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Business Insider
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Move over, Aperol — the Hugo Spritz is summer's hottest cocktail
Last month, while mulling the menu at a trendy restaurant, a suggestion from a friend made me feel woefully out of touch. "Why don't you get a Hugo Spritz?" the friend asked when I said I was craving a light, summery, and refreshing cocktail. I asked what that was and was promptly met with a table full of shocked faces. Somehow, I had missed the introduction and gradual takeover of the the hottest new cocktail. While the thirst for Hugo Spritz certainly isn't new — the recipe has been gaining momentum online for a few years, achieving fleeting virality in 2023 and capturing the attention of wealthy bar patrons in 2024 — recent data indicates that the Hugo's mainstream crossover moment has officially arrived. In its 2024 trend report, Yelp found a 1,121% increase in searches for "Hugo Spritz" compared to the previous year. Google search volume for "Hugo Spritz" rose 122% from 2023 to 2024, and analytics show interest is even higher this summer than at this time last year. The use of the hashtag #HugoSpritz has steadily increased on TikTok over the last year, reaching peak popularity in late June and early July. Creators have been sharing their favorite takes on the recipe, gleefully adding sprigs of mint or splashes of lime juice. The trend has even inspired at least one original piano ballad, which features the standout lyric, "Cuckoo for Hugo, baby." The Hugo Spritz has emerged as the clear successor to its Italian cousin, the Aperol Spritz. The latter enjoyed its own renaissance a few years back, arguably reaching peak popularity in the summer of 2023 — auspiciously fueled by HBO's "The White Lotus," whose celebrated second season was filmed in Sicily and aired in late 2022. Despite its rise to ubiquity, however, Aperol — an apéritif liqueur with strong notes of orange peel and herbs — remains a polarizing ingredient. While some love its bittersweet flavor, others say it tastes thick and medicinal, akin to cough syrup. By comparison, the Hugo Spritz is positively dessert-like. As with most spritzes, it's typically made with two parts prosecco and two parts soda water. The defining addition is elderflower liqueur — a sweet, floral spirit with such broad appeal and versatility that it earned the nickname "bartender's ketchup" in the late aughts. St-Germain has long been considered the leader in the elderflower liqueur market, credited for inspiring a slew of copycats after its launch in 2007. The brand was acquired by Bacardi in 2013, further cementing its dominance. Emma Fox, Bacardi's Global VP, told me via email that St-Germain has seen a 20% increase in retail sales value in the US since last year and an 11% increase over the last five years. Globally, she said the brand's market share has nearly tripled since 2019. "We know that demand for St-Germain continues to grow, particularly this summer, as people are looking for more choice and creativity in their spritzes and discovering our lighter, brighter taste," Fox said. St-Germain is made with hand-picked flowers from elderflower trees that grow in the French Alps. Last year, the brand took advantage of that scenery's aesthetic touchstones in a summer ad campaign featuring "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner, which highlighted the Hugo Spritz for its "touch of French flair" and easy elegance. Much like how Aperol benefited from its Italian roots and eye-catching cameos in the hands of glamorous onscreen Sicilians, the Hugo Spritz has an aspirational appeal in addition to its tasty flavor profile. In the right context, enjoying an effervescent, European-sourced cocktail can feel like micro-dosing a much-needed getaway. Paige Leyden, Associate Director of foodservice, flavors, and ingredients reports at Mintel, a market intelligence agency, said she noticed the Hugo Spritz trend gain traction in the US in the wake of the campaign. She attributed the effect to a combination of celebrity influence and our positive associations with a luxurious French lifestyle. "Travel is expensive, but there is that level of escapism when you can just go to a nice bar and sit outside and have this drink," Leyden said. "You might not be on the picturesque Mediterranean coast, but you're still kind of emulating that." Of course, in the age of Instagram and TikTok, the power of a compelling visual cannot be overstated. It's not just that a Hugo Spritz can evoke a picturesque setting, but that the drink itself is picturesque, perfectly engineered for virality. Leyden said her team's research has found that 54% of consumers like to order drinks they see on social media, whether because they were influenced themselves or because they see the potential to influence others — to communicate their knowledge of trends and prove their own sophistication. On TikTok, food and drink influencers are already doing their part. "It's the perfect drink: refreshing, lemony, floral gorgeousness," creator Lex Nicoleta recently declared to her hundreds of thousands of followers while sipping a homemade Hugo Spritz. "I just think there's not a chicer drink in the world."
