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☆ I'm a professional baker. I tried 10 desserts from Whole Foods' bakery section, and there are 4 I'd buy again.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Molly Allen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

AdvertisementI'm a professional baker and I tried 10 desserts from Whole Foods' bakery section. The brownies and macarons were disappointing for me and the berry Chantilly cake was just OK. Its cult-favorite berry Chantilly cake even recently went viral when the chain tried to change its recipe. AdvertisementBut just how good are Whole Foods' desserts, really? As a professional baker, recipe developer, and former bakery owner, I always prefer home-baked desserts, but I recognize that sometimes you need a quick fix or an easy pick-up-and-go treat for a special occasion.

Persons: macarons Organizations: Foods

☆ I tried 20 of Trader Joe's popular breakfast foods, and I'd buy most of them again
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Savanna Swain-Wilson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +27 min

AdvertisementI tried 20 breakfast foods from Trader Joe's, from Greek yogurt to pancakes. I tried some of Trader Joe's most popular breakfast foods as part of an ongoing series to review the chain's best items. VERDICT: Because of its convenience, Trader Joe's brioche French toast is worth trying at least once. AdvertisementVERDICT: Though I prefer a more traditional sandwich with actual bread, I'd be willing to buy Trader Joe's eggwich again. I didn't like Trader Joe's chicken-sausage breakfast bowl at allTrader Joe's chicken-sausage breakfast bowl wasn't my favorite.

Persons: Joe's, Wilson, you'll, I'm, I've, I'd, could've, wasn't ravenous, Wilson I've, Savanna, —, Joe's eggwich Organizations: Wilson Locations: Savanna, scone

☆ My family paid $180 to have Costco handle Thanksgiving dinner. The prep was easy, and every dish tasted homemade.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Terri Peters | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

AdvertisementWe let Costco handle Thanksgiving dinner by ordering a premade meal from the warehouse chain's site. Our delicious dinner required little work to reheat, giving us more time to spend with family. I love the holiday season and all the delicious food it brings — so much so that I've even cooked an entire Thanksgiving from Ina Garten recipes. The $230 Thanksgiving dinner, provided by food distribution company Fortune Fish and Gourmet, was $50 off for Costco members when I preordered, making it just $180. AdvertisementHere's what it was like to let Costco handle our early Thanksgiving dinner, which we planned for when my mother-in-law would be in town.

Persons: Ina Garten, I Organizations: Costco, Singapore Airlines, Fish Locations: Turkey

☆ McDonald's is reportedly spending $100 million to help lure customers back after the E. coli outbreak
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Nora Redmond | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

AdvertisementMcDonald's is investing $100 million into recovering from an E. coli outbreak, CNN reported. McDonald's said the outbreak led to a drop in restaurant visits and sales. McDonald's is reportedly spending $100 million to lure customers back to stores following an E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions served on Quarter Pounder hamburgers. AdvertisementAn additional $65 million will be spent on the franchisees that were worst affected by the outbreak, it said. AdvertisementIts new marketing campaign will reportedly include TV ads that showcase a 10 McNuggets for $1 deal that can be redeemed through the chain's app.

Persons: McDonald's, Michael Gonda, Tariq Hassan Organizations: CNN, Marketing, Business, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC Locations: North America

☆ Are Black Friday deals worth waiting for? Here's what to expect this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A customer visits Macy's Herald Square store in New York City during early morning Black Friday sales, Nov. 24, 2023. Consumers are increasingly concerned that their online orders may not arrive in time for the holiday — and rightfully so. What discounts to expect on Black Friday"You are easily going to see 20% to 30% off," Davis said — but "not necessarily storewide." What not to buy on Black FridayTypically, Black Friday is a great time to find rock-bottom prices on fall clothing — including flannels, denim, coats and accessories — as well as televisions and consumer electronics. Travelers can check out Travel Tuesday deals from 2023 to get an idea of what to expect this year.

