Add Row
Add Element
UPDATE
Add Element
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Featured Restaurants
    • Best in Dining Awards
    • Food & Dining Trends
    • Reputation & Reviews
    • Local Flavor Guides
    • Chef & Restaurateur Spotlights
    • Business Growth & Marketing
    • Events & Community
  • Restaurant news
September 30.2025
3 Minutes Read

Join Harlem Shake's Big Apple PigOut to Feed NYC's Seniors

Harlem Shake Big Apple PigOut with a smiling face and cheeseburger outdoors.

Harlem Shake and Citymeals: A Tasty Collaboration for a Worthy Cause

As we step into October, New Yorkers can enjoy delicious food while also making a difference in the community thanks to the collaboration between Harlem Shake and Citymeals on Wheels. This partnership highlights the importance of supporting our city’s vulnerable populations—specifically, the older residents who are often homebound and in need of assistance. The "Big Apple PigOut" event runs from October 1 to November 1, 2025, where fans of tasty eats can purchase a special combo meal to help feed those in need.

The Big Apple PigOut Combo: Flavor with a Purpose

The star of this initiative is the Big Apple PigOut combo, priced at $35. This mouth-watering meal includes the Pigskin Burger—two Pat LaFrieda beef patties, crafted to perfection, topped with pork rinds, cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, and a smoky BBQ sauce. Accompanying it is the Bacon Cheese Fries, which elevate traditional fries by adding gooey cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh chives for a savory kick. To top it all off, don’t miss the Double Chocolate Bacon Milkshake, a throwback favorite mixed with bacon for an irresistible sweet and salty treat.

Not only does this combo offer delectable flavors, but 20% of each sale will go directly to Citymeals on Wheels, helping to deliver nutritious meals to 22,000 homebound older New Yorkers. Dine-in and delivery customers are also encouraged to make additional donations, further reinforcing the spirit of community and support.

Building Bridges Through Food

This venture is not just a promotional event; it serves as a reminder of the vital role that restaurants play in their communities. As reported by Citymeals on Wheels, the dining industry inherently has roots in philanthropy, brimming with opportunities to support local causes. The "Big Apple PigOut" not only showcases Harlem Shake’s menu diversity but also underscores their commitment to using their platform for social good.

Engaging Local Dines in a Greater Cause

As the restaurant industry faces myriad challenges, sooner or later facing restored interest in communal dining, events like this can be a beacon of hope. By partaking in the Big Apple PigOut event, restaurant owners can learn from Harlem Shake’s model. This initiative embodies a unique fusion of cuisine with community service, illustrating how a shared meal can bridge gaps and build connections among local residents.

For restaurant owners contemplating their own charitable initiatives, this partnership model of food and community impact offers invaluable insights into leveraging food craftsmanship for philanthropic goals. Not only does it draw customers to the table, but it fosters deeper social ties.

Future Predictions: The Growing Trend of Philanthropic Dining

As more restaurateurs recognize the potential for philanthropy within their business models, we are likely to see an increase in events that combine dining with charitable giving. Events like Citymeals’ Dineout program or partnerships with established organizations will continue to resonate with customers, creating dining experiences that also contribute to local welfare. The evolution of the restaurant industry will increasingly depend on community engagement, where food serves as a catalyst for social change.

Call to Action: Get Involved!

For restaurant owners and food enthusiasts alike, participating in the Big Apple PigOut not only shines a light on social responsibility but also provides valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration within the industry. Embrace this chance to offer something unique while giving back. As Harlem Shake aptly demonstrates, your next meal can be more than just food—it can be an opportunity to extend your hand to the elderly population that deserves our respect and care. Mark your calendar and don't miss out on this delicious way to make an impact in your community!

