You no surprise that you’re likely to pack on a few pounds over the holidays. The extra appetizers, cocktails with friends, side dishes, desserts and post-meal champagne can quickly add up to an average of 7,000 calories on a holiday — more than triple the daily recommendation. Shockingly, 29 percent of people estimated they would eat fewer than 3,000 calories over the course of Christmas Day. While it’s just one day — and who counts calories on Christmas anyway? — it’s worth taking a peek at MealKitt’s photo series on portion control. Julian Gaine, the CEO of the British company known for its portion control tool, released photos showing what Christmas Day plates should look like if you’re looking to lose, maintain or gain weight. While this might not be your exact meal, the images can serve as a guide which you use to gauge how full your plate should be. For those…
Mom-and-Pop restaurants making a comeback
After years of growth for the nation’s big chain restaurants, independents and smaller chains are now where Americans are choosing to spend their dollars. Diners are showing they appreciate the authenticity of locally-owned eateries with their daily specials and original decor. This, after several decades of dominance of chain restaurant’s consistency. It’s a turning point in our eating history, according to Darren Tristano, chief insights officer at Chicago-based restaurant research first Technomic. “This really seems to be the dawning of the era of the independent,” Tristano said. “The independents and small chains are now outperforming. The big chains are now lagging.” Annual revenues are expected to grow about 5 percent through 2020, while chains are expected to grow about 3 percent, according to Pentallect Inc., a research firm in Chicago. Last year, the nation’s largest food chain, Subway, by number of locations, saw doors closing. Trends were also reflected with restaurants like…
Day Without Immigrants felt by restaurants nationwide
In a show of solidarity, immigrants around the country stayed home from work and school Thursday to demonstrate how important they are to America’s way of life—and America’s economy. The nationwide protest has been called A Day Without Immigrants, reported the Associated Press. The effects have been felt most strongly by the restaurant industry, which employs nearly 12 million people with immigrants making up the majority—that applies to both fast food and fine dining. The number increases to 70% in cities the major cities like New York, according to the Restaurant Opportunities Center United. The protest has been aimed at President Donald Trump’s efforts to crack down on immigration, both legal and illegal. Historically, the food industry has been a first step toward a financially stable life for newcomers to America. Immigrants who have been able to open successful restaurants and grocery stores often started as dishwashers, servers and line cooks in other restaurants. All…