- The comeback trail from foodborne-illness disaster has proven to be long and arduous for Chipotle. Having already tried a few tricks to get back in the public’s good graces, the fallen burrito chain is now turning to one of the hottest health foods of 2011: quinoa. The Chipotle test kitchen in New York City is working on a medley — “red and gold quinoa tossed with a little citrus juice, cumin, and freshly chopped cilantro,” according to spokesperson Chris Arnold — that will be recommended as an add-on for salads or substitute for rice. This may be the first big change to Chipotle’s menu under the direction of new chief executive officer Brian Niccol.
- Coca-Cola is rethinking its status as an iconic purveyor of sugary beverages. The soft drink giant is looking to expand beyond soda, and it is looking to reformulate recipes that contain sugar.
- PepsiCo is trying to lure more health-conscious consumers, too. The Coke rival has a new product called Drinkfinity, which basically amounts to a reusable water bottle that comes with single-serving flavor pods. Pepsi claims the Drinkfinity flavors are all-natural and contain no artificial sweeteners.
- Congratulations to Dinesh Shivnath, who now holds the world record for speedy ketchup consumption. The Mumbai resident downed an entire bottle in 75 seconds.
- The New York Police Department is using Dunkin’ Donuts coffee as an incentive to get homeless people off the streets and into the city’s shelters.
- A new smartphone app with a corresponding $30 microscope could be the key to preventing food poisoning. The technology would allow consumers to quickly test their food for bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, but it’s likely still a few years away from coming to market.
- The Canada Revenue Agency, our northern neighbor’s version of the IRS, is cracking down on undeclared tips for restaurant and bar workers this tax season. The agency is looking for back pay and threatening delinquents with stiff financial penalties.
- Oh, no, curling isn’t a sport that is just used as an excuse to drink beer. Why would you think that?
Favourite Olympic moment so far: Canadian curler Rachel Homan's husband double-fisting his third and fourth beers while watching his wife compete against Japan. It's 9am in Korea. Not all heroes wear capes. #PyeongChang2018 pic.twitter.com/jzrVsu06Vi
— Ben Johnson (@Ben_T_Johnson) February 19, 2018
- In an attempt to capitalize on the buzz created by Rick & Morty, McDonald’s is bringing Szechuan sauce back sometime this month.
- While mid-level chains are on the decline in this country, they’re thriving in the United Kingdom and forcing independent restaurants to close their doors.
- In cities across America, developers are planting huge mixed-use projects that are centered around restaurants. “I remember trying to find leases and people were like, ‘No. We don’t want a restaurant in our building. It’s going to decrease the value because of problems with smells or whatever,’” Momofuku chef and restaurateur David Chang tells CNBC. “And now, everyone wants a restaurant. Restaurants now are anchor tenants in buildings. That’s a joke.”
- Over Christmas, Oasis co-founder Liam Gallagher tweeted that he and brother Noel had reconciled their differences and called a truce to a long-standing feud. Turns out, that actually didn’t happen. Liam was just drunk tweeting.
- Money is no object for self-described greatest rapper of all time Jay-Z, who recently racked up a $110,000 tab on food and drinks in one night.
- Actress Amy Poehler, a former restaurant server, is rallying for better wages in the industry.
- And, finally, at the first preview showing of Escape to Margaritaville, the new musical from professional beach bum Jimmy Buffett, the bar ran out of margaritas.