Persons: Kena Betancur, Patrick Kelleher, Lauren Beitelspacher, Beitelspacher, we've, Davis, Lululemon, Woroch Organizations: Macy's Herald, Consumers, DHL Supply, North, CNBC, Babson College, Nike, Day, Labor Locations: New York City, North America

☆ A man who's been to nearly 20,000 Starbucks locations describes how the chain could get its 'third-place' status back
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementOne Starbucks customer has been working on visiting every Starbucks store since 1997. Later this month, a man named Winter plans to set foot in his 20,000th Starbucks store. AdvertisementAt the time, new Starbucks stores were popping up around the US, and Winter said he visited stores around Dallas as they opened. He logs each store visit in a Microsoft Access Database and on his website. Related storiesNot all Starbucks stores that Winter visits are as welcoming as that Houston location where he played chess with friends back in 1995.

Persons: Winter, I'm, Brian Niccol, Howard Schultz, he's, He's, Niccol, baristas Organizations: Starbucks, Business, Microsoft, Niccol Locations: Houston, Plano , Texas, Italy, Arkansas , Oklahoma, West Texas, China, Dallas, Japan, South Africa

☆ Costco's Gold Star Membership costs $65 a year—here's how to get it for just $20
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The warehouse store chain's Gold Star Membership normally retails for $65. The same offer is also available for Costco's premium Executive Membership, which costs $130 per year and gives members 2% cash back on all Costco purchases. Factoring in the $45 gift card, you can get an Executive Membership for an effective annual rate of $85 for your first year. Costco recently increased its membership rates from $60 and $120 for the Gold Star and Executive memberships, respectively. The offer is only eligible to new members or to people whose Costco membership expired more than 18 months ago, meaning that if you already have a Costco membership, you're out of luck.

Persons: StackSocial, Jan Organizations: Costco, Gold Star, StackSocial

☆ I ate the same meal at TGI Fridays and Chili's. It's clear why only one is thriving.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Erin Mcdowell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

I ate the same meal at TGI Fridays and Chili's to compare the two chains. TGI Fridays just filed for bankruptcy, while Chili's is outperforming its competitors. I preferred the food and overall experience at Chili's, though TGI Fridays did have meatier wings. AdvertisementChili's and TGI Fridays are both big names in fast-casual dining, but their recent performance tells two very different stories. TGI Fridays said the main reasons for filing for bankruptcy were financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and a flawed capital structure.

Persons: —, Chili's, John Bringardner, Bringardner, Rohit Manocha Organizations: Service, Reuters, CNN, Capital Advisors Locations: Chili's, Los Angeles

☆ Better catering and nicer bathrooms will help get workers back to the office, says this retail CEO
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Grocery chain Asda is calling workers back to the office three days a week from January. The British retailer says it will improve on-site catering and provide better bathrooms for staff. Asda chair Stuart Rose said remote work doesn't suit the fast pace of the consumer goods industry. In recent months, companies like Dell and Amazon have announced that staff must be back in the office five days a week. If RTO policies become too strict, top talent will simply leave to find a system that works for them, Ravin Jesuthasan, a respected future-of-work researcher, previously told Business Insider.

Persons: Stuart Rose, —, Rose, Spencer, Mohsin Issa, Issa, Zuber, Asda's, Ravin, Nick Bloom, Bloom Organizations: Service, Marks, Asda, The Observer, Business, TDR, Walmart, Dell, Amazon, Observer, Stanford Locations: British, Argos, Asda

☆ Dutch Bros CEO lays out the coffee chain's cross-country expansion plans
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-08 | by ( Julie Coleman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Dutch Bros. CEO Christine Barone described the coffee chain's cross-country expansion plans in a Friday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, saying it may be some time before the Oregon-based company opens stores in the Northeast region. "We're really growing in a contiguous way, so that we're growing across states that are next to each other," Barone said. Dutch Bros. operates in 18 states on the West Coast and in the South, including in California, Arizona and Texas. The company made its market debut in 2021, and the stock is currently up 48.97% year-to-date. It reported a solid quarter Wednesday night that sent shares surging more than 28% Thursday, and they continued to climb during Friday's session, closing up more than 5%.