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Moving Made Easy: How to Find Trusted Local Movers in Romford
Relocating to a new home or office can be both exciting and overwhelming. From packing up your belongings to setting up your new space, the entire process can quickly become stressful if not handled properly. That's why finding Local Movers Romford who are experienced, reliable, and trustworthy is crucial to making your move seamless and hassle-free. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right moving company? In this guide, we'll break down the steps to find dependable movers in Romford while ensuring your belongings are safe and your move goes smoothly. When planning a residential or commercial move, hiring the right movers can make all the difference. Professional movers not only save you time but also protect your valuables, reduce stress, and prevent costly mistakes. Reliable Local Movers Romford offer: Professional packing services Safe handling of fragile items Efficient loading and unloading On-time moving services without hidden fees Selecting a reputable company ensures peace of mind during every step of your relocation. If you fail to research properly, you may encounter: Damaged or lost property Unexpected charges Delayed services Unprofessional behavior That's why due diligence is critical before finalizing any moving company in Romford. Ready to simplify your move? Follow these actionable steps to locate reliable Local Movers Romford who will handle your relocation with care. Start by searching for local moving companies online. Use terms like: 'Best house removals Romford' 'Romford man and van service' 'Office relocation Romford' Check Google reviews, Yelp, and Trustpilot for genuine feedback. Look for movers with a track record of excellent customer service and positive ratings. Professional movers maintain well-designed websites that list services, prices, and contact information. Their social media profiles can also give insights into customer interactions and recent projects. Word of mouth is still one of the most reliable ways to find top-notch Local Movers Romford. Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they've had a great experience with a mover recently. Join Facebook groups or local forums in Romford. Residents often share their experiences and recommend moving companies they trust. Don't risk hiring unlicensed movers. Make sure your chosen company has the necessary licenses and insurance to operate legally in the UK. This protects your belongings in case of accidental damage. Get at least three quotes from different Local Movers Romford. Compare prices, but don't choose based solely on the lowest offer. Look for transparency in pricing to avoid hidden costs later. Packing material costs Labour charges Transportation fees Insurance coverage Clarify all details before signing any agreement. When looking for experienced Local Movers Romford, many residents turn to move 4you limited. This company has built a strong reputation for: Reliable home and office removals Efficient packing and unpacking services Affordable pricing with no surprises A professional team that treats your belongings with care Whether you're moving locally or across the region, move 4you limited offers customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. The right moving company should offer a variety of services to make your relocation easy and convenient. These include: Full-service movers pack everything for you using high-quality materials, saving you time and effort. Need temporary storage? Look for Local Movers Romford that offer climate-controlled storage facilities for short- or long-term use. For smaller moves or furniture transport, a man and van Romford service can be an economical and flexible option. Professional movers can help dismantle and reassemble your large furniture, making the moving day smoother. Great customer service is non-negotiable. Choose Local Movers Romford who offer prompt responses, clear communication, and are willing to answer all your questions. A dedicated moving coordinator can help you manage timelines and logistics without stress. Even with the best movers, it's important to stay proactive. Avoid these common errors: Waiting too long to book your movers Underestimating the time it takes to pack Forgetting to label boxes properly Failing to prepare an essentials box for the first night Planning ahead prevents these pitfalls and ensures a smoother relocation. Relocating doesn't have to be stressful if you choose the right moving partner. By following these steps, you'll easily find dependable Local Movers Romford who will handle your move with professionalism and care. Remember to verify credentials, read reviews, and get multiple quotes before making your decision. For Romford residents, move 4you limited stands out as a trusted, experienced mover committed to making relocations easy and worry-free. With their team of experts, you can rest assured that your move will be handled smoothly from start to finish TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Hey, Yelp! These are 5 of NYC's best restaurants on wheels that you totally ignored
