Starbucks Drama! Layoffs, Protests, and Nervous Breakdowns

Thinking about walking your poodle tomorrow morning while sipping some Starbucks and doing some sidewalk window shopping? Well, think again! It's over!

Starbucks has sent it's costumers into a frenzy! A nearby Starbucks may be harder to come by in the coming weeks as the seemingly ubiquitous coffee chain is set to close hundreds of stores across the U.S.

Reports of mass hysteria and nervous breakdowns quickly erupted. Fans of the popular beverage chain simply can not handle the devastating news of their favorite coffee shop abruptly making such a decision.

There's no turning back now and all signs lead back to operation, "Back to Starbucks", spearheaded by company CEO, Brian Niccol. The restructuring plan, began this week, with signs posted in the windows of some shuttering locations.

After Niccol took the helm back in September 2024, he set out on a mission to improve the company’s performance, quality and speed of food and drink delivery. All while “elevating the in-store experience” to recapture the mojo of the 54-year-old chain.

The company is eliminating 900 corporate positions, while an undisclosed number of retail employees will be notified this week that their stores, and their jobs there, will be ending.

North American same-store sales were down 2% in the third quarter, following a downward trend that saw a similar 2% decline in fiscal year 2024, according to financial filings.

From the outset of his Back to Starbucks plan, Niccol pointed a finger at underperforming stores in the U.S. that failed to deliver on the coffeehouse experience.

This may be due to the constant criticism the company has faced over the years.

A significant amount of controversies have plagued the successful business with complaints of alleged human and labor rights violations in its supply chain, such as forced labor and child labor, particularly in Brazil and Guatemala.

As well as mistreatment of employees, it's union-busting tactics and a recent push for a strict new dress code that sparked baristas' walkouts.

Their have also been political boycotts, particularly around the Israel-Hamas conflict, and previous incidents like the Philadelphia arrests in 2018 that ignited a racial bias discussion. Even the infamous "Oleato Drinks" debacle, where olive oil-infused coffee drinks faced backlash after several customers reported experiencing stomach problems after consuming them in 2023 and 2024. Some even suggest the company was low key trying to poison its guests for strange reasons unknown to the public.

Starbucks workers protest 2025 shutdown

On September 25, 2025, barista workers rallied at the Starbuck’s store at Clark Street and Ridge Avenue in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, one of the locations targeted for closure. However, as planned, the store officially shut down September 27.

This latest food chain massacre will include locations in Pittsburgh, N.Y., Montana, New Jersey, Massachusetts, even Toronto and Vancouver of Canada.

Let's see what happens next!!!

New Bath & Body Works’ Plus Disney Collab Equals Gothic Glamour

Just months after its biggest collaboration to date, which brought fans a limited-edition collection featuring a whopping 85 products inspired by fairy-tale princesses, Bath & Body Works is doubling down on its partnership with Disney.

But with Halloween just around the corner, this time it’s all about the villains.

This time around Disney Villains, The Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty are the stars of the show.

“The customer demand and excitement we saw with Disney Princess showed us that our formula is working and now we’re taking it global,” said Daniel Heaf, Bath & Body Works CEO. “As we continue building momentum through powerful brand collaborations like Disney, we remain focused on creating even more meaningful ways to engage consumers and position Bath & Body Works at the forefront of culture, innovation and storytelling.”

“Our first collection with Bath & Body Works allowed Disney Princess fans of all ages to connect with their favorite characters in new and distinctive ways,” said Liz Shortreed, Senior Vice President of the Americas and Global Softlines at Disney Consumer Products. “We look forward to building on that success and enthusiasm with the new Disney Villains collection, as we continue to create products that celebrate creativity and sensory-driven storytelling through everyday experiences.”

Maleficent

The Maleficent-inspired fragrance excites with a rich, mysterious fusion of Sinister Plum, Midnight Berries, and Mystical Woods. Sinister Plum layers deep plum nectar and skin with a hint of dark rose, creating a complex, alluring base.  

Midnight Berries introduce a bewitching twist—black tea notes swirled into a vibrant medley of blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry. Finally, Mystical Woods brings it all together with shimmering cedarwood and creamy cashmere musk, leaving a sultry, unforgettable impression.

