Americas
Eater celebrates 20 years with list of all-time greats
In the years since launching in 2005, Eater, the influential gastronomy blog, has recommended hundreds of restaurants in its iconic Eater 38 list. To mark two decades in business, the team has sifted through countless restaurants from across the US and concluded the considerations with a definitive list of 38, which ranges from avantgarde cooking to a Korean food truck. The common denominator is impactful, which can be hard to define, as editor in chief Stephanie Wu says; “Restaurants that make shock waves locally don’t always move the needle when it comes to dining culture more broadly, and places that are breathlessly covered in glossy publications don’t necessarily resonate with those who live in and dine out frequently in that city.”
McDonald’s mourns the passing of former CEO Michael Quinlan
The former CEO and chairman of the fast food giant, spent 35 years with McDonald’s after first joining in 1963 as a summer mail clerk and rose through the ranks over the years to eventually join the board room. Current CEO and Chairman Chris Kempzinski shared the news in a heartfelt LinkedIn post, which recounted the career and purpose of Quinlan who was also a committed philanthropy. Throughout his life he supported education and community initiatives and recipients included Loyola University Chicago and his own former high school.
Asia Pacific
Popular Chinese chain in hot water over pre-made meals
Xibei, the popular chain with almost 400 stores across the country, has been caught up in a food scandal that ignited a national debate on pre-made food. A heated debate was triggered online when celebrity entrepreneur Luo Yonghao posted on social network Weibo that Xibei dishes were premade and that authorities should oblige restaurants to disclose when premade dishes were served. When the store responded by announcing diners could enter the kitchens and launched a livestream feed from the kitchens, it was soon discovered that frozen foods were used and other failings came to light too. The chain has apologised and vowed to change.
Chipotle announces Asia debut in 2026
The first stores in Asia from Chipotle Mexican Grill will open in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. The chain has partnered with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company to lead this expansion east. The brand has significant following from fans in Korea who have eaten the food when visiting the US and many popular K-Pop artists have become unofficial brand ambassadors, having developed a passion for the freshly made Mexican food. Chipotle currently has overseas stores in Canada, the UK, France and Germany.
Europe, Africa, Middle East
Amazon Fresh checks out of the UK
The retailer has announced plans to close all of its 19 Amazon Fresh UK stores, five years on from launching the concept across London. It introduced its pioneering “just walk out” technology, allowing customers to skip the checkout line when shopping for groceries. The company announced that five of the stores would be converted to branches of Whole Foods Market, the natural and organic grocery chain it owns. The retailer explained that it has made the decision to focus on Amazon Fresh online, Whole Foods Market and other online delivery partnerships in the UK rather than physical stores.
Heston Blumenthal launches tasting menu for diners on weight-loss jabs
The British chef and holder of multiple Michelin stars and awards for his restaurant the Fat Duck, known for elaborate and multi-sensory creations, has launched the Mindful Experience menu. Essentially a pared-back version of the regular tasting menu, it includes all of the dishes but in smaller servings. Blumenthal came up with the idea after he was prescribed weight-loss drugs and experienced reduced appetite. While saying the reduced appetites would be good for health, he acknowledged the trend will have an industry-wide impact.
Tina Nielsen
