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USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
SweetWater's Day Trip IPA is fine, but a little boring
SweetWater's Day Trip IPA is fine, but a little boring SweetWater was one of the first craft breweries readily available to me as a broke graduate student. By virtue of countless $2.50 420s and Blues, the Atlanta-based beermaker -- bought out by a Canadian concern in 2020 -- has spent most of the last two decades inside my circle of trust. Some of the recent returns have been uneven. The company's Gummies line of fruity, heavy pale ales was hit-and-miss. And maybe it's because I'm up in Wisconsin now, but the Blue doesn't hit the same way it once did (though it's still a solid Atlanta airport beer). Even so, SweetWater remains a brand I seek out. Or, at least, a brand I'm comfortable shrugging toward and grabbing a six pack of once overwhelmed at my local Woodman's. Thus enters Day Trip IPA to my life. SweetWater, as a consequence of being born in the late 1990s, is well versed in pale ales. Let's see how this one turns out. Day Trip IPA: B- Cracking the can unleashes a wave of bitter hops backed by some slightly sour malt. It's clear from the get-go that this isn't a hazy New England ale or West Coast joint. It's a throwback to the salad days of the late 00s where tongue-burning pale ales were the staple that invited all the new local microbreweries into the pool. Fortunately, the first sip is milder than the abrasive smell suggests. This isn't a face-melter IPA. It's got some softness to it thanks to that heavier-than-expected malt load. It does clock in bitter, but it's not going to tie you into knots with a big IBU count. Instead, those hops turn the volume up toward the end to temper things and remind you what we were all drinking 15 years ago. That rounds off each sip, which isn't the dry finish I'd prefer but one I can live with. You're getting a bit of a journey here, from some lemon citrus up front to that hoppy conclusion. It may work better with more carbonation -- there was a bit of a flat feeling to my can, even a month-plus before its best by date -- but as is it's a totally fine, upper-middle class pale ale. That's nice. Not nice enough to stand out in a crowded field or even with SweetWater's best stuff. But, nice. Would I drink it instead of a Hamm's? This a pass/fail mechanism where I compare whatever I'm drinking to my baseline cheap beer. That's the standby from the land of sky-blue waters, Hamm's. So the question to answer is: on a typical day, would I drink SweetWater's Day Trip IPA over a cold can of Hamm's? I'd mix one in here and there. Day Trip is a totally fine pale ale and one you won't regret plucking out of a cooler. But it's also probably not one you'll actively seek out. This is part of FTW's Beverage of the Week series. Here, we mostly chronicle and review beers, but happily expand that scope to any beverage that pairs well with sports. Yes, even cookie dough whiskey.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
This fast-food chain scored best in customer satisfaction — again, survey says
Grabbing takeout has gotten more expensive, but customers' loyalty to a certain chicken chain remains unshaken, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A leads in customer satisfaction, besting its quick-service industry rivals for the 11th year in a row, the ACSI said in its 2025 Restaurant and Food Delivery Study. Known for its original chicken sandwich, the chain held steady with an ACSI score of 83 despite seeing its 'slowest growth' in U.S. sales in 20 years, according to the index. The report, published Tuesday, June 17, was based on 16,381 surveys conducted over 12 months ending in March 2025, the index said. Individual scores are reported on a 0-100 scale. McClatchy News reached out to Chick-fil-A for comment June 18 and was awaiting a response. For the study, the ACSI asked customers about their experiences with the nation's largest companies, including quick-service, full-service, and 'an aggregate category consisting of 'all other'' restaurants. Customer satisfaction among quick-service (aka fast-food) restaurants remained unchanged from last year, holding steady with an ACSI score of 79, according to the report. Some chains did better than others at keeping customers happy, however. Panda Express jumped 4% to an ACSI score of 80, tying with Starbucks for second place, the report says. Arby's finished in third with a ACSI score of 79, a 1% dip from the year before. Texas-based KFC saw the biggest slide, falling 5% from 81 to 77, according to the study. The ACSI cited competitors' ability to adapt to changing customer preferences more quickly. 'According to ACSI data, customer assessments of both menu variety and food quality for KFC have declined substantially,' the report says. McDonald's landed in last place with an ACSI score of 70, falling 1% from the year before, per the report. The burger giant recently announced plans to extend its late-night hours in a push to boost sales. It reported a 3.6% drop in U.S. store sales in the first quarter of 2025, marking 'its worst performance since the pandemic,' GlobalData reported. Chick-fil-A remained a favorite in the chicken chain category and earned high marks regionally, showing mass appeal with customers in the South and West, according to the ACSI report. However, it tied with Wisconsin-based Culver's for the No. 1 spot in the Midwest, results show. Overall customer satisfaction with fast-food chains was based on benchmarks, including order accuracy and the helpfulness of restaurant staff, the study showed. 'Accuracy of food order and quality of mobile app lead the way at 85, both down 1% year over year,' according to the report. 'Mobile app reliability is 1% lower at 84, matching beverage quality, staff courtesy and helpfulness, food quality, and website satisfaction.'