Here is the full list of Maleficent-inspired items:

• 3-Wick Candle 

• Body Wash 

• Crow + Scepter Soap Dispenser 

• Diamond Shimmer Mist 

• Dragon & Castle 3-Wick Candle Holder  

• Dragon + Horns Wallflower 

• Dragon Scale Cosmetic Bag 

• Fine Fragrance Mist (comes in mini as well) 

• Foaming Hand Soap 

• Laundry Detergent 

• Lip Gloss 

• Maleficent 3-Wick Candle Holder 

• Maleficent Horns Body Care Tray 

• Maleficent Horns PocketBac Clip 

• PocketBac Hand Sanitizer 

• Single Wick Candle 

• Ultimate Hydration Body Cream 

• Wallflower Bulb

The Evil Queen

The Evil Queen-inspired fragrance enchants with a captivating blend of Dark Red Apple, Wicked Pear, and Vanilla Suede—a scent that’s fresh, warm, and undeniably addictive.  

Dark Red Apple evokes the sweetness of forbidden orchards, while Vanilla Suede wraps you in soft, velvety warmth, like slipping into a dreamy, enchanted cocoon. Wicked Pear adds a juicy, crisp layer that cools the senses and leaves behind a refreshing, whisper-like trail.

Here is the full list of Evil Queen-inspired items:

• 3-Wick Candle 

• Body Wash 

• Diamond Shimmer Mist  

• Evil Queen Cosmetic Bag 

• Fine Fragrance Mist (comes in mini as well) 

• Foaming Hand Soap 

• Laundry Detergent  

• Lip Gloss 

• Magic Mirror Body Care Tray  

• Magic Mirror PocketBac Clip 

• PocketBac Hand Sanitizer 

• Poison Apple 3-Wick Candle Holder  

• Poison Apple PocketBac Clip 

• Poison Apple Foaming Hand Soap Dispenser 

• Queen of Hearts 3-Wick Candle Holder  

• Queen of Hearts Wallflower  

• Single Wick Candle  

• Ultimate Hydration Body Cream 

• Wallflower Bulb

Driven by strong consumer demand and overwhelming enthusiasm from fans of both brands, this next chapter delivers an array of 39 products, including fine fragrance mist, candles, lip gloss, hand soap and sanitizer, body wash, body cream, laundry care and decorative home accessories.

Prices range from $1.95 to $79.95. These additions build upon the brand’s partnership with Disney following the success of its past Princess Collection among the younger consumer base.

For the first time, this collection launches simultaneously in both domestic and international Bath & Body Works stores, making it easier than ever for Disney fans across the globe to explore their favorite Disney characters through fragrance. The collection will be available to shop for Bath & Body Works loyalty members August 26 and 27, and for all customers on September 3.

Designed To A Tea

Mrs. Potts legacy is expanding with the release of a new Disney Belle doll.

Mattel Unveils three Designer Disney Princess Dolls.

The company is giving the ladies the couture treatment in its new Disney Collector Once Upon a Whimsy™ Collection.

The three new Mattel Creations dolls, including Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, and Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, all feature artistic new outfits packed with symbolism and unique textures.

“We wanted the Once Upon a Whimsy Collection to stretch the creative boundaries of what a Disney Princess doll can be,” says Jaclyn Schauer, Product Designer at Mattel.

“Each design is meant to be the most playful and the most expressive — yet still rooted in the heart and palette of their stories. It was such a joy to reimagine these beloved Disney Princesses. I hope fans enjoy every detail and bit of whimsy as much as I loved dreaming it all up.”

 

Belle's doll look for this collection is clearly inspired by the dishware from the “Be Our Guest,” number. The memorable silverware collection included, Mrs. Potts and her son Chip.

With her hair tumbling out of a teacup-style headpiece (referencing Chip obviously), a multi-tiered dress featuring the trim of the cups and plates, and other teacup details from the film.

Belle on her plate stand

One may as well say Belle is paying homage to Chip and his mother, Mrs. Potts.

One statement comes to mind when mentioning Mrs. Potts. It is the one that we've stated in our YouTube video about her. She is undoubtedly the "Adherent of Tea".

Mrs. Potts presence has enhanced the tea time tradition and enriched it's culture for decades to come. Thus, helping make Mrs. Potts an icon in the process.

What is an adherent? An adherent, by definition, is someone who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas.

Belle is an icon all on her own. The cross-promotion of these two characters with a new doll release is marking a unique moment in history.

Priced at $80.00, the doll stands at 11.5 inches tall. It has nine points of articulation for creative posing and display options. It also includes sparkling elbow-length gloves and strappy heels with sweet bows. It's premium packaging is covered with character art, has a window box, and hosts scenic designs. Each purchase also comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity" for the individual costumer.

