Food and Beverage
A Hearty Stew to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
(Feature Impact) Green beer and decor may get all the attention, but for hosts looking to wow their St. Patrick’s Day guests or astound their loved ones, a traditional Irish recipe can become an annual tradition. Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with this St. Patrick’s Day Stew, a hearty, beefy meal loaded with chuck stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions and, of course, stout beer.
To find more recipes that put tradition center stage, visit Culinary.net.
St. Patrick’s Day Stew
Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1 1/4 pounds marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup extra stout beer
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Sprinkle beef chunks with 1 teaspoon salt. In large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Pat beef dry with paper towels and add to pot, working in batches to avoid crowding pot. Cook until browned on one side then flip and brown.
- Add garlic cloves to pot with beef and saute 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add beef stock, water, beer, wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir.
- Bring mixture to simmer then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- In separate pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots; saute until golden, about 15 minutes.
- After beef mixture simmers 1 hour, add onions, carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer uncovered until beef and vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves and spoon excess fat.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Community
Chick-fil-A Awards $6 Million in True Inspiration Awards Grants to 56 Nonprofits
Chick-fil-A is awarding $6 million in 2026 True Inspiration Awards grants to 56 nonprofits, including a $350,000 honoree grant to San Antonio’s Faith Kitchen.
Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is awarding $6 million in grants to 56 nonprofit organizations as part of its 2026 True Inspiration Awards® program, spotlighting groups the company says are making measurable, community-level impact.
The Feb. 10 announcement also marks a global milestone for the brand: Chick-fil-A is expanding the program’s footprint to include its first-ever Singapore-based grant recipient.
The big picture: a decade of community grants
Chick-fil-A launched the True Inspiration Awards in 2015 to honor the legacy of its founder, S. Truett Cathy. Since then, the company says it has awarded more than 400 grants totaling nearly $40 million to nonprofits across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.K. and now Singapore.
“Serving is at the heart of what we do, and the True Inspiration Awards reflect our belief that strong communities are built through consistent, caring action,” said Andrew T. Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, Inc., in the release.
Faith Kitchen named 2026 S. Truett Cathy Honoree
This year’s S. Truett Cathy Honoree — the program’s top recognition and largest grant — went to Faith Kitchen, a San Antonio-based nonprofit focused on serving people experiencing homelessness.
Faith Kitchen received a $350,000 grant, which Chick-fil-A says will help:
- Support continued meal service
- Expand job training programs
- Increase operational capacity as demand rises
According to the release, Faith Kitchen serves more than 5,000 individuals each year and has operated with a mission of feeding those experiencing homelessness for 45 years, providing hot, nutritious meals three times per day.
Shared Table partnership: surplus food turned into meals
Chick-fil-A also highlighted its ongoing relationship with Faith Kitchen through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table®program, which donates surplus food from restaurants.
Since 2017, Chick-fil-A restaurants in San Antonio have partnered with Faith Kitchen to help create more than 200,000 meals, according to the company. The release also notes restaurants donate 500 boxed meals monthly to support Faith Kitchen clients.
Local Owner-Operator Greg Patterson said he nominated Faith Kitchen for the grant, citing the organization’s focus on dignity and dependable support.
Global expansion: first Singapore recipient
A notable headline for 2026 is the program’s first Singapore recipient: Fei Yue Community Services, which received $170,000 SGD.
Chick-fil-A says the organization supports socially withdrawn youth by connecting them with mental health resources and supportive relationships.
More nonprofits recognized across the U.S.
While Chick-fil-A’s full list of 2026 recipients is available through the company’s program page, the release highlights several additional grant recipients, including:
- Living and Learning Enrichment Center (Detroit, Michigan): $125,000 to support teens and young adults with disabilities transitioning to adulthood
- For Oak Cliff (North Texas): $200,000 to strengthen culturally responsive programs and expand access to education, workforce development, and community resources
- San Diego Rescue Mission (San Diego, California): $125,000 to provide trauma-informed support for individuals and families facing homelessness
- Capital City Youth Services (Tallahassee, Florida): selected to help expand emergency shelter and mental health support for at-risk youth
Chick-fil-A One members helped vote — nearly 700,000 ballots
Chick-fil-A says Chick-fil-A One® Members voted for Operator-nominated nonprofits in the Chick-fil-A App, and that voting plays a role in the final scoring. This year, the company reported a record nearly 700,000 votes cast.
