Food and Beverage
Chipotle Opens 4,000th Restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas — A Big Milestone in the “Little Apple”
Chipotle has opened its 4,000th restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas, featuring a Chipotlane drive-thru pickup lane and new high-efficiency kitchen equipment as the company pushes toward its long-term growth goals.
Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant, located in Manhattan, Kansas, features the brand’s signature Chipotlane and new High-Efficiency Equipment Package.
Chipotle Mexican Grill just hit a major growth marker: the company has opened its 4,000th restaurant, and the milestone location is in Manhattan, Kansas—known locally as the “Little Apple.”
The Dec. 12, 2025 announcement isn’t just a victory lap. It’s also a snapshot of what Chipotle is prioritizing as it scales: digital convenience, restaurant efficiency, and a steady march toward its long-term footprint goals.
A “Little Apple” opening with a “Big Apple” moment
To commemorate the milestone, Chipotle’s executive leadership team and restaurant leaders rang The Opening Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange at 9:30 a.m. ET—a fitting contrast between Manhattan, Kansas and Manhattan, New York.
For a brand that’s built its reputation on “real food” and streamlined operations, the 4,000th opening signals just how far Chipotle has come—and how much bigger it expects to get.
What’s inside Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant
The Manhattan, Kansas location is designed to showcase two key initiatives: Chipotlane expansion and a new High-Efficiency Equipment Package.
Chipotlane: built for digital ordering
The restaurant includes Chipotle’s signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to retrieve digital orders without leaving their cars.
Chipotle has been leaning hard into this format. For full-year 2025, the company expects to open 315 to 345 restaurants, with at least 80% featuring a Chipotlane.
High-Efficiency Equipment Package
The 4,000th restaurant also features Chipotle’s new High-Efficiency Equipment Package, designed to increase throughput, streamline prep, and help teams operate more effectively during peak hours—while maintaining Chipotle’s culinary standards.
The package includes:
- Three-Pan Rice Cooker: supports higher cooking volumes and consistent batching
- Dual Sided Plancha: reduces cook time for steak, chicken, and fajita veggies
- High-Capacity Fryer: improves throughput for fresh chips
- Produce Slicer: automates slicing to streamline prep
In plain terms: Chipotle is investing in equipment that helps restaurants move faster without sacrificing quality.
Executives and local team members celebrate Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant opening in Manhattan, Kansas.
Chipotle’s growth: the numbers behind the milestone
Chipotle says it is now over halfway to its long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
Since CEO Scott Boatwright joined Chipotle in 2017 (then as Chief Restaurant Officer), the company has grown from over 2,300 restaurants to 4,000 locations—a 70% increase in eight years.
Looking ahead, Chipotle expects:
- 350 to 370 new restaurant openings in 2026
- Including 10 to 15 international partner-operated locations
What leadership is saying
Chipotle leaders framed the opening as both a growth milestone and a community moment.
Stephen Piacentini, Chief Development Officer, said the Manhattan, Kansas restaurant is “a celebration of the guests who have asked us to bring Chipotle to their communities,” adding that the location highlights “more convenient access points, sustainable design features and equipment upgrades.”
CEO Scott Boatwright said reaching 4,000 restaurants reflects the strength of Chipotle’s strategic initiatives and its commitment to “Cultivate a Better World,” emphasizing expanded access to responsibly sourced food and new career opportunities for team members.
International expansion: where Chipotle is headed next
Chipotle reports over 100 restaurants outside the U.S., including:
- 75 in Canada
- 28 in Europe
- 11 partner-operated locations in the Middle East
Recent and upcoming international moves include:
- The first Chipotlane outside North America, opened in Kuwait (Bneid Al Gar) through a partnership with Alshaya Group
- A development agreement to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time in 2026 with Alsea
- Planned first openings in South Korea and Singapore in 2026 through a joint venture with SPC Group
The STM Daily News takeaway
Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant opening in Manhattan, Kansas is a milestone—but it’s also a preview of the company’s playbook for the next phase: more locations, more Chipotlanes, and more operational upgrades aimed at speed and consistency.
If Chipotle stays on pace, this “Little Apple” moment may end up being remembered as a midpoint on the way to something even bigger.
Related Links
Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill press release distributed via PRNewswire, Dec. 12, 2025.
