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Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Struggling hamburger chain closing restaurants makes big change
If you really want to know how the economy is doing, don't look at Wall Street. Instead, look at Main Street, at those coffee and donut shops, burger joints, and delis. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter When times get tough financially, as they have for millions of Americans lately, eating out is one of the luxuries people cut first. Related: A Michelin Star is apparently the kiss of death for many restaurants And the data shows people are cutting back on meals away from home. In fact, a majority of restaurant owners (63%) said their same-store sales declined in February after a robust January, according to the March report from the National Restaurant Association. Even though the rate of inflation is slowing down, for now, consumers are still wary, especially since the cost of staples like eggs, meat, and cereal is still high. Food prices rose 1.2% over the past year, with significant increases in beef (+3.0%), dairy (+2.5%), and cereal (+2.0%), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The cost of groceries has been inching up continually for several years, and 2025 will likely see an addition 2.2% increase, according to the USDA's Food Price Outlook. Related: Whole Foods location closed indefinitely for sickening reason Some restaurants are looking for creative ways to get more people through their doors. Take Red Robin. The family-friendly burger joint recently announced an astonishingly good deal: the $20 "Burger Pass." For $20, customers could eat a burger and fries every day for the whole month of May. The offer was so popular it quickly overwhelmed and then crashed the company's website before selling out. The Burger Pass was another effort by the company to reinvigorate itself. Two years ago the company announced a plan to update the brand, calling it a "North Star" reinvention plan. But equipment updates, intense staff training, and an expanded menu haven't delivered the results the company hoped for. Now the CEO who launched the North Star plan, G.J. Hart, is stepping down, effective immediately. Hart took the CEO role in 2022; in fiscal 2024, Red Robin saw a net loss of $77.5 million, up from $21.2 million in fiscal 2023. Hart will be replaced by Board Chairman David Pace but will remain in an advisory role until September, according to a company statement. "It has been a privilege to lead such an iconic brand over the last two-and-a-half years. Together we have made important strides in strengthening the essential foundation of great food and great service, and I look at our progress with immense pride," Hart said in the statement. More Food News: McDonald's, Starbucks targeted by rival fast-food chain's takeoverPopular retailer unveils affordable line with unexpected brandOreo celebrates 113th birthday bringing back fan favorite Red Robin has more than 500 locations in the U.S. and Canada, 90 of which are franchises. The company also recently announced it would close 70 underperforming locations over the next five years, including between 10 and 15 in 2025 alone, focusing on closing those with expiring leases. The locations that will close have not been announced but the Colorado-based company has 57 locations in California, 37 in Washington, and 18 each in Texas and Arizona, so there's a good chance those states will lose some locations. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Seattle weather: Mostly sunny and 60s are sticking around
The Brief We will see mostly clear skies Monday evening with overnight lows in the mid to low 40s. Temperatures will be a few degrees lower on Tuesday, but still sunny and above average. SEATTLE - More sunny skies and warmer days are ahead this week in the Pacific Northwest, with highs remaining in the 60s. On Monday, it was a beautiful sunny day with highs this afternoon well above average, peaking in the mid to upper 60s. High pressure is over the Pacific Northwest to start the week, bringing sunshine and warmer temperatures. High pressure will build again by the end of the week, amplifying even more, which will warm temperatures into the low 70s for some spots. We will see mostly clear skies this evening with overnight lows in the mid to low 40s. A few spots in the South Sound could see areas of patchy fog. What's next Temperatures will be a few degrees cooler compared to Monday, but still above average. Mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s. The extended forecast is looking sunny and dry with highs remaining in the 60s. We will start to see conditions break down for the weekend, bringing back 50s and a slight chance of showers Sunday. The Source Information in this story is from FOX 13 Seattle Meteorologist Claire Anderson and the National Weather Service. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Rideshare driver charged in sexual assault of 16-year-old girl in Bellevue, WA
