food and drink

What do you get when an economist digs into America's food culture? If the economist is Tyler Cowan, you get "An Economist Gets Lunch," in which he offers some surprising culprits for our eating woes, and some clever ways to get the best meals for less.

As food prices continue to rise, many food companies are shrinking packages instead of raising item prices. But don't be fooled: You're definitely paying more for less.

Starbucks (SBUX) said it will soon make a major announcement about a new product for the single-serve market. The company is preparing for the expiration of its agreement with Kraft Foods (KFT), Reuters reported. Under the terms of the agreement, which expires March 1, Starbucks provides coffee...

Health care providers have been reporting unprecedented shortages of prescription drugs, including vital medications such as chemotherapies and antibiotics. Under current law, the FDA has no power to act, so two senators have introduced a bill to help government get a handle on the problem.

Chipotle (CMG), the chain restaurant serving Mexican food, fired hundreds of workers in Minnesota after receiving notice from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had "suspect documents." The ICE began its probe of Chipotle in Minnesota, where the company employs about 1,200 workers, The...

Starbucks on Tuesday said it would give away a free 12-ounce bag of its ground house-blend coffee to any customer not satisfied with its Via instant coffee during the next seven months.

McDonald's will increase prices on some items in the U.S. this year in response to rising commodity prices that are boosting food costs, Chicago Breaking Business reported, citing remarks the company made on its earnings conference call Monday.

Jason Bauer, CEO of the popular Crumbs Bake Shop, isn't worried about competition. In fact, he welcomes it. But with his company going public and with plans to expand from 34 stores to 200, he'll have to avoid the pitfalls of other dessert companies that rose too fast and fell.

Starbucks is partnering with India-based coffee-bean provider Tata Coffee to help it open its first retail stores in India. According to the agreement, Tata will help Starbucks source and roast beans, as well as develop the new stores.

Tasty Baking (TSTY), the maker of Tastykakes, said it is looking at options including a merger or sale as the company feels the pressure from declining sales. The company is also facing "unanticipated operational challenges" related to its bakery in Philadelphia's Navy Yard, CEO Charles Pizzi...