They're the wheel deal. When Yelp unveiled its list of the 100 top U.S. food trucks for 2025, it left out one crucial food mecca: New York City. The West Coast and Hawaii comprised the lion's share of the Bay Area-based site's countdown — while Gotham didn't even place in this gastronomic drag race. The closest movable feast was mobile sushi bar Wisp Express in Jersey City, New Jersey — ranked 75th. The Big Apple's mobile-dining gurus are understandably shocked by the diss, which was based on user reviews of 58,000 restaurants in its food truck category. 13 'I take that very personally,' Ben Goldberg, co-founder and president of the mobile vendor advocacy group the New York Food Truck Association (NYFTA), told The Post. 'I mean, we have some amazing, amazing trucks in the city, and it is the culinary mecca of the world. So to not have [us] represented seems kind of crazy.' NYC's bountiful meals on wheels scene is particularly impressive given the bureaucratic hurdles it takes to own and operate a food truck here. One of the biggest obstacles is the ever-elusive food truck vending permit issued by the New York City Health Department. While the application process seems straightforward enough — aspiring street hawkers pay $50 to apply and are required to complete a food truck protection course ($53) — the delay getting a permit can be endless. 'There's a waiting list of about 10,000 people, and they're giving out about 400 a year,' Matt Shapiro, the legal advisor for the Street Vendor Project, told The Post. So, truck you, Yelp — we're on a, well, roll. The Post has compiled a non-loaded list of five of the hottest rolling restaurants in New York. For fairness, we're not including hidden gems known only by NYers, but rather institutions that have no business being snubbed by an international review platform. My big fat Greek food truck 13 A far cry from the Midtown's dry-meat mongers, King Souvlaki is at the tip of the skewer when it comes to the Greek scene, lavishing the city with authentic Grecian street eats since 1979. The cash-only mobile meat station, which also has outlets in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens (with two in Astoria alone), specializes in tender skewers from chicken to fragrant lamb sausage that are hand-spit and grilled over charcoal. They're then served kebab-style or swaddled in either pita ($11 for most items) or a baguette ($16) with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce and hand-cut fries like a pan-Hellenic hero. Customers can also get a platter ($11) with a side salad, pita bread and tzatziki sauce — best eaten with a side of Greek fries that's festooned with organic feta cheese ($12). 13 Unlike the Midtown Greek carts frequented by the 'I Love NY' T-shirt crowd, King Souvlaki is endorsed by the olive oil-blooded clientele who keep them afloat. 'Most of our customers are Greek,' second-generation owner Lampros Tsampas told The Post of their Astoria locations. 'It's really authentic,' 30-year-old Queens resident Katerina Apostolopoulus, who is Greek, told The Post. 'You want to get it in the bread. That's the classic.' Also, don't worry if you have no cash on hand — King Souvlaki has an ATM built right into the truck. They're on a roll — make that a wrap 13 OK, it's technically not a full-on truck and is more of a cart. But when it comes to NYC 'wrap' battles, NY Dosas reigns supreme. For over two decades, Kandaswamy Thirukumar has been serving this savory Indian rice and lentil crepe out of his cart in Washington Square Park, attracting Disneyland-esque lines around the block. The à la cart fare is strictly vegan — a lifestyle the Sri Lanka transplant adopted 20 years ago — but the food doesn't sacrifice flavor for ideology. 