Persons: Christine Barone, CNBC's Jim Cramer, " Barone, it'll Organizations: Bros Locations: Oregon, Northeast, Florida, West, California , Arizona, Texas

☆ I tried every doughnut I could find at Tim Hortons and ranked them from worst to best
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-08 | by ( Ted Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I tried every doughnut I could find at Tim Hortons and ranked them from worst to best. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementI'm not as familiar with Tim Hortons as I am with other doughnut shops. Named for cofounder Tim Horton, a longtime NHL defenseman and Hockey Hall of Famer, the first Tim Hortons opened in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1964. Many of the Tim Hortons locations near my New York City home are partnered with a local gas-and-convenience-store chain called Bolla Market.

Persons: Tim Hortons, —, Tim Horton Organizations: Service, NHL, Hockey Hall of Famer Locations: Boston, Hamilton , Ontario, Canada, New York City, Brooklyn

☆ I tried McDonald's spicy chicken nuggets and think they should be added permanently to the menu
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Priyanka Rajput | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

McDonald's spicy chicken nuggets are back in select stores for a limited time. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! McDonald's joined the trend earlier this week by bringing back its spicy chicken nuggets. I first tried the brand's spicy chicken nuggets while living in Dubai in 2022, and they were so good I realized I could never enjoy the original nuggets — my mall comfort meal since childhood — the same way again. Here's what I thought about the Spicy Chicken McNuggets from McDonald's.

Persons: they've, —, McDonald's Organizations: Service, Business, change.org Locations: Dubai, New York, McDonald's

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Warner Bros. Discovery, AppLovin, Wolfspeed, Lyft and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Pia Singh | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The stock had popped 5.9% on Wednesday after the Republican was elected the 47th president of the U.S. Warner Bros. Lyft expects current-quarter bookings to come in between $4.28 billion to $4.35 billion, topping a FactSet consensus of $4.23 billion. Wolfspeed posted revenue of $195 million for the first fiscal quarter, missing the LSEG consensus forecast by $5 million. Arm posted adjusted earnings per share of 30 cents on revenue of $844 million for the second quarter. AppLovin also guided its fourth-quarter EBITDA of $740 million to $760 million, higher than the $667 million StreetAccount forecast.

Persons: LSEG, Donald Trump's, Armour, —, Lyft, Wolfspeed, AppLovin, Zillow, Alex Harring, Sean Conlon, Hakyung Kim, Yun Li, Lisa Kailai Han Organizations: Bros, Dutch Bros, Trump Media & Technology, Republican, U.S, Warner Bros, —, Discovery, FactSet . Arm Holdings, LSEG, Gilead Sciences Locations: Gilead

☆ Starbucks' app is down on the first day of the chain's holiday menu
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Starbucks' mobile app appeared to be down during the morning coffee rush on Thursday. AdvertisementSome Starbucks customers could not place orders through its mobile app on Thursday, the first day of the coffee chain's holiday menu. The message that some Starbucks app users saw on Thursday. Alex Bitter/BIDowndetector, a website that tracks website outages, showed a spike in user reports of problems with the Starbucks app around 8 a.m. Related Video Meet the Amazon warehouse workers paying the price for fast, free shippingThursday is the first day Starbucks' holiday offerings are on sale.

Persons: —, Alex Bitter, chai, Gould 🖤, rinks., rian Organizations: Starbucks, Service, Business Locations: Washington ,, New York City

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: Qualcomm, HubSpot, Lyft, Bumble and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Qualcomm reported adjusted earnings of $2.69 per share on $10.24 billion in revenue. Wolfspeed — The semiconductor manufacturer tumbled 17% after missing revenue expectations and offering weak guidance for the current quarter. Wolfspeed generated revenue of $195 million in the first fiscal quarter, missing the consensus estimate of analysts polled by LSEG by $5 million. The company said to expect between $160 million and $200 million in revenue during the current quarter, under the $215 million figure expected. HubSpot saw $2.18 in adjusted earnings per share on $669.7 million in revenue, while analysts polled by FactSet forecast $1.91 in earnings per share and $647 million in revenue.