The dolls are available for order now at creations.mattel.com and had a full launch on August 1st at 9am PT at mattelcreations.com.

You Can Purchase this specific doll HERE.

You can Watch our YouTube short inspired by the doll HERE.

Pac-Man Cafe appears for Comic-Con 2025

A pop-up Pac-Man Cafe opens for service just a couple weeks before San Diego Comic-Con event 2025.

Inspired by the popular arcade game, Pac-Man, by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., the immersive pop-up cafe will bring exclusive merchandise, themed food and drinks and other fun to the East Village.

The pop-up Pac-Man Cafe had it's grand opening on Saturday, July 12.

Located at 323 Seventh Ave., at the former site of the now-shuttered City Tacos near Petco Park.

The opening weekend included meet-and-greets with Pac-Man and Blinky as well as giveaways as part of its grand opening celebration.

The first 25 people to visit on the weekends from July 12 until Sunday, Aug. 3, plus during the dates of Comic-Con (July 24-27) will get a chance to take home limited-edition pins, merchandise, totes and free arcade access.

The Pac-Man Cafe will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until Aug. 3.

Pac-Man celebrats its 45th anniversary in 2025.

Aside being brought to fans by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. the experience is also produced by Secret Sauce Society. The menu — created with help from Insight Editions’ PAC-MAN: The Official Cookbook and featuring a specialty ramen bowl by Maruchan — includes MAZEmen noodles, PAC-ked quesadillas, Ghost-themed cake pops and drinks, and shaved ice inspired by PAC-MAN’s iconic Fruits, all served in limited-edition packaging.

America's first pop-up Pac-Man Cafe opened in Honolulu (as Pac-Store) and lasted until May 31, 2018.

That event's menu carried items such as, the Ghost Loco Moco. The magnificent delight  was made with yellow rice, covered with a hamburger patty and topped off with an egg white.

Two yolks were curated for the eyes and two beans represented the eyeballs. All this, smothered in sweet soy sauce for $16.95.

Other 2018 menu items included Macaroni and Cheese, Beef Curry and Garlic Strimp.

Although temporary, no doubt that memories will be made for all who visited the site while living in the moment.

McDonald's Bids Farewell to Their Fun Themed Spin-off

CosMc's logo

Just when you thought the world was becoming a more exciting place!

McDonald's announced plans to axe CosMc's. Their alien themed spin-off restaurant that launched on December 7, 2023, in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

The announcement comes just as the beverage race is heating up. Taco Bell is accelerating its own in-restaurant drink initiative, Live Mas Café, adding pressure on McDonald’s and other competitors to act quickly in a rapidly evolving category.

The CosMc’s Brand, which includes McCafé products, got its name from a McDonaldland character, appearing in McDonald's advertisements from 1986 to 1992. An extraterrestrial who "craves McDonald's food."

CosMc character with Ronald McDonald

In the 1990s, McDonald's tried to expand its business by buying Donatos Pizza, Boston Market and Chipotle Mexican Grill, but within a decade they had sold off their stakes.

The space inspired concept was reminiscent of something out of the Hanna-Barbera classic, The Jetsons. George Jetson would have made a perfect tie-in for the franchise's promotional efforts.

Yet, despite initial enthusiasm and a unique branding approach, customer traffic at CosMc’s locations declined over time.

McDonald’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, noted that while the concept provided valuable insights into consumer preferences, the standalone CosMc’s format did not achieve the desired level of success. As a result, the company has decided to discontinue the concept and focus on integrating successful elements into its main restaurant operations.

Following the announcement of CosMc’s closures, McDonald’s stock experienced a modest decline. Investors reacted to the news, reflecting concerns over the company’s ability to successfully execute new concepts. However, analysts noted that the decision to close underperforming locations and refocus on core operations could ultimately benefit McDonald’s in the long term.

The integration of successful elements from the CosMc’s concept into mainline restaurants is expected to enhance McDonald’s beverage offerings and streamline operations. By leveraging insights gained from the CosMc’s experiment, McDonald’s aims to better meet evolving consumer preferences and strengthen its position in the competitive fast-food industry.

While CosMc’s is closing, McDonald’s is not abandoning its focus on beverages. The company plans to test select drinks inspired by CosMc’s at its traditional U.S. locations later this year. These offerings will include popular items such as the Churro Cold Brew Frappe and Island Pick-Me-Up Punch, which garnered positive customer feedback during the pilot phase.