13 13 Dosa highlights include masala with potatoes ($9), Pondicherry with crisp salad greens ($10) and even a vegan soy 'drumstick' ($3) Not just a hometown hero, NY Dosas has been featured in international newspapers from the UK to Japan, as well as in Vice's now-defunct food series 'Munchies.' In 2007, Thirukumar notably won a Vendy Award — essentially the Oscar of the NYC street food scene. Just be sure to check the in-demand dosa dynamo's Instagram page to see if he's working that day. Honor 'roll' 13 Jeremy Batista's Bodega Truck is a rolling chopped-cheese depot created in homage to the Bronx corner store where he spent a lot of time as a kid. It specializes in different varieties of the bodega staple that consists of griddle-cooked beef topped with cheese and paired with lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo, and bookended by either a classic roll ($9) or baguette ($11). The truck has become such a sensation that it's spawned two brick-and-mortar stores — one in Brooklyn (139 Havemeyer St.), the other in the Bronx (1091 Ogden Ave.) — with a UK pop-up slated for London next month. 13 'My mother owned a bodega when I was younger, so I grew up in a bodega — that was just my life,' the nostalgic 'Chop Cheese Papi' told The Post. 'As you get older, things just start getting modernized and gentrified, and things are really not how they were, the old New York that I grew up and loved. 'So, one idea turned to the next, and I had the opportunity to open up a food truck, and I was, like, 'Wow, let me pay a little tribute to my childhood.'' Other varieties include the Good Mawning ($12) with hash brown and egg, and The Dominican ($13) over fries with fried cheese, salami and cabbage. Unlike many food trucks, this bodegamobile is not stationary and hits up a different borough each day like a roving ice cream truck. 'If you have a truck and you can move around, why wouldn't you?' said Batista, who posts updates on the chopped-cheese carriage's location via Instagram. Alas, like many things in the city, the food truck scene is demanding and ever-changing, and due to the grueling nature of his operation — Batista logged 18-hour days that started with finding parking at 4 a.m. — he has temporarily pulled the mighty Bodega Truck out of commission. 'It's a lot of things to juggle with the truck,' he lamented in a testament to his success. 'I know the truck is just a hard life, brother.' But hang in there: Batista plans to have the uber-popular food mobile 'back out on the street for three days a week by the end of the summer.' Landia ho! 13 While many food trucks do a hundred different dishes poorly, Birria-Landia specializes in one item — and knocks it out of the park. They arguably helped birria become a city-wide sensation with copper-colored pouches of goodness springing up on nearly every corner, helping fill a void in the NYC Mexican scene. For those unfamiliar, birria is a flavorful Tijuana-style beef that's baptized in tangy, brawny consummé — the lifeblood of the restaurant. 13 The bronze liquid is also used to coat the corn tortillas, turning them crimson before they're deep-fried and paired with cilantro, onions and spicy sauce ($4). The broth is so prized that people can even order it individually ($5 for a small cup, $6 for a large). For owner José Moreno, who started the concept with his brother Jesús, it's all about the quality of the beef, which is cooked daily. 'I don't underestimate [using] good quality meat in the tacos,' said the proud owner, a former Eataly NYC chef. In 2017, Moreno was inspired to create the concept after seeing its prevalence in San Diego and visited Tijuana to see how the sausage was made, so to speak. Fast forward to today, and the brothers have a convoy of five mobile taco vendors across the city, as well as an immobile outlet in Flushing, Queens. When pigs fry 13 It's hard to believe that some of the city's best lechon — roasted suckling pig cooked over charcoal — would be served out of Lechonera La Piraña, a post-apocalyptic-looking trailer in the Bronx. Featured in Vice, on 'Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern' and more, Angel Jimenez's swine dining depot at 766 E. 152nd St. is always swarming with customers, some of whom hail from as far as Connecticut or New Jersey to get a bite. The pig is cooked in a four-tiered sidewalk barbecue and ferried to the venue via handcart, where the crackling, moist hunks of pork are hacked to order with the Puerto Rican native's machete. 13 13 Go whole hog with all the trimmings: a dune of rice, sparklingly fresh octopus salad, stewed shrimp, and a whole, al dente plantain ($25). Best of all, the congenial proprietor, clad in his token straw hat, will serve waiting customers samples straight off his blade. On a recent visit, a small girl was briefly startled by his sharp hog-hacker — until he handed the beaming child a ration of pork. This jewel of Nuyorican cuisine is only open on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6:30 p.m. Jimenez has retired his old vehicle but has kept on truckin' — he's currently running his operation out of an interim tent, with plans for pulling up in a brand-new mobile meal station soon.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Dental SEO Strategies: Rank Higher and Book More Appointments