Persons: LSEG, HubSpot, Lyft, Robin, SolarEdge, Donald Trump, Bumble —, Zillow, Darla Mercado, Jesse Pound, Samantha Subin, Sean Conlon Organizations: Qualcomm, Arm Holdings, LSEG, FactSet, Technologies, Bros, Revenue Locations: FactSet, StreetAccount, LSEG

☆ I shop at Costco monthly as an executive member. It saves me a lot of money, but there are 4 things I rarely buy there.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Jill Robbins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I live with my husband and two teens, and we've had a Costco membership since 2014. Costco has some great deals, but sometimes buying in bulk isn't worth it for our family. I've found many of the premade meals aren't a good value, and buying cold cuts in bulk is wasteful. AdvertisementWhen I moved with my husband and then-4-year-old sons from England to Texas in 2014, one of the first things we did was get a Costco membership. I also try to remember that a Costco membership isn't free.

Persons: we've, I've, —, doesn't Organizations: Costco, Service Locations: England, Texas

☆ Fast food chains are locked in a 'value war' for US customers
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-02 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Fast food chains say they're locked in a "value war" to win increasingly choosy US customers. As a flurry of summer deals come to an end, quick-serve chains say they're now locked in a "value war" to win increasingly choosy US customers. Between higher ingredient usage and other costs on the one hand, and a more competitive consumer economy, interim CEO Scott Boatwright said Chipotle was well-positioned to win the "value war" in fast-casual dining. "We absolutely believe that value in an environment of value-seeking consumers is not about only executing price-pointed promotions and value deals and value bundles — there's more to that." Plosch added that beyond the burger chain's creative promotions, the core menu remains essential to getting customers to come back.

Persons: —, Michael Zuccaro, Chipotle, Scott Boatwright, Brian Niccol, who's, we've, Alex Kaleida, Chris Kempczinski, Kempczinski, Ian Borden, Shack, Robert Lynch, Gunther Plosch Organizations: Service, Starbucks

☆ At this McDonald's in Italy, your Big Mac comes with a side of ancient ruins
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-02 | by ( Priyanka Rajput | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

In 2014, during construction on a McDonald's in Italy, workers found an ancient road. McDonald's Italia supported restoration work on the road before building the restaurant over it. Visitors to the restaurant in Frattocchie can see the road and skeletons among its stones. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . In 2014, workers building the restaurant on the outskirts of Rome stumbled upon an ancient Roman road.

Persons: —, Gary He, Mario Federico, Trevi, Federico, Here's Organizations: McDonald's, Service, Daily Telegraph Locations: Italy, Rome

☆ I spent nearly $60,000 when 2 of my kids were in full-time childcare. We delayed having a 3rd child because we couldn't afford it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-01 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

During my pregnancy, I spent so much energy focusing on finding the right day care. AdvertisementEventually, we found ourselves having two kids in the same day care, which cost a fortune. Finally, someone from a big chain day care got back in touch and said there might be a spot. AdvertisementOnce again, my husband and I sat down and had to figure out how we were going to afford to put another child in day care. We ultimately built up a savings account that would take us through six months of their day care tuition.

Persons: Randi Braun, —, hadn't, couldn't, you've Organizations: Service, Universal Locations: Washington , DC

☆ 7 ways that Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol plans to change the coffee chain
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Niccol wants to change that. Cutting back an 'overly complex' menuSpain, Barcelona, Plaza de Francesc Macia, Starbucks, coffee shop customer ordering. While the changes may disappoint some customers, Niccol said he thinks that they'll appreciate faster, more consistent service in the long run. Bringing back the condiment barsStarbucks brown sugar sachets are seen in Starbucks Coffee in Krakow, Poland on November 4, 2022. Better staffing in cafesMerida, Mexico, Zona Paseo Montejo Centro, Starbucks Coffee shop, baristas and cashier at work smiling.

Persons: Brian Niccols, Brian Niccol, Rachel Ruggeri, Niccol, Lindsey Nicholson, Macia, Jeff Greenberg, Etienne Laurent, we've, Beata Zawrzel, baristas, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Tressie Lieberman, Almond Organizations: Starbucks, CNBC, Mobile, UCG, Getty, Plaza, Universal, AFP, Nurphoto, Zona Paseo, Centro, Starbucks Rewards, Procter & Gamble, Yum Brands Locations: U.S, Queens , New York, Spain, Barcelona, Manhattan Beach , California, Starbucks Coffee, Krakow, Poland, Merida, Mexico

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Reddit, Super Micro Computer, Garmin, Snap and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Sean Conlon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Reddit reported earnings of 16 cents per share, while analysts surveyed by LSEG had expected a loss of 7 cents. For the period, Garmin posted pro forma earnings of $1.99 per share on $1.59 billion in revenue. Wingstop – Shares fell around 19% after the restaurant chain missed analysts' expectations for the third quarter. Wingstop earned 88 cents per share, while analysts were looking for 95 cents per share, per LSEG. Advanced Micro Devices – Shares tumbled 9.5% after AMD gave guidance for fourth-quarter revenue of $7.5 billion, in line with analysts expectations, per LSEG.

