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A Local Falcon analysis found that at least 312 KFC restaurants permanently closed in the U.S. between July 15, 2025, and July 6, 2026, signaling a notable contraction for one of America’s best-known fried-chicken chains. The Local Falcon analysis identified at least 312 permanent closures, equal to a 7.64% reduction in the chain’s U.S. footprint during the period studied. The closures come as KFC works to strengthen its brand and compete in an increasingly crowded fast-food market.

Walmart is giving shoppers a new way to pay at checkout: contactless Tap to Pay. On August 24, 2026, the retailer began rolling out Tap to Pay at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations. The move adds popular tap-to-pay options to Walmart’s existing payment choices, giving shoppers more flexibility when paying for their purchases. One of the biggest changes is support for major digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake has returned for fall, and its comeback is already giving pumpkin lovers a reason to browse the bakery aisle. The limited-time dessert combines a moist pumpkin cake with warm spices and generous cream cheese frosting, all tucked into a compact package. It weighs 18 ounces and costs $5.99 this season, making it an easy seasonal pickup.

Jollibee is giving its signature Jolly Crispy Fries a seriously snackable makeover, and sour cream and onion fans have a new reason to visit. The limited-time Jolly Flavor Fries turn the familiar crispy potatoes into a seasoned side with a savory, tangy flavor profile. The new Sour Cream & Onion version is part of a two-flavor launch, giving customers another way to enjoy Jollibee’s fries.

Pumpkin purée can give everyday pancakes a distinctly fall-inspired flavor, warmer color, and softer texture without requiring a completely new recipe. The ingredient also pairs naturally with cinnamon, maple syrup, apples, and toasted pecans. The story goes beyond the seasonal flavor. Along the way, we will look at a measured pumpkin pancake recipe, cooking technique, topping choices, pantry value, common mistakes, nutrition information, and major allergens.

Panda Express is giving customers an ongoing reason to check the app on Wednesdays with its Wok Wednesday Game. The weekly promotion combines a digital game with changing rewards, including discounts, Panda Points, and purchase-based food or drink offers. The story gets more interesting when the details come together.

A tomato sandwich is already one of summer’s simplest pleasures, but cottage cheese gives the familiar combination a surprisingly different texture. The creamy curds complement juicy tomatoes while adding a gentle tang and more substance to each bite. The story covers the best tomatoes and bread, cottage cheese texture, seasoning ideas, preparation, nutrition, allergens, smart pairings, and seasonal considerations.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is familiar, but its recipe leaves room for interpretation. A few small changes can push the drink toward pie, deeper spice, lighter sweetness, brown sugar, or chocolate. That makes the seasonal favorite less fixed than it first appears. Starbucks describes the PSL as espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice sauce, whipped cream, and pumpkin spice topping. The drink debuted in 2003 after testing that paired pumpkin pie with espresso.

Pillsbury is putting a bakery favorite into a format designed for the freezer aisle, with croissants that bake at home instead of simply being reheated. The new options include butter and chocolate varieties, promising flaky layers, fresh-baked texture, and a simpler path to a warm pastry. That raises a practical question for shoppers who love croissants but rarely buy them.

Zaxby’s is best known for chicken fingers, sandwiches, sauces, and other savory favorites, but one smaller menu item has earned unexpected attention. The chocolate chip cookies offer a sweet contrast to the chain’s familiar fried food, especially when they arrive warm. Across the menu, this dessert stands out for several reasons, including its three-cookie portion, shareable format, and surprisingly memorable finish.