Now and Later: The Candy That Taught Us Patience (and Stuck to Our Teeth)
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/now-and-later-candy-history/
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Food
What Are Comfort Foods—and Why Do We Crave Them?
Comfort foods go beyond taste—they offer emotional reassurance, cultural identity, and nostalgia. Learn why we crave them and how they connect us.
What Are Comfort Foods—and Why Do We Crave Them?
Food & Beverage | The Knowledge Comfort foods are more than just meals—they are emotional touchstones. From a bowl of chicken noodle soup to a plate of mac and cheese, comfort foods provide familiarity, warmth, and reassurance during moments of stress, illness, or nostalgia. While comfort foods vary by culture and personal experience, their purpose is universal: they make us feel grounded, safe, and connected.What Defines Comfort Food?
Although comfort foods differ from person to person, they often share common characteristics:- Familiar and nostalgic – Foods tied to childhood or family traditions
- Warm and filling – Soups, casseroles, stews, and baked dishes
- Emotionally satisfying – Comforting beyond physical hunger
- Rich in carbohydrates or fats – Which can influence mood-regulating chemicals in the brain
The Science Behind Comfort Foods
There is real science behind why comfort foods make us feel better. Carbohydrate-rich foods can increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and promote a sense of calm. Warm foods also play a role. Studies suggest that warmth can enhance feelings of safety and emotional comfort, which may explain why soups, stews, and hot meals are commonly craved during stressful times or colder seasons. In short, comfort foods don’t just satisfy hunger—they support emotional well-being.Comfort Foods Are Cultural
Every culture has its own version of comfort food, shaped by tradition, availability, and shared history:- United States: Mac and cheese, meatloaf, mashed potatoes
- Mexico: Tamales, pozole
- Italy: Pasta, lasagna
- Japan: Ramen, curry rice
- India: Dal with rice
Why We Turn to Comfort Foods
People often crave comfort foods during moments of emotional or physical vulnerability, including:- Stress or anxiety
- Illness or fatigue
- Homesickness
- Major life changes
- Celebrations and family gatherings
More Than a Meal
Comfort food isn’t about indulgence or nutrition alone—it’s about connection. These dishes link us to people, places, and moments that shaped us. That’s why comfort foods endure across generations, cultures, and changing trends. Comfort food doesn’t just feed the body. It feeds the moment.Related Reading
- Why We Crave Comfort Foods – Smithsonian Magazine
- Why Comfort Foods Comfort – Psychology Today
- Why Comfort Foods Make Us Feel Better – Harvard Health
- Comfort Food and Cultural Identity – National Geographic
- The Science Behind Comfort Foods – BBC Future
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Food and Beverage
Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason
Teremana Tequila and Wingstop team up for Fans of Flavor: wing-and-margarita pairings, a pairing generator, and a sweepstakes through Feb. 8.
Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Teremana® The People’s Margarita and Wingstop Original Hot Wings
Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason
Teremana® Tequila is bringing the good energy to game day. In a new “Fans of Flavor” partnership announced Jan. 9, 2026, the premium tequila brand founded by Dwayne Johnson is teaming up with Wingstop—the global wing brand known for fresh, made-to-order chicken wings, bold flavors, and its iconic housemade ranch—to help fans turn watch parties into full-on flavor celebrations. The idea is simple: rival teams may split the room, but wings and margaritas are universal.
Teremana Tequila and Wingstop
Wings + Margaritas: A Game Day Pairing Worth Building Around
From now through Feb. 8, fans can explore wing-and-cocktail combinations using the new Fans of Flavor pairing generator, built to match Wingstop’s signature flavors with Teremana margarita recipes. It’s a fun way to level up the table—where the food, drinks, and people become the main event. Here are a few standout pairings highlighted in the launch:- Wingstop Original Hot wings + Teremana® The People’s Margarita for a tropical twist on a classic heat-forward flavor
- Wingstop Spicy Korean Q wings + Teremana® Spicy Margarita for heat that builds and keeps the party going
- Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings + Teremana® Strawberry Margarita for a fresh, fruity contrast against savory richness
Sweepstakes: Win the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest
The partnership also includes a nationwide sweepstakes offering fans a shot at a seriously upgraded watch party. One grand prize winner will receive the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest, featuring:- Wingstop gift cards
- Game day drink funds
- A 75″ TV
- Support for a private bartender and party essentials
“Mana” Meets Flavor: The Point of the Partnership
At its core, this collaboration is built around shared moments—bold taste, good company, and the kind of food-and-drink spread that makes people linger a little longer. Teremana’s brand philosophy centers on Mana—good energy that brings people together—and the pairing concept fits naturally into how fans already celebrate postseason football. “Wingstop has always delivered on bold flavor, and that spirit shows up naturally in how people enjoy Teremana on game day,” said Richard Black, CEO of Teremana® Tequila. “The best game day moments don’t happen by accident, they come from good energy, great flavor, and the people you share them with.”Three Teremana Margarita Recipes to Try at Home
If you’re hosting—or just want to bring a little “Fans of Flavor” energy to your next game day meal—Teremana shared three margarita recipes designed to pair with Wingstop favorites.Teremana® The People’s Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Original Hot Wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 1 oz pineapple juice (to taste)
- Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple leaves.