Persons: Reddit, LSEG, EY, FactSet, Eli Lilly, XPO, Shack, Thomas Reeg, Wingstop, Chipotle, StreetAccount, Raymond James, Goldman Sachs, Alex Harring, Samantha Subin, Lisa Kailai Han, Sarah Min, Jesse Pound, Michelle Fox Organizations: Garmin, Caesars Entertainment, Google, Visa, AMD, Bloomberg, Emirates, Wall, Bank of America

☆ I loved Trader Joe's for years — but the older I get, the more I can't stand shopping there
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Sarra Sedghi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

When I learned how to really cook, Trader Joe's frozen meals became less useful. I made frequent trips as a college student and after I graduated, but eventually, shopping at Trader Joe's became impractical for me. As someone with ADHD, I'll also admit there were plenty of times I forgot about Trader Joe's frozen meals until they were freezer-burned anyway. The crowding at Trader Joe's is oftentimes too much for meI've shopped at Trader Joe's in many larger cities, including Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama, and found a similar experience in each — crowded aisles and long lines. Trader Joe's doesn't have sales, and there are no rewards programsLoyalists shop at Trader Joe's because they love the store's products, and I get that.

Persons: Joe's, —, Burger King, I've, It's, Sedghi, isn't Organizations: Service, Aldi, Kroger, Publix Locations: Athens , Georgia, Atlanta, Birmingham , Alabama

☆ Starbucks will stop charging extra for dairy substitutes
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Starbucks said Wednesday that it will remove the surcharge for dairy substitutes, saving some U.S. customers more than 10% on their drinks. Substituting a nondairy milk is the second-most requested customization from customers, trailing only adding a shot of espresso, according to Starbucks. Currently, Starbucks customers can already add up to 4 ounces of a dairy substitute at no extra charge to hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, cold brew and Americano drinks. Starbucks first started serving nondairy milk in 1997, when it added soy milk to menus. In March, three lactose-intolerant women sued Starbucks in federal court, alleging that the surcharge discriminated against customers with allergies.

Persons: Brian Niccol, Niccol, James Cromwell Organizations: Starbucks, Chipotle, Americano, PETA Locations: U.S, New York City

☆ Chipotle says ensuring 'consistent and generous portions' has taken a toll on its profitability
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Chipotle says it's tried to ensure "consistent and generous portions" after customer complaints. The move and unusual price fluctuations for avocados have hit the chain's profitability. Profit margins for the chain suffered last quarter due to a concerted effort to provide "consistent and generous portions" in every order, the company said Tuesday. "We are committed to ensuring that we give the right portion to every guest that walks into the building." Related storiesWhile that's good news for Chipotle diners, the chain said it was partly the reason for a hit to profitability in the last fiscal quarter.

Persons: Chipotle, it's, —, Scott Boatwright, Adam Rymer Organizations: Service, New York Locations: Chipotle, New York City

☆ Starbucks CEO's plan to fix the chain includes coffee in 4 minutes and comfy chairs
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol just laid out his plan to turn around the struggling coffee chain. AdvertisementStarbucks CEO Brian Niccol gave investors the first look at his plan to turn around the struggling chain, and it involves faster coffee orders and better decor. For starters, Niccol said in-store orders will need to be fulfilled much faster than they currently are in many cases. "Before discussing China in detail, I need to spend time there to better understand our operations and the market," he said. Niccol said his optimism is rooted in Starbucks employees, who he said are passionate about coffee, the company, and its customers.

Persons: Brian Niccol, —, Niccol, Diana Frost, Kraft Heinz, I'm, aren't Organizations: Service, Business Locations: China, North Carolina

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