Restaurant news

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
11.14.2025

DoorDash's $18M Settlement: What It Means for Restaurant Owners

Update DoorDash’s Settlement: A Wake-Up Call for Transparency In a significant development for the food delivery industry, DoorDash has agreed to pay $18 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the city of Chicago. This lawsuit, launched in 2021, accused the company of using deceptive practices that misled both consumers and restaurant owners. Specifically, DoorDash was alleged to have listed restaurants without their consent, imposed hidden fees, and presented misleading information regarding their service costs. The settlement is one of the most substantial penalties imposed on a food delivery service and aims to rectify these controversial practices. Understanding the Deceptive Practices The heart of the lawsuit revolved around several misleading tactics employed by DoorDash. The city’s complaint highlighted that DoorDash not only charged a fee labeled the “Chicago fee,” which was not sanctioned by the city but also misled customers concerning the actual costs of meals. Additionally, the app often displayed menu prices higher than those at the restaurant, creating confusion for consumers. Perhaps most troubling was DoorDash's practice of leading customers to believe that their tips were going directly to drivers, when, in fact, those tips were used to subsidize drivers’ base pay. Settlement Breakdown: What It Means for Stakeholders The settlement outlines specific compensation measures. Approximately $3.25 million will go to restaurants that were listed without their permission and are no longer on the platform. Those that remain listed can expect $5.8 million in marketing credits and delivery commission reimbursements. Additionally, consumers will benefit from $4 million in food delivery credits, and $500,000 will be allocated to drivers working as of September 2019, when DoorDash ceased the controversial tipping practice. A Lesson in Corporate Responsibility While DoorDash has asserted that the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, it does reflect a broader trend toward accountability within the gig economy. Chicago's Mayor, Brandon Johnson, noted that this settlement underscores the city's dedication to fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring that both workers and consumers are treated equitably. Similar lawsuits have been filed against other food delivery services, such as Grubhub, indicating that the industry as a whole is under increased scrutiny. Future Implications for the Food Delivery Industry This settlement may just be the tip of the iceberg for what could follow in the food delivery space. With growing public awareness and legal challenges, it’s likely that other cities will scrutinize delivery companies’ practices more closely. For restaurant owners, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency in partnerships with delivery services. Transparency in pricing and ethical business practices will be paramount moving forward to maintain consumer trust and compliance with local regulations. Conclusion: A Call for Action in the Industry For restaurant owners considering their delivery partnerships, the DoorDash settlement stresses the significant impact that transparent pricing and honest business practices have on consumer loyalty and business reputation. It’s a pivotal moment for the industry to rethink its operational models in favor of practices that promote fairness and transparency. Now is an opportune time for restaurateurs to engage more critically with the platforms they utilize, ensuring they represent both their business and their customers’ interests diligently.

11.14.2025

Starbucks' Sales Surge Amid Union Strikes: A Surprising Turn of Events

Update Starbucks Amid Protests: Record Sales Despite Strikes Starbucks is experiencing an intriguing juxtaposition: while its unionized workers engage in protests, the coffee giant is also reporting record sales events. This bizarre scenario unfolded on November 14, when Starbucks Workers United instigated a strike coinciding with the company's annual "Red Cup Day." This day is traditionally one of the most lucrative sales days of the year for Starbucks, noted for attracting crowds eager for seasonal beverages and collectible cups. The Union Dispute Explained Only 65 Starbucks locations, or approximately 0.4% of the chain's U.S. stores, participated in the strike organized by Starbucks Workers United. Yet, this small fraction garnered significant media attention, reflective of broader labor movements. These protests arise from workers' demands for better pay, improved scheduling, and resolutions to ongoing unfair labor practices claimed against the company. The Business Impact of the Dispute Even as the strike took hold, Starbucks reported outstanding results from its holiday launch and a successful Red Cup Day, with CEO Brian Niccol stating that it was the busiest day recorded in the history of the event. How can this be? Despite the protests, it seems customer loyalty and holiday enthusiasm superseded the impact of the strikes on the majority of Starbucks locations, which remained unaffected and operational. Changing Consumer Attitudes This incident raises questions about consumer attitudes towards unionized labor in workplaces, especially among younger generations like Gen Z, who overwhelmingly support unions. Although some city officials and activists have called for boycotts, the relative success during the strike may reflect a disconnect between the political sentiments of certain city representatives and customer behavior at large. Historical Context: Labor Movements and Their Legacy The wage improvement campaigns within Starbucks align with a historical backdrop of labor rights movements that have shaped workplace conditions across multiple sectors. Previous labor activism efforts, such as the earlier "Red Cup Rebellion," resulted in varying successes and highlighted the urgency for workers to advocate for favorable conditions amidst corporate policies. The Future of Starbucks Amidst Strikes Looking ahead, analysts suggest that the ongoing disputes could set the stage for future labor negotiations—potentially leading to contract developments that may alter Starbucks' operational model. Relations showed signs of improvement previously, but recent shifts in management may hinder progress. CEO Niccol’s new policies aimed at revitalizing the brand face scrutiny as workers claim they only add to their burdens. For this reason, many analysts are watching the unfolding dynamics closely. Community Response: The Power of Consumer Action The simultaneous emergence of boycotts and consumer loyalty depicts a complex scenario in which moral sentiments around labor rights are challenged by brand devotion. The emotional connection many customers share with Starbucks can complicate their engagement in labor support movements. Whether consumers will rally behind workers or prioritize their morning coffee will reveal what the future holds for Starbucks and its striking employees. Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Restaurant Owners? This scenario offers essential insights for restaurant owners. Understanding the implications of union negotiations and consumer sentiments can help inform your own operational strategy. Whether to prioritize relationships with labor representatives or focus solely on customer experience is a delicate balance. As labor movements gain momentum across industries, it becomes crucial for business owners to remain aware of how these dynamics influence both operational success and community relationships. As future developments surrounding union negotiations unfold, it is critical for restaurant owners to take note of these labor conversations and assess how such activities impact customer engagement, brand loyalty, and employee satisfaction. The challenges facing Starbucks could serve as a powerful case study on effective management and corporate responsivity in tumultuous times.

