Latest news with #TJ
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cult-Favorite Fast Food Chain Could Be Sold in Massive Deal: Report
Cult-Favorite Fast Food Chain Could Be Sold in Massive Deal: Report originally appeared on Parade. A popular restaurant chain known for its fried chicken and biscuits is reportedly considering selling its brand in what could be a deal worth over $1.5 billion. The specialty chain Bojangles may be the latest to join the growing series of quick-service restaurant brands to be acquired for a massive sum, according to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. Those familiar with the matter told the outlet that the numbers floating around right now are roughly three times what Bojangles sold for less than a decade ago when it was acquired by private equity firms Durational Capital Management and TJ in 2019 for just over $590 million. Related: The chain, which is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., has had a run on the Southeast Coast since it first began franchising in 1978–a year after the restaurant company debuted. With over 45 years in business, Bojangles has expanded to approximately 800 restaurants across 17 states and has begun growing its reach in the Northeast with locations in New York and New Jersey. No details on potential buyers were shared, per the outlet, and the company hasn't publicly addressed the chatter either, but with chicken hotter than ever, the possible deal isn't an easy decision to make and it still could fall through should the current brand investors decide they want to stay (or a bigger offer). Still, fans are already distraught and bracing for the worst. "Scared we may lose our great chicken supremes combo," one declared on X (formerly Twitter). "Please don't let anybody that's north of the Mason-Dixon buy it," a second joked. "We can't let them have this one," another X user exclaimed in part. "Whoever buys it," one more pleaded, "PLEASE bring back pimento cheese." A Bojangles spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. Next: Cult-Favorite Fast Food Chain Could Be Sold in Massive Deal: Report first appeared on Parade on Jun 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Reuters
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Spencer Turnbull likely to make Jays debut vs. Cardinals
June 11 - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer appears to be on track to return from his thumb injury before the end of the month. In the meantime, Blue Jays manager John Schneider must cobble together a rotation. He has been using left-hander Eric Lauer (2-1, 2.08 ERA) to pitch bulk innings during regularly scheduled bullpen starts. Schneider likely will add newcomer Spencer Turnbull to the bullpen-day equation on Wednesday afternoon when the Blue Jays try to complete a three-game road sweep against the St. Louis Cardinals. "This is such a cool group," Schneider said of his players. "They don't quit. They're tight. They support each other. They're happy for each other. ... the sum of our parts is pretty damn good." The Blue Jays won 5-4 in 10 innings on Monday and 10-9 on Tuesday. "We know going in ... this might be one of our toughest series," Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. "This might be a tougher series for us as far as matchup goes than even L.A. (Dodgers)." Turnbull, who signed with Toronto last month, made five minor league starts before the Blue Jays called him up this week. "I threw a bullpen (session on Monday), so I'm still on my five-day starter's routine that I was working with," Turnbull said. "I'll be available Wednesday, but I don't know if I'll be starting or in bulk relief to start out. We'll see what they want to do." Turnbull posted a 7.13 ERA in his minor league outings, but he did some tinkering to integrate a sweeper into his arsenal. "I feel like it added a whole other element to my swing-and-miss," Turnbull said. "Before Tommy John (surgery), my slider was my out pitch. Coming back from TJ, it wasn't as sharp and I was having a hard time finding it again. I didn't have a lot of innings in '23 to figure it out." Turnbull is 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA in three career games (two starts) against St. Louis. Lauer has faced the Cardinals eight times (seven starts), going 2-4 with a 7.27 ERA. Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes was a late scratch from the lineup on Tuesday due to neck discomfort, but the team doesn't believe the issue is serious. The Cardinals' Wednesday starter will be left-hander Matthew Liberatore (3-4, 3.82 ERA), who is looking to rebound from a difficult outing. Liberatore allowed seven runs on eight hits, including two homers, in four-plus innings during a 7-5 loss to the Kansas City Royals in the second half of a split doubleheader on Thursday. Marmol removed him from that game when Liberatore experienced a notable decline in pitch velocity. Liberatore insisted the issue was lost mechanics, not an injury. "Over the course of the season, you're going to have times where you feel synced up and kind of lose the feel for it and find it again," Liberatore said. "I'm not concerned about it. I don't think anybody else is overly concerned about it. It's just a matter of finding it again and being able to stay consistent with it." Liberatore pitched three scoreless innings in his one previous career appearance against the Blue Jays, a relief outing last year. Cardinals infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan is questionable for the series finale after exiting the Tuesday game with left big toe discomfort. "Day-to-day," Marmol said postgame. "I'll know more tomorrow." --Field Level Media
The Courier
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Fife mum reveals why she changed careers from social worker to wedding celebrant
