Should you tip on restaurant takeout? Or a coffee order? Here's when it's OK to decline.

Tech Insider : Economy
Male customer paying through credit card for movie tickets at counter
Many Americans feel like they're tipping more money, and at more places, than they have in the past. There are some places you're still not expected to leave a tip, though.

Klaus Vedfelt

McDonald's trialed the McPlant in California and Texas. It failed because people don't want a meat-free burger from the Golden Arches.

Tech Insider
In this photo illustration, packaging for the McDonald's McPlant Beyond Meat burger is displayed with French Fries at a McDonald's restaurant on February 14, 2022 in San Rafael, California.
You won't see the McPlant on McDonald's US menus anytime soon.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

I tried Applebee's for the first time, and quickly saw how the chain is winning over so many customers

Tech Insider
Exterior of Applebee's
Applebee's is one of the most popular casual dining chains in the US, and it's having a moment right now.

Jena Brown

Hot honey is the sweet and spicy flavor on everyone's lips, from pizza to cocktails. Here's why it's America's newest food obsession.

Tech Insider
Hot honey in the bowl with dry chili pepper

Eleonora Grigorjeva/Getty Images

The 91-year-old owner of the iconic Hollywood Arby's has closed the restaurant after 55 years due to the pandemic and California's $20 minimum wage

Tech Insider
A signage promotes Arby's new $1 menu in Hollywood, California May 14, 2010.
The Hollywood Arby's location in 2010.

Fred Prouser/Reuters

White Castle is taking drive-thru orders using an AI voice system that claims to be more accurate than a human

Tech Insider : Technology
An exterior view of a White Castle restaurant, April 12, 2018 in the Queens borough of New York City
White Castle says the aim is to free up time for staff and make sure customers don't feel rushed placing their orders.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

One private equity firm controls more than a dozen of the biggest restaurant chains

Tech Insider
A sandwich artist at Subway makes a sandwich in a Subway store
Roark Capital has acquired or invested in restaurant brands from Subway to The Cheesecake Factory.

Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Subway

Soaring fast food prices encourage Big Mac junkies to cook at home

Tech Insider
Two men cook at home using a pan
Some Americans say they're cooking more at home as fast-food prices soar.

Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images

There's a silver lining to California's $20 fast-food wage, restaurant bosses say: it's attracting better workers

Tech Insider : Economy
French fries being prepared by a cook at a fast food restaurant

Juanmonino/Getty Images

Sorry Grimace, McDonald's doesn't care about your birthday this year

Tech Insider
A closeup of Grimace, a McDonald's character.
McDonald's made a huge deal out of Grimace's birthday in 2023. This year, he didn't even get a cake.

PRNewswire/McDonald's USA LLC

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