Let's be honest. You didn't go to dental school to figure out Google's search algorithm. You are trained to help people take care of their teeth. But here you are running a practice in 2025, where a patient is more likely to find you by searching 'dentist near me' than by asking their neighbor. If your website isn't showing up, you're losing business. Simple as that. This is where the Dental SEO optimization of the research mechanism compares. It is not just about taking your name to the top of the list. It is about getting the right patients to find you and, most importantly, make an appointment. Let's break it down into strategies that make sense, no jargon, no fluff. You are not competing with all the dentists on the internet. Only those in your city or neighborhood. This is what makes the local SEO so powerful – it focuses on helping people close to finding their practice. So, what is the first step? Claim your Google business profile. It takes five minutes, it's free, and is where half of your new patients are probably clicking. Make sure your name, phone number, address, hours, and site are correct. Add photos – Real shots, not inventory shots. Encourage your patients to leave criticism. I know it may seem strange to ask, but trust me, people read them. A simple 'we would love your feedback on Google' after a consultation works wonders. Also, make sure your business information (called Nap – Name, Address, Phone) is consistent on other sites like Yelp, Bing, and Dental Directories. Even small incompatibilities can impair your visibility. This is the type of detail that a digital marketing agency usually cleans quickly. You've probably looked at your site and thought, 'Looks fine.' But patients don't just want 'fine.' They want fast, clean, and easy to navigate. If your site is more than five years old, odds are it's holding you back. Ask yourself: Is your site mobile-friendly? Is it easy to book an appointment? Does it explain why someone should choose your practice? These days, people make decisions fast. If your website doesn't answer their questions or make them feel comfortable, they're clicking back. This is where a website design agency that understands healthcare can really shine. Also, make sure every service you offer has its own page. One page listing 20 services won't cut it. Google wants details. So if you offer teeth whitening, implants, Invisalign, and root canals, give each one its own space. Use keywords that match what real people are typing: 'emergency dentist in [city]' 'kids dentist near me' 'affordable dental implants' Don't stuff them awkwardly. Just write naturally. Your site should sound like you . Look I get it. Writing blogs sounds like a chore. But here's the truth: it works. When you answer common questions online, Google notices. So do your future patients. For example: 'How much does Invisalign cost?' 'Is teeth whitening safe?' 'What to do if you chip a tooth?' Each of those can be its own blog post. Doesn't need to be long, 400 to 600 words is fine. Speak in your voice. Pretend you're answering a patient who's in your chair and nervous. Not only does blogging help with the Dentist SEO marketing agency, it builds trust. It shows you care about educating, not just selling. One thing Google loves? When other sites link to yours. It's kind of like saying, 'Hey, this person knows their stuff.' You can earn backlinks by: Getting featured in local news or community blogs Writing guest posts for health or dental websites Joining local business groups or dental associations Even sponsoring a Little League team with a website mention helps. A good digital marketing agency can actually do backlink outreach for you if you don't have time to handle it yourself. Don't buy links. Google's smarter than that. Aim for earned , not paid credibility. Organic SEO takes time. But if you need appointments now , paid ads are your friend. Platforms like Google Ads or Instagram can bring you targeted traffic fast. A well-run Instagram ads agency can create location-based campaigns to promote specific offers, like: '$99 New Patient Special' 'Free Invisalign Consultation' 'Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available' The