Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, the once-celebrated champion of elevated Southern comfort food, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Florida-based chain, known for its bourbon-heavy cocktail programs and signature fried chicken, entered the proceedings on Sunday, burdened by approximately $50 million in debt and a series of operational setbacks that proved insurmountable […]

An in-depth report by Civil Eats senior staff reporter Lisa Held uncovers the devastating impact of canceled federal programs, revealing a profound loss of trust, economic instability for small farms, and a significant setback for food equity and climate resilience across the United States. Main Facts The true cost of federal program cancellations designed to […]

The world of consumer goods is no stranger to the "hype cycle." From limited-edition sneaker drops to high-end electronics and concert tickets, the secondary market—often referred to as the "black market" or "gray market"—thrives on the intersection of high demand and artificial scarcity. However, in the spring of 2023, this economic phenomenon reached an unexpected […]

Main Facts: The Staggering Reality of the "Silver Bucket" For many Americans, the true scale of personal waste remains hidden behind the opaque walls of plastic trash bags. However, for Kristin Hostetter, Head of Sustainability at Outside Interactive, Inc., the realization came in the form of a sleek, silver scrap bin placed on her kitchen […]

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In a move that has sent ripples through the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, Meritage Hospitality Group, one of the nation’s largest and most prominent Wendy’s franchisees, has officially filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing, announced on September 18, 2026, marks a significant turning point for the hospitality giant, […]

In the modern consumer landscape, the pursuit of a healthy, organic lifestyle often finds itself at odds with environmental preservation. For many shoppers, the ritual of selecting premium "baby" greens or organic produce is marred by the realization that these items are frequently encased in non-recyclable plastic clamshells. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) […]

For decades, Costco Wholesale has cultivated a reputation as the "gold standard" for bulk grocery shopping. Among its various aisles, the meat department has historically stood as a primary draw for its 128 million members. From USDA Prime beef to its legendary $4.99 rotisserie chickens, the warehouse giant has leveraged high-quality protein as a cornerstone […]

The annual Girl Scout Cookie season has long been a staple of American culture, signaling the transition from winter to spring with the arrival of iconic treats like Thin Mints and Tagalongs. However, 2023 marked a paradigm shift in the organization’s 106-year-old cookie program. What began as a strategic move to bolster the digital entrepreneurship […]

By Alexandra Jones August 27, 2026 – From the Summer 2026 Issue Main Facts For a cheese professional, the sense of smell isn’t merely a tool; it’s a superpower, an indispensable guide through the nuanced world of artisanal dairy. It’s the faculty that distinguishes a delicate floral note from a pungent ammoniac tang, the subtle […]

Main Facts: The Silent Crisis in the American Kitchen Food waste is arguably one of the most significant, yet overlooked, environmental and economic challenges of the 21st century. While large-scale industrial pollution and the transition to renewable energy dominate headlines, a quieter crisis is unfolding within the four walls of the average domestic kitchen. According […]