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Zaxbys plans to open more than 50 new locations in 2025: Here's where
Zaxbys plans to open more than 50 new locations in 2025: Here's where Show Caption Hide Caption Healthier fast food restaurant choices you can make Make healthier choices at these popular fast food restaurants. Self Improved, USA TODAY Zaxbys is planning on opening more than 50 new locations in 2025, putting them on track to surpass 1,000 restaurants. Founded in 1990, the Atlanta-based company currently operates over 950 locations in 17 states, according to its website. The fast food chicken chain specializes in serving "delicious Chicken Fingerz, Zalads, wings, and signature sauces with Southern hospitality and a modern twist," the company's website reads. Zaxbys' primary market is the Southeast, as the company has a heavy presence in states like Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi, among others. The company said in a June 12 email to USA TODAY that it is beginning to expand out west, with recent openings in Nevada and Arizona. Here's what we know about where Zaxbys has already opened new restaurants in 2025 and where they plan to open stores later in the year. Where have new Zaxbys locations already opened in 2025? The company said in a June 12 email to USA TODAY that it has opened 16 new locations so far in 2025, including its most recent "new state entry" in Nevada earlier this summer. Zaxbys has already opened one new location in Las Vegas, with a second one slated to open in July. "In addition to these new market ventures, Zaxbys has continued to expand in previously established Southeast markets in 2025 with new locations through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee and more," the company told USA TODAY via email. According to the company's website, the 16 locations the company has opened so far in 2025 include: Cochran, Georgia: Opened June 2 Opened June 2 Spartanburg, South Carolina: Opened May 26 Opened May 26 Richmond Hill, Georgia: Opened May 12 Opened May 12 Bristol, Tennessee: Opened May 12 Opened May 12 Vincennes, Indiana: Opened April 21 Opened April 21 Las Vegas, Nevada: Opened April 14 Opened April 14 Charlotte, North Carolina: Opened April 7 Opened April 7 Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Opened April 2 Opened April 2 Locust, North Carolina: Opened March 17 Opened March 17 Leavenworth, Kansas: Opened March 3 Opened March 3 Spartanburg, South Carolina: Opened Feb. 24 Opened Feb. 24 Valdosta, Georgia: Opened Feb. 24 Opened Feb. 24 Spartanburg, South Carolina: Opened Feb. 3 Opened Feb. 3 Rocky Mount, Virginia: Opened Jan. 27 Opened Jan. 27 Brookhaven, Georgia: Opened Jan. 20 Opened Jan. 20 Natchez, Mississippi: Opened Jan. 6 Additionally, Zaxbys has announced two new locations since USA TODAY previously spoke with the company on June 12. The company opened a location in Columbus, Indiana, on June 16 and is planning on opening a restaurant in Eustis, Florida, on June 23. Where will new Zaxbys restaurants be opening? The company told USA TODAY it will open its first-ever location in Phoenix, Arizona, in July. "Following this second new state entry of the year, Zaxbys also has plans to expand its Southern roots to additional new markets in 2025 including Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey and more, in addition to opening new stores in currently established Southeastern markets," the company said in the email. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Arketi Group Expands Platform with Audacity Acquisition, Launches Arketi Inside, New Workplace Change and Communications Offering
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arketi Group, an award-winning digital marketing and public relations agency for business-to-business (B2B) technology companies, announced today that it has acquired Audacity, an Atlanta-based internal communications consultancy. "Arketi is building something different—a true platform agency where strategy, storytelling, and execution work together across every audience,' said Mike Neumeier, APR, Arketi co-founder and CEO. Jason Anthoine, managing founder of Audacity, will join Arketi and lead the agency's new workplace change and communications offering, Arketi Inside. Anthoine is a 36-year veteran in internal communications who brings deep expertise in leadership visibility, culture alignment, employee engagement, M&A integration, HR and benefits communications, and frontline manager enablement. 'You can't keep the magic alive in the marketplace if you're not creating it inside the workplace. Yet too many companies still struggle with operational misalignment, muddled manager communication, and employee experiences that fall flat,' said Anthoine, Arketi senior vice president and managing director of Arketi Inside. 'With Arketi Inside, we bring the clarity and real-world strategies needed to close those gaps. This isn't about internal newsletters, digital signage, or breakroom posters—it's about strategic change management counsel and communications that drive business results.' The acquisition and launch of the Arketi Inside offering marks a significant step in Arketi's expansion strategy. In November 2024, Arketi announced its partnership with private equity firms Go Capital and Station Partners to build a premier B2B marketing and communications agency platform. 'Arketi is building something different—a true platform agency where strategy, storytelling, and execution work together across every audience,' said Mike Neumeier, APR, Arketi co-founder and CEO. 