The Brief A King County rideshare driver was arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old passenger as he was dropping her off in Bellevue. Martin Njoki, 43, is charged with unlawful imprisonment and indecent liberties. He is jailed on $150,000 bail. BELLEVUE, Wash. - A rideshare driver is sitting in King County Jail, accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old passenger before dropping her off in Bellevue. What we know Martin Njoki, 43, is charged with unlawful imprisonment and indecent liberties in connection to an incident that happened in the early morning hours of Feb. 17. A 16-year-old girl says she was being driven home by Njoki around 4:45 a.m. Njoki allegedly convinced her to sit in the front seat of his car as he picked her up, moving some of his belongings out of the way. The two talked most of the ride, with Njoki asking questions like "Do you kiss and tell?" and if the girl would kiss him. Police said Njoki stopped a couple blocks shy of the 16-year-old's home and made sexual advances on her. He locked the passenger door, made her touch him inappropriately and repeatedly groped the teen, court documents state. The victim was eventually able to escape Njoki's vehicle, and he sped off. Njoki was arrested on April 10 following a police investigation. Now, Bellevue Police are asking any additional victims of Njoki to come forward. Police say he drove a Mitsubishi with the license plate number CBM2456. Potential victims can call 911 or the BPD non-emergency line at 425-577-5656. Njoki is currently being held in the King County Jail on $150,000 bail. He is scheduled to enter a plea in his case on April 24. The Source Information in this story is from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Bellevue Police Department. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused in Seattle hate crime flips off cameras, storms out of courtroom
The Brief The man accused of attacking transgender woman in Seattle's University District last month made quite the scene in his most recent court appearance. Andre Phillip Karlow, 39, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree assault and a hate crime on Monday. SEATTLE - A man accused of attacking a transgender woman in Seattle's University District disrupted a King County courtroom on Monday, flipping off cameras and abruptly walking out before the hearing ended. Andre Phillip Karlow, 39, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree assault and a hate crime stemming from a March incident in which a transgender woman was allegedly ambushed outside a tea shop by a group of four men. The backstory According to police reports, the transgender woman was walking past the group when someone allegedly called her a "drag queen" and told her to "take off [her] makeup." The verbal harassment escalated quickly into physical violence, with the victim reportedly punched in the face and left with broken teeth, a swollen eye, and scrapes across her body. Prosecutors shared she continues to receive medical treatment. The case has sparked outrage across the University District, prompting rallies and protests in recent weeks. Authorities arrested Karlow following the investigation, and he has remained in King County Jail on $200,000 bail. During the hearing, Karlow's defense attorney requested his release. Prosecutors strongly opposed, noting that Karlow is already facing a separate hate crime charge from September 2024 for allegedly attacking a Sound Transit fare enforcement worker. In that case, court records show he was released after the Northwest Community Bail Fund posted his bond. What they're saying "The fact that this allegedly occurred while he was out on bond in a case where the allegations were similar — a hate crime matter," the judge said. Citing that ongoing case and the seriousness of the current allegations, the judge denied the defense's request and upheld Karlow's $200,000 bail. Upon hearing the decision, Karlow reacted by walking out before the hearing officially concluded. The Source Information for this article comes from Seattle Police reports and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
WSDOT shuts down 103-year-old bridge in Tacoma, WA
The Brief Transportation authorities have shut down a Tacoma bridge. Fairfax bridge is 103 years old and showing concerning signs of wear. WSDOT has not set a definite reopening date. TACOMA, Wash. - The century-old Carbon River Fairfax bridge in Tacoma is shutting down due to concerns over structural integrity. WSDOT announced on Monday that they are shutting down all pedestrian and vehicle access to the bridge. The backstory Previously, the bridge had lane restrictions and a stop on EMS vehicles from using it for their responses. Built in 1921, the bridge exceeds the usually-expected 75-year service life of bridges in Washington. Dig deeper The average age of state-owned bridges is 51 years. "There is no funding available to replace the bridge at this point. Years of deferred preservation work due to limited preservation funding resulted in the updated weight restrictions and now the indefinite closure," says a representative with WSDOT on their website. The Source Information for this article comes from the Washington Department of Transportation in Tacoma. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.