2027 application window is open
Nonprofits interested in the next cycle can take note: Chick-fil-A says the 2027 True Inspiration Awards application period opens today and closes May 1.
For more information and the interactive release, visit: https://www.multivu.com/chick-fil-a/9376351-en-chick-fil-a-true-inspiration-awards-grants
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Food and Beverage
Chicken Salad Chick Heads to Las Vegas with Six-Unit Nevada Deal, Signaling Southwest Expansion
Chicken Salad Chick is officially heading to Nevada.
The fast-casual concept announced a six-unit franchise development agreement that will bring the brand’s first-ever Nevada locations to the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The move marks a new milestone in Chicken Salad Chick’s push beyond the Southeast—and a clear signal that the brand is serious about building momentum in the Southwest.
Who’s bringing Chicken Salad Chick to Las Vegas
The development is being led by Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba, a husband-and-wife team and longtime Las Vegas residents whose professional backgrounds span hospitality, marketing, and education.
Mark Rubalcaba brings leadership experience in hospitality and gaming, including roles with MGM Resorts International and BetMGM. Cayla Rubalcaba completed hospitality training through MGM Resorts’ Management Associate Program and also spent five years as a biological science teacher at Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School.
They’re joined in the venture by Cayla’s father, Anton Nikodemus, a seasoned hospitality executive who will serve as a strategic partner supporting the group’s long-term development efforts.
A personal connection to the brand
The Rubalcabas say their connection to Chicken Salad Chick began at Auburn University, where they first experienced the brand and developed a lasting appreciation for its hospitality and culture of service.
“Our long-term goal is to help Chicken Salad Chick thrive in Las Vegas while contributing to the brand’s continued growth nationwide,” Mark Rubalcaba said, adding that the group is focused on building a business that reflects the brand’s values—bringing people together, fostering community, and becoming a lasting staple in the Las Vegas Valley.
“We fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick during our time at Auburn, and it’s always felt like more than just a restaurant,” Cayla Rubalcaba said. “Having the opportunity to bring a brand that means so much to us to our hometown is incredibly meaningful.”
Why Nevada matters in Chicken Salad Chick’s growth strategy
Chicken Salad Chick framed the Nevada agreement as part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at high-growth Western markets.
The company notes that Nevada was one of five new states opened for development in 2025, alongside Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. Notably, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah are all in the Southwest—underscoring a focused push into the region.
“The Southwest represents one of the most exciting growth regions for our brand,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick, calling the Nevada entry a key milestone in the brand’s westward development strategy.
A fast-growing franchise system
Chicken Salad Chick says it continues to build momentum nationally. In what it described as a record-breaking 2025, the brand reported awarding nearly 100 new restaurant deals and celebrating 42 openings across 13 states, with dozens of additional locations in development.
The company also pointed to multiple industry recognitions, including being named one of QSR Magazine’s Best Franchise Deals for four years and ranking No. 3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers.
What Chicken Salad Chick serves
For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, Chicken Salad Chick serves Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch, with more than a dozen flavor options, plus fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts.
Learn more
For franchising information, visit chickensaladchick.com/franchising.
Source: PRNewswire
At 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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recipes
Beat the Winter Blues with a Childhood Classic
If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. To make it a full-blown meal, pair Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Beat the Winter Blues with a Childhood Classic
(Feature Impact) If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. Mac and cheese is a staple in households across the country, and this version with made-from-scratch sauce will leave your loved ones asking for more.
To make it a full-blown meal, pair Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.
Visit Culinary.net to find more comfort food classics.
Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese
Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
- 3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk, divided
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
- ground black pepper, to taste
- In nonstick skillet over high heat, bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk and shells to simmer. Season with salt, to taste. Cook, stirring, until pasta is tender and liquid thickens, 9-12 minutes.
- In small bowl, whisk remaining evaporated milk, cornstarch and dry mustard. Stir into skillet. Continue simmering until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in batches, adding water to adjust consistency. Stir in butter then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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