5+ hour, 33+ min ago (1323+ words) For Thanksgiving, my wife, son, and I went to a Brazilian steakhouse. It was one of those all-you-can-eat setups where waiters bring around meat on skewers, carving it into your plate. That's a labor-heavy model, and the service was top-notch. Staff members regularly checked in to see how we were doing, and the owner visited our table twice. I was mildly annoyed, however, when our bill arrived, and it came with an already-included 20% gratuity. Usually, when a restaurant has an automatic gratuity added, it states this on the menu or on a little card on the table. One local chain we go to not only has a card on the table sharing that it adds an 18% gratuity to every check, but it also explains where the money goes. That's full transparency, and I've never eaten at one of that chain's…...

8+ hour, 17+ min ago (323+ words) MONTROSE, Pa. " It's another opening day for hunters across the commonwealth, and the start of a busy few weeks for Jeff Scavazzo and his staff in Susquehanna County. "We're above normal. We normally take 118. We're at about 50 right now, but more is, it's early yet. Wait till 4:30, 5 o'clock, and we're gonna be slammed," said Scavazzo, of Jeff Scavazzo's deer processing shop. Hunters from across the area make their way to the deer processing shop, many carrying does, others their first buck, and in Lee Hugaboom's case, his kids' first bucks." "My son shot a 4, my daughter shot a spike. She's been hunting for a couple of years now. Him just pretty much 2nd, 3rd year out, it's great," said Hugaboom. Taken from the trucks, the deer are brought inside, their hides are collected, the bodies are cleaned, and the meat processing begins....

8+ hour, 33+ min ago (164+ words) LAFAYETTE, La. " It's the day after Black Friday, also known as Small Business Saturday"a nationwide push to support local shops that help our communities thrive. At Reve Coffee Roasters in downtown ... It's the day after Black Friday, also known as Small Business Saturday'a nationwide push to support local shops that help our communities thrive.At Reve Coffee Roasters in downtown Lafayette, employees and customers were encouraging shoppers to go big by shopping small."We're so much more than just a barista We learn their name We learn their drinks I want to show them my stomping grounds,'" Sonja said."Every time we come to visit my sister, we make a point to come here, pick up a bag or two or seven of coffee," said Trey Padgett, who's visiting from Mobile, Alabama with his wife Deborah and is passionate…...

10+ hour ago (163+ words) Starbucks has officially opened its newest Patchogue location " and it's inside a building longtime locals will instantly recognize. The coffee chain debuted this fall at 718 Route 112, taking over half of the former Astoria Bank branch. The other half of the building remains available for lease. The property has sat in transition for several years. It was originally home to Astoria Bank before the financial institution was acquired by Sterling Bank, which later rebranded the location. Plans to convert the space into a Starbucks date back to 2022, public records show. "Starbucks is always looking for great locations to better meet the needs of our customer," a Starbucks spokesperson told Greater Long Island. The caf" features the brand's latest design touches and offers mobile order pickup, specialty beverages, and a full food menu. Check back with Greater Long Island for updates on…...

10+ hour, 53+ min ago (315+ words) Raising Cane's is officially making a move into Commack. The fast-growing national chain " known for its chicken finger meals and signature Cane's Sauce " is targeting 2 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway for its next restaurant, taking over the former McDonald's site. According to a representative for the company, the opening is pending permitting and local approvals, with a projected debut in late 2026. "Pending city permitting and approval, Raising Cane's is aiming to bring our ONE LOVE" " Craveable Chicken Finger Meals" " to Commack, NY at 2 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway in late 2026," the representative confirmed. Raising Cane's has been eyeing Long Island since 2024, with active plans in Carle Place and a newly targeted site in Farmingdale, where Houlihan's currently operates. The Commack announcement marks the latest step in the brand's aggressive Tri-State expansion " one that CEO and founder Todd Graves previewed during the company's Times Square…...

13+ hour, 41+ min ago (995+ words) Shoppers hit the streets on Small Business Saturday in the Bay Area to show support for local establishments. The weekly Saratoga Farmers" Market was no exception. "I want a beautiful wreath for my door," Maria Foss, a San Jose resident, said at the market Saturday morning while holding a $100 handmade wreath with flowers grown by Ruvalcaba Nursery out of Monterey County. Foss told this news organization she shops for flowers and produce at the local market every Saturday, and Small Business Saturday was no different. "This is California. This is what we"re all about," Foss said. "I want to keep all our local vendors and farmers supported. " We all have to participate." Phil Ruvalcaba, who normally runs the flower stand with his wife, Molly, on Saturdays, said business has been good this year. But, he added, because they sell…...

15+ hour, 10+ min ago (459+ words) Sunday, 30 Nov 2025 Art of cooking: (From left) Bonnafous, Ong, Wong and Barthe plating the dishes. WHILE technical skills build a foundation, it is curiosity, respect and real-world exposure that shape job-ready graduates, say culinary industry experts. Taylor's Culinary Institute (TCI) director Frederic Cerchi said as Malaysia's food and beverage scene becomes more dynamic and locally rooted, it is vital to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice. Success in the culinary world goes far beyond mastering recipes; it lies in passion, attitude, and a willingness to keep learning, he said. "Attitude is just as important as skill. Success isn't measured solely by the taste or presentation of a dish. "Students who show promise are those who are respectful, punctual, and eager to learn. "Even if their skills aren't perfect, a chef will love to teach someone with the…...

15+ hour, 18+ min ago (124+ words) November 30, 2025 (Mainichi Japan) OSAKA (Kyodo) -- A fire that broke out at a restaurant in Kyoto's busy Pontocho dining district was brought under control on Saturday night, but required the evacuation of about 50 customers, according to local police. Firefighters had the blaze, believed to have started in the kitchen at around 7:50 p.m., under control after about three hours. No injuries were reported, though nearby buildings suffered damage. The restaurant is located in a three-story wooden building near the Pontocho Kaburenjo theater. Pontocho is known for its narrow streets lined with traditional teahouses and restaurants. "There are many restaurants here, and we conduct fire prevention drills several times a year and held one just three days ago," he said....

17+ hour, 5+ min ago (890+ words) La Loma Supermercado brings authentic flavors " and cultural pride " to Battle Creek This story is part of Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative's coverage of equitable community development. SWMJC is a group of 12 regional organizations dedicated to strengthening local journalism. Visit swmichjournalism.com to learn more. BATTLE CREEK, MI " At La Loma Supermercado in Battle Creek, the food is as authentic as the owners' commitment to providing foods native to Mexico and Latin American countries like Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. The Mexican grocery store and restaurant opened in January at 1791 W. Columbia Ave., Suite C in Battle Creek. Here's a question-and-answer with Rosario Uribe, who co-owns La Loma with her husband, Jose Luis Uribe. What made you decide to open the store? This was an idea that my husband had years ago that he wanted to do. Years went by,…...

18+ hour, 18+ min ago (694+ words) JAMESTOWN " New ownership at the Depot continues to offer traditional breakfast and lunch while also branching out to serve authentic Asian dishes later in the day. The Depot Cafe, located in the Jamestown Business Center, officially opened under new ownership on March 1. The Depot Cafe and Depot Ramen are owned by Jin Quan Su and managed by his wife, Yanti Halimah. The location operates as The Depot Cafe in the morning through lunch and the Depot Ramen in the afternoon and evening. The Depot Cafe hours are from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Depot Ramen hours are from 2-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 3-9 p.m. Sunday. Halimah said she wanted a restaurant that was open later in the day. "That's why we were thinking about the ramen," she said. Halimah was thinking about opening a restaurant that serves ramen before The Depot Cafe was purchased....