'Conversations with clients highlighted a real need for workplace communication expertise, which led us to Audacity and the development of Arketi Inside. Today's acquisition demonstrates Arketi's commitment to rapidly expanding its talent, capabilities, and client value.' Arketi will continue expanding its network of best-in-class B2B technology marketing, communications and PR firms, strategically adding complementary services to deliver a truly integrated, full-spectrum service for its clients. With the launch of the Arketi Inside offering, clients now benefit from having both marketplace and workplace communications expertise under one roof, eliminating silos, ensuring brand consistency, and operational efficiency. For more information on the Arketi Inside offering, visit About Arketi Group Arketi Group is building a next-generation B2B agency platform that helps business-to-business technology organizations generate revenue and accelerate growth through both marketplace and workplace communications. This includes capabilities in digital marketing and demand generation, public relations, messaging, branding, culture alignment, employee engagement, and change management — ensuring organizations achieve internal alignment and market impact. Recognized as a Chief Marketer 'B2B Top Shop' and 'Chief Marketer 200' firm, Arketi serves companies including Cantaloupe, CHEP, Cox Communications, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC, NetDocuments, Stryten Energy, and Zyxel Communications. For more information, call 404-451-7832 or visit
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
The Supreme Court Rightly Revives Police Responsibility for Wrong House Raids
Let's hope only a small number of us think it's OK for squads of heavily armed federal agents to break down our doors, throw in some flash bangs, and then throw us and our children to the ground—only to realize they are in the wrong house. And if it's not OK, the victims of this sort of nightmare should be paid for the damage to their homes and the injuries they suffered. Yet, last year, in the case of Hilliard Toi Cliatt, his partner Curtrina Martin, and her 7-year-old son, an Atlanta-based federal appeals court said the victims were powerless to do anything about it. In a timely message to federal law enforcement, the Supreme Court has unanimously overturned that court, allowing the claim for damages to proceed. The U.S. Supreme Court is seen at dusk on Jan. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Supreme Court is seen at dusk on Jan. 18, 2025, in Washington, for allowing the lawsuit isn't about demonizing the police. When some activists did demonize them following the murder of George Floyd, the police retreat left us with dirty, dangerous, and declining cities, bolstering Donald Trump's case to reclaim the presidency. Now Trump is showing us the worst of the contrary view—shoot first, and—if anyone asks questions later—shoot them too. Trump is a consequence of the perceived lawlessness of the left—lawlessness against the police—lawlessness regarding immigration. Trump embodies right wing lawlessness—judges arrested, a senator assaulted, court orders ignored, corruption rampant. None of these national mood swings likely make sense to Curtrina Martin, her partner, and her son. They simply wanted to live in peace and to punish those who shattered it. Long ago, they would have been powerless. A federal statute specifically barred lawsuits against the police for the injuries they might inflict. But in 1973, Herbert Giglotto and his wife awoke to find 15 plain-clothed federal agents in their bedroom. They tied Giglotto up, held a gun to his head, and ransacked his house. Realizing they were in the wrong house, the agents left. Nearby, 30 minutes later, agents made the same mistake again bursting in on an innocent family and holding them at gunpoint. This seemed intolerable to Congress, so the next year it amended the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow victims to the federal government when law enforcement agents abused private citizens with things like assaults and false arrests. That should have settled things. So why did the appeals court block the Martin lawsuit? It's complicated, but let's just say that this law is a tangle of rules and exceptions, and for the past 50 years courts have eroded victims' rights to the point where almost all lawsuits against federal agents fail. Most of the time, courts hold that officers were exercising permissible "discretion" while inflicting injuries, and, the lower court in Martin used the novel idea that the supremacy of federal law over state law neutered the 1974 law's provision exposing law enforcement agents to the same liability a private citizen would have faced under local law. Yet the heart of the rulings seems to have been the same wild pendulum swings we see in society as a whole when it comes to law enforcement. When Congress changed the law in 1974, America was still reeling from the Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. assassinations, the Kent State killings, and the 1968 "police riot" in Chicago. Support for the police was at an all-time low and crime shot up. During the two Reagan terms, the two Bush presidencies, and during Trump term one, America swung back toward lionizing rather than criticizing the police, with unconditional support for the police peaking after 9/11 and only declining again 20 years later with the George Floyd murder and the outcry that followed it. Perhaps this time, with a unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court, the judiciary can help American justice find a third way. The Martin case isn't over. The High Court sent it back to the lower court to consider the part of the law that blocks lawsuits challenging discretionary decisions that implicate public policy. If the court rejects the silly idea that a wrong house raid is the product of a public policy judgment call, common sense may prevail in lawsuits against federal law enforcement—righteous police will be protected and rogue police will be accountable. Thomas G. Moukawsher is a former Connecticut complex litigation judge and a former co-chair of the American Bar Association Committee on Employee Benefits. He is the author of the book, The Common Flaw: Needless Complexity in the Courts and 50 Ways to Reduce It. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