Chasing after dogs who have run off with wedding rings and fixing burst zips on mother-of-the-groom outfits is all in a day's work for Fife wedding celebrant TJ Thomson. The mum-of-one from Fife is realising her dream of being a wedding celebrant after re-training for the role four years ago. 'I always wanted to be a celebrant,' TJ explains. 'When we were in our 20s my sister and I had a dream of starting our own celebrant business. 'There is just no bigger honour than being able to officiate at a couple's wedding and being part of their special day.' I recently met the bubbly 44-year-old at her home in Coaltown of Balgonie which she shares with her husband 'Mr T', son 'Master T', and two French bulldogs, Tilly and Alba. Sitting chatting in her kitchen, she tells me what made her decide to take the plunge and re-train as a wedding celebrant, and what she enjoys most about the job. TJ, who grew up in Glenrothes and went to Glenrothes High School, started out her professional career in social work in 2001. Becoming a celebrant was actually something she planned to do in her retirement. But she says that plan changed after Covid hit in 2020. 'I managed to save a pot of money during the pandemic,' she explains. 'And during that time I had a bit of a calling so I started thinking about becoming a celebrant sooner. 'I ended up having a major operation and was going to be off work for a while. 'So during that time I decided to do the online training.' In 2021 TJ completed her diploma in celebrancy and creative writing. 'I ended that year with the intention of just being a funeral celebrant. 'But then I started to get inquiries for weddings and it just took off!' TJ is part of a group of eight celebrants who cover Scotland and operate under the name Fulcrum Celebrants. She reveals she runs a tight ship when it comes to working with a couple on their wedding ceremony. 'I like to work to a timeline and plan a schedule,' she explains. 'A couple first approach me two or three years in advance usually to book their date. 'Then seven months before their wedding day I meet up with them to go through the logistics of the wedding ceremony – from start to finish.' TJ likes to meet the couple separately to hear their love story. This is her favourite part of the job. 'I will ask them each the same questions. What did they think of their first date? 'Did they fancy them? What made them laugh the most? 'I do this because there is nothing better on their wedding day than for them to hear these lovely wee nuggets. 'The guests love it too! 'It's seeing the faces when they hear the reasons why they love each other. 'Or the things that drive them up the wall, because that's real relationships. 'For me, my favourite part is hearing these stories.' TJ will spend around 30 hours writing up the couple's story in a script for the ceremony. And she also makes sure it includes the marriage legalities. 'There is nothing better than when you are reading through what the couples have said about why they really love each other. 'I have sat here with my morning coffee many times and had a greet. 'I just think how nice it is to do this as my job.' TJ, who loves pre-loved fashion and buys all her work outfits from Vinted, tells me she has also officiated at some unconventional weddings. These have included Halloween-themed nuptials and surprise weddings. 'I have also married couples in their jammies in the morning,' she says. 'We have had a nice breakfast of bacon butties and then done it over coffee. 'They wanted to keep it as chilled as possible. 'But the most unusual wedding venue I have done has been my back garden. 'I have had three weddings there. 'Lots of people are now having weddings in their gardens because things have got really expensive.' TJ has had some special moments in her role as a wedding celebrant. These include officiating at the marriage of her best friend Meggan and husband Craig at the Burgh Halls in Linlithgow last year. 'It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to marry anyone. 'But when you have essentially grown up with someone, it adds a whole other dynamic to the meaning of friendship.' But her favourite wedding was one which took place in her childhood friend's back garden. 'I married my primary school friend and her husband in their garden. 'Just having them and their boys for the ceremony was really special.' Despite working unsociable hours during the week and at weekends, TJ, loves being a celebrant. And she hopes to continue doing it for the foreseeable future. 'I will keep on doing this job but as I get older, at some point, I will probably do less. 'But for now my diary is booked out with weddings until 2027 and I am really grateful for that.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mom wants justice for son, cousin shot outside Everett apartment complex
The Brief An 11-year-old and a 17-year-old were shot in Everett, and the suspect is in custody. The shooting, believed to be gang-related, occurred during an alleged graffiti incident. Detectives are investigating the details, adding the suspect was arrested nearby and is known to police. EVERETT, Wash. - An 11-year-old is fighting for his life after a shooting in Everett and police believe they have the person who pulled the trigger in custody. A 17-year-old was also hit. Police say the suspect, a 20-year-old man, opened fire on the group, who were allegedly putting graffiti on the side of a building. It happened at an apartment complex in Everett off of 21st Drive Southeast on Monday night at around 6:30 p.m. The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office says the shooting appears to be gang-related because of the nature of the graffiti. The 17-year-old victim's mom says her son, TJ, told her he was going for a walk around the complex, as he did most nights, and five minutes later, he and a cousin had been shot. "We just arrived home from the store," said the mom of the 17-year-old. "They walked outside and said