When we eat at a restaurant, we are placing a huge amount of trust in the kitchen staff. We trust that they are following proper hygiene and food safety rules. However, in a high-pressure kitchen, mistakes and disgusting accidents can happen. In some cases, a foreign object can find its way into a customer’s meal.…
Traditional supermarkets are designed to be predictable. A treasure hunt, however, is designed to be exciting. A growing number of retailers, like Aldi and T.J. Maxx, have built their entire business model on this “treasure hunt” concept. They intentionally create a sense of scarcity and discovery in their stores. This turns a simple shopping trip…
The grocery store clearance aisle is a tempting place for any bargain hunter. It is filled with a huge variety of products at a deep discount. This has led some extreme savers to wonder if it is possible to live entirely off of these discounted foods. While the potential savings are massive, a diet based…
You are walking down the cereal aisle, and you have a sudden realization. Your favorite, go-to cereal is gone. The spot on the shelf where it used to be is now occupied by a new brand or a different flavor. The quiet disappearance of a beloved cereal is a common and often sad experience. This…
Chicken breast is a healthy and versatile protein that is a staple in many American kitchens. However, raw chicken is also a major source of harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and Campylobacter. A simple mistake in the way you handle and cook your chicken can lead to a serious and unpleasant case of food poisoning. To…
Couponing is a great way to save money, but the world of online and printable coupons is also filled with a huge number of scams. These scams are designed to steal your personal information, to commit fraud, or to infect your computer with a virus. The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) is a watchdog group that…
Food marketers are experts at creating a “health halo” around their products. They use buzzwords like “wholesome” and “natural” to make you feel good about your purchase. However, many of these seemingly healthy foods are secretly loaded with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. They are a form of junk food that is disguised as a…
Many of the “best by” and “sell by” dates on our food are simply suggestions for peak quality. It is perfectly safe to eat a can of beans or a box of crackers that is past its date. However, this rule is not universal. For a number of common, perishable grocery items, the expiration date…
The word “fresh” on a package of cheese evokes an image of a local, artisanal product. We imagine it came from a nearby dairy farm. In the modern globalized grocery store, however, the word “fresh” has a very different meaning. Many of the most popular “fresh” cheeses in your supermarket’s deli case are anything but…
Your favorite restaurant works hard to create a perfect dining experience. This often involves a bit of “kitchen magic” and a few secrets they would rather you not know. From the freshness of the daily special to the cleanliness of the ice machine, there are several hidden truths behind the swinging kitchen doors. While most…
Grocery store employees are on the front lines of customer service. They have to deal with a constant stream of questions, comments, and complaints from the public. While most of these interactions are perfectly normal, some of them are so bizarre and so illogical that they become the stuff of retail legend. Here are six…
A fake coupon can be more than just a waste of your time; it can be a gateway to a larger scam. Criminals will create and distribute fraudulent coupons to steal your personal information or to sell you a counterfeit product. The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) warns that knowingly using a counterfeit coupon is a…
With the rise of digital coupons and store apps, paper coupons seem to be disappearing. However, many companies, retailers, and organizations still send valuable coupons by mail if you know where to look. If you prefer clipping coupons the old-fashioned way, you’re in luck! Here are some of the best ways to receive coupons directly…
A viral moment on TikTok can change a brand’s fortunes overnight. The social media platform has become the most powerful and unpredictable force in the modern food industry. A single, viral video from an influencer can turn a small, unknown food brand into a national sensation. This can create a level of brand recognition that…
Waldo’s Chicken and Beer is a fast-casual restaurant chain that is in the middle of an explosive growth phase. The brand, which started in Nashville, is famous for its simple menu of fried and roasted chicken, classic Southern sides, and a large selection of local craft beers. The company is now aggressively expanding, with new…
The deli counter can be an intimidating place. There is often a long line of impatient customers. The ordering process has its own set of unwritten rules and etiquette. For a new or inexperienced shopper, it can be a stressful experience. To make your trip to the deli a little smoother, you should try to…