Foodie News
Unity & Exhaustion: Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check Survey Uncovers Americans’ Yearning for Connection
New survey reveals Americans’ exhaustion with negativity and desire for connection. Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check uncovers unity amidst divisiveness.
Johnsonville, a popular sausage brand, has conducted a nationwide survey in partnership with The Harris Poll, to measure the thoughts and desires of Americans during a divisive and negative election year. The survey, titled “Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check,” has revealed some unexpected results that highlight Americans’ desire for unity and connection during a challenging time.
Exhaustion from the Negativity:
The survey reveals that an overwhelming 80% of adult Americans express exhaustion from the pervasive anger and negativity present in the media. With 9 out of 10 Americans desiring less negativity in news and social media platforms, it is clear that a significant majority is craving a more positive and uplifting environment. The survey also highlights that 84% of Americans believe that recent elections have not been bringing out the best behavior in people. These findings underscore the need for a shift towards a more hopeful and harmonious social atmosphere.
Missed Connections:
Despite the prevalence of social media and connectedness through technology, the survey demonstrates that Americans are feeling less connected on a personal level. A staggering 60% of respondents agreed that having fun with others has become harder lately. Furthermore, two-thirds of those polled disagreed with the notion that they are spending more time with others compared to five years ago. Additionally, 80% of Americans yearn to reconnect with individuals they miss dearly. These statistics reveal a deep longing for human connection that is intrinsic to the human experience.
Hanging Out Over Good Food:
Johnsonville’s survey indicates that sharing a meal with others can be a powerful catalyst for bridging gaps and fostering understanding. An impressive 91% of adults agreed that it is not necessary to agree with someone on every issue in order to enjoy a meal together. Moreover, 75% of Americans perceive people as inherently good. Interestingly, 71% also agreed that it is easier to spend time with individuals whose views they don’t necessarily agree with if they are sharing a meal they love. These findings illustrate the unifying power of food and the potential it holds for bringing people together.
Launching the “Keep It Juicy” Campaign:
In light of these survey results, Johnsonville is initiating a new brand campaign called “Keep It Juicy.” The campaign seeks to remind Americans to take a break, lower the temperature on negativity, and relish in good food with good company. By encouraging individuals to prioritize fun, togetherness, and enjoyment of delicious meals, Johnsonville aims to inject positivity back into the social fabric.
The “Keep It Juicy” campaign kicks off today with the launch of a new ad creative which can be viewed HERE, with additional initiatives to be announced at a later date.
To join the “Keep It Juicy” conversation, follow Johnsonville on Instagram, @Johnsonville and use the hashtag #KeepItJuicy.
For “Keep It Juicy” inspiration and more campaign extensions, visit www.johnsonville.com/keepitjuicy
The Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check survey unveils an important aspect of the American psyche – the desire for unity and connection. Despite the prevailing negativity and exhaustion, the majority of Americans yearn for a more positive, enjoyable, and connected society. Through initiatives like the “Keep It Juicy” campaign, Johnsonville aims to inspire individuals to embrace the joy of shared meals, fostering bonds with loved ones and even those with differing views. By emphasizing the importance of fun, food, and togetherness, Johnsonville seeks to encourage a more harmonious and inclusive America.
About Johnsonville, LLC
Johnsonville, LLC is a Wisconsin-based company that has become the top national sausage brand. They offer more than 80 different varieties of sausage and are present in over 40 countries, as well as over 75 professional, semi-pro, and college sports stadiums in the United States. Johnsonville was founded in 1945 and continues to be a family-owned business that employs and trains approximately 3,500 members across the globe. The company is driven by a team of passionate sausage-makers who are dedicated to their craft.
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Food and Beverage
Complement Game Day with a Crispy Snack
Game Day Treat: During peak homegating season, a successful game day host should offer tasty snacks, like Crispy Potato Skins, to keep fans engaged. This hearty classic features russet potatoes, bacon, cheese, and optional toppings like sour cream and green onions, providing an easy, delicious addition to any watch party.
Complement Game Day with a Crispy Snack
(Family Features) In the midst of peak homegating season, with football championships taking center stage and action heating up on the hardwood, a good game day host knows you can never have too many delicious snacks on hand. Kicking off the madness can be as easy as these Crispy Potato Skins, a hearty watch party classic that keeps fans fueled and engaged with the game on the big screen.
Enjoy all the touchdown tosses and alley-oop action with more recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.
Crispy Potato Skins
Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Servings: 6
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 slices bacon
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream (optional)
- thinly sliced green onions (optional)
- Heat oven to 400 F. Clean potatoes then pierce with fork.
- Rub potatoes with olive oil then bake 1 hour until cooked through.
- In frying pan over medium heat, cook bacon 10-15 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towel-lined plate then crumble.
- Cut cooked potatoes in half then scoop out insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato inside skins. Rub with olive oil then season with salt, to taste. Place on roasting pan and cook 10 minutes. Flip and cook 10 minutes.