they were going to walk around the apartment complex like normal, and not even five minutes later we heard gunshots." The mom says the other boy who was shot in the head is also a family member. "The 11-year-old victim is my cousin," she said. She says the boys did not know the shooter, who was accused of pulling up on a scooter before opening fire. "He was on a moped, a motorized scooter…and him and my cousin tried to run and they were hit before they knew it," said the mom. She says the two collapsed near a building, which is covered in graffiti. "My son first thought he got hit in the head, because all he kept feeling was fire something was burning. My cousin, all I heard was him screaming for help," said the mom. The 11-year-old was flown to Harborview with critical injuries, her son was treated at Providence and released. "It penetrated through the bottom of the jaw out to the other side," said the mom of the 17-year-old. The sheriff's office says deputies arrested the accused shooter about two miles away near 37th Drive Southeast. "He took off on foot, threw the gun, said Renee Cooper, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office spokesperson. The sheriff's office says detectives initially believed the victims were in a group that was spray-painting graffiti on a building when the suspect approached. "Saw a group of teenagers graffiting on a building. There was believed to be a verbal altercation between the two, and he shot them," said Cooper. The 17-year-old victim's mom disputes any claims the boys were part of any spray-painting of graffiti, saying they were shot near the street, and then ran towards the graffitied area to escape. "We just want justice, that's it, we want him to get put away, they are innocent, they didn't do anything," said the mom. FOX 13 reached out to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday night for clarification based on the mom's statements. Spokesperson Courtney O'Keefe sent a statement back Tuesday night, saying, "Detectives are still working out the exact details of the altercation. However, we received reports of the graffiti occurring and when deputies arrived the paint was still wet, and it was crossing out one gang's name/sign and was writing over it with another gang sign." The sheriff's office says that the suspect was also known to law enforcement. He was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for assault. The Source Information in this story came from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews. Bodies of 3 missing Wenatchee, WA girls found, father wanted for murder Who is Travis Decker? What to know about the Wenatchee, WA father wanted for murder What we know about Decker girls, 3 missing WA sisters found dead 'I am in a lot of pain': Lakewood, WA mass shooting survivors being released from hospitals 'Belltown Hellcat' Miles Hudson back in court WATCH: TikTok video of woman digging for geoduck in WA goes viral 'Shut your legs' comment, rating female staff: Snoqualmie Police Chief fired after probe Washington state named 'sanctuary jurisdiction' by Trump admin, 35 of 39 counties listed WA beekeeper working to save millions of bees involved in crash in Whatcom County FBI scrutiny puts pressure on Seattle mayor after protest clash To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Picks Up Dog From Daycare, Then Learns Where They Put Him All Day
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The reason a dog was deemed a "father" at doggy daycare left the owner pleasantly surprised. Pet parent TJ, known on TikTok as @tj_cosplays, picked up their dog named Cubby from daycare one day and left with new information about their canine. Much to her surprise, the doggy daycare volunteered Cubby to be a stand-in "father" at the facility. Not that TJ doesn't believe Cubby could be a great father. She knows he's a sweet and gentle dog, but she's not used to hearing about his praise around other dogs, especially involving puppies. "He gets along well with dogs at daycare, but is leash reactive," TJ told Newsweek via TikTok. "I've never seen him around puppies before, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear he does well with them." In his new role at the daycare, workers place Cubby in the puppy group. He helps teach them to be a dog. TJ explained in a May 20 TikTok video (@tj_cosplays) that the daycare praised Cubby's "good temperament," earning him the title of "uncle" in the mom-and-pop group. While with the pups, Cubby shows them how to dog. He'll correct the puppies for any unwanted behavior or if they're being too hyper when needed. Surprised by this new job for Cubby, TJ said she jokingly responded to the daycare: "You mean MY dog?" Screenshots from a May 20 TikTok video of a pet parent sharing their surprise about their dog becoming a "father" at the daycare. Screenshots from a May 20 TikTok video of a pet parent sharing their surprise about their dog becoming a "father" at the daycare. @tj_cosplays/TikTok He might act like a perfect angel while at the daycare, but TJ saw a different side before dropping him off. She said: "Everyone keeps saying he's a good boy, but when I dropped him off that weekend, he was literally trying to drag me by my clothes back with him." Viewer Reactions As of Tuesday, the TikTok video reached over 4.6 million views and 823,200 likes. People praised Cubby for his promotion at the daycare, whether he wanted the new position or not. "When you accidentally get too important at work," commented a viewer, while a second added: "He's not going to daycare he's going to work." A third person pointed out: "The awkward rolling around when mom is bragging about you." Several doggy daycare employees chimed in: "As someone who manages a daycare, y'all should take that as high praise. It takes a very specific dog to be able to be trusted to do that." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