visuals matter a lot. Real photos of your team, your space, or even quick 10-second videos introducing yourself can be super effective. You don't need to be a TikTok star. Just show people who you are. And always link to a page where they can actually book something. Don't just send them to your homepage and hope for the best. Broken links Missing meta descriptions Slow page speed No SSL certificate You might not see these things, but Google does, and it cares. A slow-loading site, especially on mobile, can tank your rankings. If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, you're probably losing people. There are free tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix that show you what's wrong. But if it looks like a foreign language, a solid website design agency can audit and fix it for you. People don't always type anymore. They talk to their phones. Searches like: 'Who's the best dentist near me?' 'Where can I get a root canal today?' 'Is there a kid's dentist open now?' You want your site to answer those questions. Use conversational phrases in your content. Think FAQ sections, Q&A-style blogs, and more natural writing. It's an easy win in today's search world. Don't just guess. Use data. Install Google Analytics. See which pages are getting traffic. Which ones do people leave quickly? Which blog posts are pulling in visitors? Tools like CallRail can even track which ads or pages are leading to actual phone calls. This isn't about being a tech nerd. It's about knowing what's working, so you can do more of it and stop wasting money on what's not. Most digital marketing agencies can set all this up for you, so you don't have to do it yourself. If you're still relying on word-of-mouth and hoping your website 'just works,' you're leaving patients (and revenue) on the table. SEO for dentists is no longer optional. It's how people find you. It's how they decide if they trust you. And it's how they book. You don't have to do it all at once. Start with your Google profile. Fix up your website. Post one blog a month. Run a short Instagram campaign. Track your progress. And if it feels like too much? Bring in help. Whether it's an Instagram ads agency, website design agency, or digital marketing agency, the right partner will help you grow without burning you out. Just don't stay invisible. The patients are out there; they just need to find you. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Yelp ranks top chicken sandwich chains; two Georgia spots make the cut
When it comes to chicken sandwiches, Georgia doesn't just compete, it leads. Chick-fil-A, Georgia's own beloved fast-food chain, has claimed the No. 1 spot on Yelp's list of the Top 20 chicken sandwich chains of the year. Chick-fil-A started in a small diner in Hapeville, Georgia and is now known across the country for making great chicken. "Chick-fil-A is famous for its simple, perfectly seasoned chicken sandwich served on a toasted buttered bun," Yelp wrote. "Simple? Yes. Iconic? Absolutely." Who founded Chick-fil-A? The trio behind Chick-Fil-A is the Cathy family and siblings are Bubba, Dan, and Trudy. The first location opened in 1967 at Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall. The chain has more than 2,800 restaurants across the U.S. and in Canada and Puerto Rico. Chick-fil-A is also "known for its consistency, customer service and loyal fanbase," Yelp wrote. But this isn't the only Georgia-founded favorite that landed on the list. Founded in Statesboro, Zaxby's ranked No. 10 in the nation. Who founded Zaxby's? Tony Townley and Zach McLeroy, both 62-years-old, started this food chain in 1990. Zaxby's corporate location is in Athens, where the two grew up and met in the seventh grade. "Zaxby's is known for bold sauces, crispy chicken, and its crave-worthy Zax sauce," Yelp wrote. "When the brand entered the chicken sandwich wars in 2021 with its Signature Sandwich, it brought the same flavor-forward approach to a handheld format." Here are all other Yelp rankings. Yelp's top 20 chicken sandwich chains of 2025 Chick-fil-A Dave's Hot Chicken Raising Cane's Shake Shack Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Habit Burger and Grill Denny's Wingstop McDonald's Zaxby's Jack in the Box Dairy Queen Slim Chickens Burger King Wendy's Sonic Drive-In Bojangles KFC Arby's Church's Chicken Whether you like it spicy, grilled, or covered in Chick-fil-A sauce, Georgia's favorite chicken spot is still leading the way. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Yelp ranks top chicken sandwich chains, two Georgia spots make the cut Solve the daily Crossword
