Most stores, restaurants, and services are open on New Year's Eve 2025, but many have reduced hours. Major retailers like Best Buy, HomeGoods, and Macy's are open with specific hours, while grocery stores, banks, and the stock market generally operate as usual. It's advisable to check local hours before heading out, especially for stores and restaurants that may close early or have limited hours.
Kasper’s Hot Dogs, one of the oldest fast-food chains in the U.S. with a 95-year history, has closed its final locations, marking the end of an era for the nostalgic brand, which was founded in the 1920s and known for its hot dogs in Oakland and Concord. The chain's closure follows a broader trend of long-standing restaurant closures, including McDonald's, which also started as a simple menu operation.
California's Assembly Bill 1228, set to increase fast-food workers' wages to $20 an hour, is prompting major chains like Chipotle, McDonald's, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Round Table Pizza, Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, and Jack in the Box to consider raising prices or changing operations to offset the higher labor costs. While some, like McDonald's and Starbucks, are still evaluating their pricing strategies, others have already taken action, such as Pizza Hut eliminating in-house delivery and Round Table Pizza planning layoffs while shifting to third-party delivery services.
Fast-food chains in California are preparing for a significant increase in the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour, leading to potential menu price hikes and layoffs. Major chains like Chipotle, McDonald’s, and Starbucks are planning to raise prices to offset the increased labor costs, while smaller independent businesses fear losing workers unless they also raise wages. The pay increase, set to take effect on Monday, will impact about 195,000 fast-food workers in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The move has sparked concerns about potential job losses, automation, and overall impact on the restaurant industry.
Some California fast-food chains, particularly pizza chains, are laying off workers ahead of a new $20 minimum wage law set to take effect in April, impacting delivery driver jobs. The move is in response to the potential financial impact of the wage increase, with some chains transferring delivery services to third-party providers. Critics argue that the new mandate will cost jobs and lead to higher prices for customers, while exemptions for certain chains, such as Panera Bread, have sparked controversy over alleged political favoritism.
Fast-food chains in California are cutting jobs and reducing hours for workers in anticipation of the state's minimum wage increase to $20 an hour on April 1. Pizza Hut and Round Table Pizza plan to lay off around 1,280 delivery drivers, while other restaurants are adjusting by reducing staff and increasing prices. Panera Bread, however, was exempt from the wage hike after its owner donated to Gov. Gavin Newsom's campaign, sparking controversy.
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, fast food companies, and a beer distributor, alleging that Alabama prisoners are being used as slave labor in a "labor-trafficking scheme" that generates $450 million annually for the state. The lawsuit claims that private companies such as KFC, Wendy's, Burger King, and McDonald's benefit from this arrangement, which resembles the convict leasing system that followed slavery in the South. The lawsuit also alleges racial disparities in parole rates and dangerous conditions in Alabama prisons. Over 500 companies have contracts with the Alabama Department of Corrections to obtain work from inmates, who are not allowed to refuse work or protest conditions.
McDonald's and Wendy's have won a lawsuit accusing them of false advertising, as a federal judge dismissed the case. The lawsuit claimed that the fast food chains sold smaller hamburgers than advertised and that the food didn't look as appetizing in person as pictured on their websites. The judge ruled that the use of visually appealing images in advertising is common practice and that disclaimers on the chains' websites provided objective information. Other major fast food chains have also faced similar lawsuits alleging misrepresentation in their marketing.
Fast-food workers in California will receive pay hikes starting next year after a compromise was reached between the restaurant industry and unions. The deal establishes a nine-person council that will determine future wage increases for the fast-food industry in California until 2029. The agreement sets a wage floor of $20 per hour for fast-food workers at chains with at least 60 locations nationwide, starting April 1. From 2025 to 2029, the council will have the authority to raise the minimum wage annually by 3.5% or the change in the consumer price index. The deal averts a prolonged battle and potential referendum, providing stability for the industry while protecting local restaurant owners and preserving the franchise model.
Taco Bell and other fast food chains under Yum! Brands, Inc. are considering a transition to 100% digital sales, with customers increasingly ordering through apps, websites, or in-store kiosks. The company is already testing the use of artificial intelligence for drive-thru orders, and digital sales in the U.S. have seen a nearly 35% year-over-year increase. The timeline for achieving this goal is currently unclear.
National French Fry Day is celebrated on the second Friday in July, with fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's offering free fries or deals. While some chains are offering deals on Thursday, July 13, others have giveaways that last beyond Friday. The origin of French fries is debated, with both France and Belgium claiming their invention. Burger King is offering free fries to Royal Perks members, while Checkers & Rally's is giving away free extra large orders of fries. Del Taco has deals through its loyalty program, Fatburger is offering free fries with any purchase, and Heinz and UberEats are giving customers $5.70 off orders that include fries. McDonald's is giving away free fries on Thursday, and Wendy's is offering free fries and a free Frosty with purchases made through their app.