11.14.2025

Is Sweetgreen's Value Perception Hurting Its Restaurant Sales in 2025?

Update Sweetgreen Faces Significant Sales Declines: What’s Happening? This year has proven particularly challenging for Sweetgreen, the fast-casual salad chain, which has experienced a staggering 9.5% drop in same-store sales. The decline reflects changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger diners aged 25 to 35, who typically comprise a large portion of Sweetgreen's customer base. CEO Jonathan Neman has acknowledged that the company is grappling with a value perception problem—many view Sweetgreen's offerings as overpriced, with individual salads often priced around $14 to $16. This perception has contributed to a significant reduction in foot traffic, down by 11.7% last quarter. Competing in a Saturated Market: Sweetgreen's Challenges While Sweetgreen strives to position itself uniquely in an increasingly competitive landscape, brands offering similar elements at lower price points are threatening its market share. In Q3 2025, the Northeast and Los Angeles regions reported the most pronounced declines, marking areas the chain heavily relies upon for sales. Such steep drops are not unique to Sweetgreen; many chains have faced regional challenges. For instance, Shake Shack has seen slower sales in the New York market, attributing its struggles to changing consumer behavior, while other chains like Wingstop are contending with a downward trend among Hispanic consumers in California. Menu Innovations and Adjustments: What Sweetgreen Is Doing In light of these challenges, Sweetgreen is actively looking to improve customer engagement and retention through strategic menu innovations. To improve the value perception, the brand plans to introduce new items that spotlight their premium proteins, like a steak bowl and plate, which aim to enhance customer value while diversifying the menu offering. Additionally, Sweetgreen is considering increasing protein portions across its offerings. While such changes could potentially draw back cost-sensitive consumers, it has also resulted in tighter restaurant margins—dropping from 20% to 13%—highlighting the delicate balance between customer satisfaction and profitability. The Digital Marketplace and Targeted Discounts To entice former customers back, Sweetgreen recognizes the importance of personal engagement through digital channels. The company plans to implement targeted discounts and promotions designed to increase visit frequency, especially among those who have become hesitant due to perceived high prices. Neman highlighted the potential revisions in Sweetgreen's rewards program. By offering clearer entry prices and value through personalized offers, the company hopes to foster trust and loyalty, which are essential for long-term success in the competitive restaurant landscape. The Future: Outlook for Sweetgreen Amid Growing Competition The current situation raises questions about the long-term viability of Sweetgreen if it cannot shift public perception regarding its prices. Future product launches, including a new handheld item, are viewed as crucial for revitalizing customer interest. As Sweetgreen pioneers through this turbulent period, adaptability will be key. The culinary landscape is constantly evolving, and companies that innovate and respond to consumer needs tend to thrive. For restaurant owners grappling with similar challenges, examining Sweetgreen's plight provides critical insights into consumer behavior and the importance of perceived value. Developing loyalty programs, innovating menus, and being responsive to customer feedback can spell the difference between stagnation and growth. Conclusion: Strategies for Survival For restaurant owners, the lessons from Sweetgreen's recent struggles underline the need for a robust value proposition and responsive menu strategies. Emphasizing consumer engagement and freshness can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining customers in a challenging market landscape.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*