream of income. So, Chuck E. Cheese may find it difficult to persuade all but the most ardent of loyalists to fork out for this,” he told CNN. In 2020, Chuck E. Cheese filed for bankruptcy at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic that forced business to temporarily shutter.
Persons: Chuck E, ” Mark Kupferman, , Cheese, Taco, Neil Saunders Organizations: New, New York CNN, Netflix, Taco Bell, GlobalData, CNN Locations: New York, Canada
New York CNN —People looking for love with an Olympic athlete could have a difficult time this year: Grindr, the LGBTQ+ dating app, has disabled some of its location-sharing features to protect athletes from harassment or prosecution. Some users noticed this week that they can’t use the “Explore” feature on the app at the Olympic Village in Paris, which lets people change their location and look at profiles. Roughly 155 LGBTQ+ athletes are attending the Olympics in Paris, according to OutSports, which is a small fraction of the more than 10,000 attending the games. The company is making other changes for the Olympic Village: For example, profiles default to revealing how far away someone is with the “show distance” feature. Grindr started clamping down on its features during the Olympics after 2016, when a heterosexual Daily Beast writer reported on using Grindr to meet athletes in the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro.
Persons: Grindr, ” Grindr Organizations: New, New York CNN, Olympics Locations: New York, Paris, Rio de Janeiro
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