Girl Scouts announce a new cookie, Exploremores, coming in 2026 while retiring S’mores and Toast-Yay! flavors in 2025. Exploremores feature chocolate, marshmallow, and almond flavors.

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte, part of its fall menu, launches earlier this year on August 26 to boost sales, featuring both classic and new items amid competition.

New York's Katz's Delicatessen hosts a pop-up in Chicago, offering its famous pastrami sandwiches at Bub City. The event, part of the Windy City Smokeout festivities, extends to a second day due to high demand.

Chicago's Redhot Ranch is opening a new location in Skokie, with the same menu and hours, including a new cod sandwich. Owner Jeff Greenfield is also considering future expansions and collaborations.

Chicago launches a "Pizza Pass" offering discounts at over 25 pizzerias and a chance to win a pizza party or stay.

Gaiser's recalls over 140,000 pounds of lunch meat due to undeclared meat types, affecting products like “Family Tree Bologna Veal.” No adverse reactions reported, but consumers advised to discard or return the products.

The Violet Hour, a pioneering Chicago cocktail bar, is closing permanently after 18 years due to unresolved building damage and failed landlord negotiations.

The 4th annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest in Chicago features a diverse range of hot dogs, live entertainment, and a hot dog-eating contest. Attendees can vote for the Top Dog among nine vendors.

A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has caused recalls in several brands and stores, with 26 reported cases and at least nine hospitalizations.

Noodles & Company plans to close up to 17 company-owned and 4 franchised locations in 2025, despite a recent sales increase and new menu offerings. The company aims to optimize its portfolio and support impacted staff.

Portillo's fast-food chain is testing a new breakfast menu at select Chicago-area locations starting April 15, offering items like a chocolate cake donut and a breakfast scramble.

Wing Snob is opening a new location in Romeoville, offering a variety of fresh chicken wings, with construction starting on May 1. The opening is planned for mid-July. Mayor Noak welcomes the economic boost and new dining option.

Illinois advances a bill to outlaw unauthorized sales of restaurant reservations, aiming to protect consumers and restaurants from inflated resale prices and lost revenue.