The COVID pandemic’s long shadow threatens the future of Fireman Hospitality Group, which runs some of Manhattan’s most iconic and venerable Italian restaurants. In a stunning move this month, Fireman filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing cash-flow problems that started before the 2020 lockdowns and turned critical when the group’s large restaurants lost much of … Read more
It’s a monster mash-up. A brand-new Happy Meal is crashing into McDonald’s with a few unexpected characters. The fast-food behemoth just rolled out its “Hello Kitty and Friends x Godzilla” collab on menus today. Each limited-time meal comes with one of eight toys in a brand new blending of Sanrio’s Hello Kitty characters and the … Read more
There’s a new way to taste the rainbow. Soon, three of America’s most iconic candies — M&M’s, Skittles and Starburst — will be sold with natural ingredients that recreate the candies’ famously vibrant (and artificial) hues. The treats will be available on Amazon, and cost the same as those with the usual artificial coloring. Parent … Read more
Cookie fans rejoice: an iconic NY-based bakery is opening in Newport Beach this fall. Levain Bakery, beloved for its gooey, slab-thick cookies, will make its Orange County debut this September at the Fashion Island mall. Levain began in 1995 as a small bread shop on West 74th Street; in the three decades since, the company … Read more
Hollywood’s stars are fading away. It might be known for honoring the best in the biz, but today, the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame leaves a lot to be desired. According to a UK tourist, who recently visited Los Angeles and documented her trip via TikTok, Hollywood is the “worst place in LA” to visit. … Read more
JuneShine’s hometown happy hour is officially last call. The San Diego-born hard kombucha brand is closing its final company-owned tasting rooms just months after pulling the plug on local brewing, capping a fizzy retreat that leaves the once high-flying beverage darling without a single company-run taproom in the US. The company announced this week that … Read more
The Hotel Bel-Air is facing a massive social media backlash after actress and influencer Daphne Blunt publicly accused the legendary five-star retreat of racially profiling and discriminating against her during a visit to its swanky bar. In a viral July 21 TikTok video that has set internet comments ablaze, Blunt claimed she was singled out, … Read more
The Happiest Place on Earth is cleaning house, and Disney die-hards can take home some seriously strange souvenirs home — if they have enough cash, and in some cases, enough space. Dozens of bizarre, spooky and instantly recognizable pieces of park history from Disneyland, Walt Disney World and other Disney destinations are hitting the auction … Read more
Have you ever wanted to own a piece of TV and movie magic history? Well, then look no further than Los Angeles where a massive auction is set to take place for some of the most iconic things ever used in films over the last half century. Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp in “Edward Scissorhands.” … Read more
A beloved cafe in Calabasas is closing its doors after nearly three decades of business. The Marmalade Cafe at The Commons will serve its last meal this Sunday. The cafe has been a regular spot for people in Calabasas for California-inspired cuisine and classic American comfort food. They serve signature items like Marmalade Spicy Chilaquiles, … Read more
Macy’s has said goodbye to their iconic billboard. The iconic red-and-white Macy’s shopping bag billboard at Herald Square was dismantled this weekend, exposing the historic “holdout” building that has been hidden for decades. For sixty years, the massive sign — complete with its signature white tissue paper peaking over the top—served as a festive staple … Read more
Irv’s Burgers, the iconic Los Angeles burger stand where famous rockers frequented in the ’70s, will celebrate its 80th anniversary on August 26 with a variety of specials. Each of Irv’s now six locations will offer Irv’s Original Roadside Single Burgers for just $.80, or free for anyone 80 years or older. There will also … Read more
The “Prince of Darkness” has come back — to haunt theme park guests. Famed musician Ozzy Osbourne, who died in 2025, is getting his own Halloween Horror Nights haunted house at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, Universal announced Wednesday. The announcement comes days after the first anniversary of the rocker’s death at 76. … Read more
Baby Back Ribs made Chili’s famous. Now, it’s the baby back booths making a comeback. The iconic casual dining chain is serving up a hefty side of nostalgia this year, rolling out a retro-inspired glow-up that revives the signature red booths, colorful décor and quirky details that made Chili’s a ’90s dining institution. The nationwide … Read more
“Faith, trust and a little bit of pixie dust” weren’t enough to save this beloved Disney character from eviction. Disneyland has announced that Tinker Bell, the loyal sidekick of Peter Pan who inspired a later Pixie Hollow-based franchise, will be booted out of the Fantasyland section of Disneyland Park starting on August 4, as its … Read more
It must have been high touring costs. Roxette, the Swedish pop-rock duo that rose to worldwide fame in the late 80s’/early 90s’ for hits such as “It Must Have Been Love” and “Listen to Your Heart,” is the latest music group to be rattled by “blue dot fever” — a term that’s spread on social … Read more
The classic Candy Land board game has jumped off the tabletop and into real life for the first time with the Candy Land Cafe, a pop-up that has transformed a San Diego restaurant into a whimsical life-size version of the childhood favorite. But it comes with a harsh policy for guests who break the strict … Read more
An iconic harbor restaurant In Orange County has promised to share the recipe for its signature mai tai before closing their doors for good after a half century. Located in Dana Point Harbor, the Wind & Sea restaurant has been serving guests since Bob Mardian opened the doors in 1972 at just 24 years old, … Read more
One of Florida’s most iconic roller coasters is preparing for its final ride after more than three decades, sparking a wave of nostalgia among theme-park enthusiasts. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently shared that Kumba will permanently close Aug. 2 after 33 years in operation, marking the end of one of the park’s best known attractions. When … Read more
A classic family-owned vintage diner in Van Nuys is shutting down after nearly 50 years of serving customers. Heart’s Coffee Shop, a community staple since 1977, has been the go-to spot for traditional American comfort food and a retro atmosphere in San Fernando Valley. Regulars saw the diner not just as a place to eat, … Read more