- Arrange potatoes skin-sides down and season with pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with cheese and crumbled bacon then broil 2 minutes.
- Serve with sour cream and sliced green onions, if desired.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Local Business
Original Tommy’s: How a Chili Burger Became a Southern California Icon
Original Tommy’s, established in 1946 in Los Angeles, is famous for its thick chili burgers and late-night appeal. It remains family-owned, embodying authentic Los Angeles culture and serving as a cultural landmark despite the fast-food industry’s evolution.
In a city famous for reinvention, reinvention was never the point at Original Tommy’s. Since 1946, the no-frills hamburger stand at Beverly and Rampart has served generations of Angelenos the same way: chili dripping, paper wrapped, eaten standing up, usually late at night. Original Tommy’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a piece of Los Angeles history.
From a Small Stand to a City Landmark
Original Tommy’s was founded on May 15, 1946, by Thomas James “Tommy” Koulax, the son of Greek immigrants. What began as a modest walk-up stand selling hamburgers and hot dogs quickly gained attention for one reason: chili. Not the thin, soupy kind — but a thick, meaty chili ladled generously over burgers, fries, hot dogs, and eventually tamales.
The location mattered. Sitting just west of downtown Los Angeles, the stand became a crossroads for working-class Angelenos, night-shift workers, musicians, cops, cab drivers, and anyone else looking for something filling at all hours. Long before the phrase “LA street food” existed, Tommy’s was already living it.
The Chili Burger Becomes an LA Staple
By the 1950s and 1960s, Original Tommy’s chili burger had become legendary. The menu stayed intentionally simple: burgers, hot dogs, fries, tamales, and breakfast items — all enhanced by the same signature chili. The stand-up counters, fast service, and absence of indoor seating created a rhythm that felt uniquely Los Angeles.
This wasn’t fast food chasing national trends. It was local food defining a city.
Growth Without Franchising
Unlike many post-war burger chains, Original Tommy’s expanded cautiously. Beginning in the 1970s, additional locations opened throughout Southern California and later into Nevada. At its height, the chain operated more than 30 restaurants.
What made Tommy’s different was its refusal to franchise widely. Remaining family-owned helped preserve consistency — the chili tasted the same, the portions stayed generous, and the experience remained unmistakably “Tommy’s.”
A Cultural Shortcut for “Real Los Angeles”
Original Tommy’s became more than a place to eat — it became a visual and cultural shorthand for authenticity. Filmmakers and TV producers regularly used the location to signal a grounded, working-class Los Angeles. If a character eats at Tommy’s, you immediately know who they are.
- Films: Heat, L.A. Confidential, They Live
- Television: Bosch, Californication, numerous food and travel shows
Musicians, athletes, and actors have long cited Tommy’s as a post-show, post-game, or late-night ritual — a place that didn’t care who you were, only whether you were hungry.
Why Original Tommy’s Still Matters
Nearly 80 years later, Original Tommy’s endures because it never tried to be trendy. It represents a post-war immigrant success story, a city built on late nights, and a version of fast food rooted in place rather than branding.
In a region overflowing with burger options, Original Tommy’s remains singular — messy, unapologetic, and inseparable from Los Angeles itself.
Original Tommy’s: Then & Now
Original Location (1946–Present):
2575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA — the iconic stand-up counter location that started it all.
Expansion Era:
1970s–1990s locations spread across Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and Nevada.
Today:
A smaller but focused footprint, still family-owned and operated from headquarters in Monrovia, California.
Also Good to Know
- Original Tommy’s Official History
The chain’s own account of its founding and legacy. - Los Angeles Magazine: Original Tommy’s
A deeper look at Tommy’s role in LA food culture. - Tasting Table: Chili Burger History
Context on how chili burgers became a regional staple. - Time Out LA: Original Tommy’s
Why the stand remains a must-visit for locals and tourists.
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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Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Each year on January 31st, National Hot Chocolate Day warms up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather beverage.
National Hot Chocolate Day
Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved chocolate, melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener like whipped cream or marshmallows. Hot chocolate made with melted chocolate is sometimes called drinking chocolate, characterized by less sweetness and a thicker consistency.
The first chocolate drink is believed to have been created by the Maya around 2,500–3,000 years ago, and a cocoa drink was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD, by which they referred to as xocōlātl.[2] The drink became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico in the New World and has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used medicinally to treat ailments such as liver and stomach diseases.
Hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations, including the spiced chocolate para mesa of Latin America, the very thick cioccolata calda served in Italy and chocolate a la taza served in Spain, and the thinner hot cocoa consumed in the United States. Prepared hot chocolate can be purchased from a range of establishments, including cafeterias, fast food restaurants, coffeehouses and teahouses. Powdered hot chocolate mixes, which can be added to boiling water or hot milk to make the drink at home, are sold at grocery stores and online. (wikipedia)
Links:
National Day Calendar: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-hot-chocolate-day-january-31/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_chocolate
Visit our Food and Drink section: https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/
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