Strawberry Pepsi? New fountain machine in test

PepsiCo says it plans to start testing a new fountain machine at restaurants that lets people create a variety of flavor combinations, such as strawberry Mountain Dew.

McDonald’s cuts Angus burgers from menu

McDonald’s is cutting the Angus burger from its menu. The company said it was removing the burgers to “make room for new and exciting choices for our customers.”

Coke’s anti-obesity push to go global

Coca-Cola says it will work to make lower-calorie drinks and clear nutrition information more widely available around the world. Earlier this year, it began airing its first TV commercial in the U.S. addressing obesity.

McDonald’s sales hit by weakness in Asia, Europe

McDonald’s says a key sales figure slipped again in April, with the world’s biggest hamburger chain citing fears over a new strain of avian flu for weakness in China. Sales at restaurants open at least 13 months fell 0.6 percent globally.

Starbucks makes management changes

Starbucks Corp. is making management changes it says will give its top leaders deeper experience with the company. The world’s biggest coffee chain declined to say whether the changes were part of succession planning for Howard Schultz.

Growing crowd of celebrity wines takes spotlight

Fancy having Brangelina, Drew Barrymore and Dan Aykroyd over for dinner? No problem, they’ll even bring the wine. OK, maybe the stars themselves won’t show up, but their wines will appear with just a wave of a credit card. You might start with an aperitif …

Heinz shareholders OK acquisition

Heinz said Tuesday its shareholders overwhelmingly approved its $23 billion acquisition by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, the investment firm that also owns Burger King.

Major makeover for Mokena bowling alley

After 14 years in business, Morgan’s Thunder Bowl in Mokena needed a face-lift.

It got a big one with sweeping changes, and a new name for the bar and dining portion, now called The Alley Grill and Taphouse.

A grand opening May 8 is to …

The Big Deals for May 3, 2013

From upscale to low-calorie, Sun-Times Media’s Big Deals column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank.

Farmers markets ready to go

There’s more in store for shoppers this spring at local farmers markets as market managers promise more vendors, special events and parking. Frankfort will have at least six new vendors and an additional parking lot by the time its market is in full swing, market …

Sweet Annie’s staying in Flossmoor

After a lease agreement that would have moved Sweet Annie’s bakery to Homewood fell through, it looks like the Flossmoor staple will be moving just down the street instead.

Anne Aboushousha said her bakery will move into the building formerly occupied by Her Closet Boutique, …

With license to brew, Beverly pub gets hopping

Neil Byers is smiling a lot these days.

He recently received his brewing license from the city of Chicago, which allows him to brew beer at his new restaurant, Horse Thief Hollow, at 10426 S. Western Ave. in the Beverly community.

That’s one reason he’s …

The Big Deals for April 5, 2013

From upscale to low-calorie, Sun-Times Media’s Big Deals column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank. Suggestions include a Jamba Juice smoothies special in Orland Park.

Dining Out: Maple Tree Inn in Blue Island

As a regular Louisiana visitor and a Cajun and Creole aficionado, it’s difficult not to compare Maple Tree Inn, which bills itself as a Louisiana brasserie, to New Orleans restaurants.

Against that standard, the Blue Island restaurant doesn’t always stack up.

That doesn’t really matter …

Naper Ribfest picks up STYX

The first musical act for Ribfest 2013 has been announced, and it should make fans of classic rock very happy. The Exchange Club of Naperville and the 2013 Ribfest Committee announced Tuesday afternoon that STYX will be the headline act on July 3, the opening …