Teremana® Spicy Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Spicy Korean Q Wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco or Reposado
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 2 jalapeño slices (remove seeds)
- Muddle jalapeños in a shaker.
- Add Teremana, lime juice, and agave.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with jalapeño slices.
Teremana® Strawberry Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco
- 1 oz strawberry puree
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice and lime wheel.
Where to Follow + Learn More
Fans can follow along for pairing inspiration and sweepstakes updates at @teremana and @wingstop. For more information—and to find a Teremana retailer near you—visit Teremana.com/FansofFlavor. Source: Teremana Tequila (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026) Resource link: Teremana Fans of Flavor Sweepstakes + Pairing Generator Learn more and find a Teremana retailer near youAt our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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social media
The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
TikTok Influencer vs Chef: A viral TikTok confrontation between Chef Luke Sung and a food influencer led to backlash, a restaurant closure, and a major rebrand in San Francisco.
The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
In mid-2025, a San Francisco restaurant found itself at the center of a viral controversy—not because of its food, but because of an interaction between a well-known chef and a TikTok food influencer. The incident sparked a broader conversation about power, professionalism, and the growing influence of social media in the hospitality industry.What Happened at Kis Cafe
The incident involved Chef Luke Sung, a respected name in the Bay Area culinary scene, and a TikTok micro-influencer known online as @itskarlabb. The influencer had been invited to Kis Cafe for a planned promotional collaboration. According to the influencer, during her visit the chef questioned her follower count—around 15,000 at the time—and allegedly implied that her audience was not the “type of people” who would dine at his restaurant. She later described the exchange as humiliating and dismissive. After leaving the restaurant, she shared her experience in a TikTok video. The post quickly went viral, gaining millions of views and triggering a wave of online backlash.The Internet Reacts
Although the influencer initially did not name the restaurant or the chef, internet users quickly identified Kis Cafe. The restaurant’s review pages were flooded with criticism, and the incident became a flashpoint in online discussions about elitism, influencer culture, and accountability. Within days, Kis Cafe issued a public apology and announced that Luke Sung was no longer affiliated with the restaurant in any capacity.Chef Luke Sung Responds
Chef Sung later released a public apology, acknowledging that his behavior was condescending and inappropriate. He stated that there were no excuses for the way he treated the influencer and accepted responsibility for the incident. The apology, however, did little to slow the momentum of public reaction.The Restaurant Closes — and Reopens
Not long after the controversy, Kis Cafe announced it would close. In the months that followed, the space reopened under a new name, Bosque, with new leadership and no involvement from Sung. The rebrand was seen as a clear attempt to move forward and distance the business from the viral episode.The Influencer Effect
Meanwhile, the influencer at the center of the controversy saw her follower count surge dramatically, growing from a modest audience into hundreds of thousands of followers almost overnight. The incident highlighted the real-world impact that even “micro-influencers” can have—and how a single moment, captured and shared, can reshape careers and businesses.Why This Story Matters
This controversy underscored a major cultural shift: social media is no longer separate from real-world industries like dining and hospitality. Online platforms can amplify personal experiences into powerful narratives with lasting consequences. As of early 2026, the restaurant operates under a new identity, the chef has stepped away from the project entirely, and the influencer continues to grow her platform. The episode remains a cautionary tale about professionalism, respect, and the power of digital voices. Get The Knowledge. More stories like this are available at STM Daily News.Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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