Additionally, McDonald’s is forming a new internal beverage division to oversee the development and rollout of these specialty drinks across its U.S. restaurants. The goal is to enhance the company’s beverage menu and provide customers with a wider range of options, aligning with trends in the fast-food industry and consumer demand for customizable drink experiences.

As the fast-food industry continues to adapt to new trends and consumer demands, McDonald’s remains committed to innovation and delivering quality experiences to its customers. The lessons learned from the CosMc’s initiative will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the company’s future endeavors.

CosMc’s official announcement for the App

In a statement, McDonald's said it will start closing its standalone pilot CosMc's locations in June, and will also discontinue its CosMc's app.

The chain had expanded to five locations, which will all be shut down. Their locations are:

• 285 N. Weber Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois

• 5341 McPherson Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas

• 12360 FM 1957, San Antonio, Texas 

• 8726 Potranco Road, San Antonio, Texas

• 861 W. Stacy Road, Allen, Texas

Disney Celebrates 'A Goofy Movie' 30th Anniversary With New Projects

Every dog has its day, and Mickey Mouse’s canine buddy Goofy finally had his moment in the spotlight with 1995’s A Goofy Movie. And though the story of a father and son overcoming their differences on a road trip was overshadowed at the time by big-budget Disney classics such as The Lion King and Pocahontas, over time, A Goofy Movie has become truly beloved. It's worthy to note that the movie’s soundtrack has an enduring appeal.

A Goofy Movie was a spin-off of the hit Disney Channel animated series, Goof Troop, which focused on the relationship between the lovably ditzy Goofy and his streetwise son Max, as they settled in a new neighbourhood. Disney chief Jeffrey Katzenberg saw the show’s parent-child dynamic and realized the potential for a movie based on personal experiences. “Like a lot of parents, [he] was struggling at the time with his teenage daughter,” A Goofy Movie screenwriter Jymn Magon told Vanity Fair in 2020. “He said, ‘I couldn’t figure out how to get through to her. But we ended up taking a car trip together… Somewhere along the way, we bonded. I want a story like that.’”

Goof Troop Title Card

The original motion picture soundtrack for A Goofy Movie is being released on vinyl and is currently available for pre-order. The Special Collectors Edition includes 2-color splatter vinyl and also a sticker sheet. The soundtrack is available via the Disney Music Emporium website. Shipments begin on April 9, 2025. This is just two days after the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie being released. It is being sold for $34.98. However, on April 7, 2025, another event surrounding the Disney classic is happening.

'A Goofy Movie' 2025 vinyl release cover

Not Just a Goof , a new documentary,
is set to be released via Disney+ on Monday, April 7, the 30th anniversary of the film's release.

Directed by Eric Kimelton and Christopher Ninness. The doc takes a look back at the making of a 1995 animated film that wasn't always a Disney darling, but found its audience with time and a message with heart.

In a trailer for the documentary shared exclusively with PEOPLE:

A Goofy Movie director Kevin Lima recalls what a leap of faith the project was from the start.

"I was a first-time director. I had a first-time head of story. I had a first-time lead editor. I thought we had the opportunity to make a John Hughes movie in animation," Lima shares.

A Goofy Movie debuted on April 7, 1995, grossing just $37.6 million against its $18 million in production costs. The release came five months after its originally intended release date, further illustrating it as a low-priority release among the rich Disney roster of the time. While it wasn't a commercial hit, love for the film grew after its VHS release.

Thirty years later, the fans who gave the film the reputation it enjoys today will learn the story of how their favorite moments — from music to animation to storyline — came together behind the scenes.

The documentary follows a young creative team tackling their first Disney feature, facing disappointment upon release, only for the film to gain a passionate following decades later. Through key interviews and rare archival footage, it explores the struggles, victories and studio dynamics that shaped what's arguably Disney's first cult classic.

Pluto TV Adds Another Channel Titled, '90s Kids 2'

It's March 2025, and one can't help but notice that Pluto TV has added a new channel to their roster!

90s Kids 2 has officially appeared on the app without any press release or announcement.

This is a sign of two things. One, the original 90 Kids channel has performed so well that they decided to make a sequel OR that there was such a high demand for more of Nickelodeon's older shows that they opted to add another channel to meet demands.

It's only been 3 years since the late night programming block, NickRewind (hat aired classic Nick fans on TeeNick), came to a halt after a decade long run on regular cable and satellite television.

Pluto TV quickly responded to NickRewind's shutdown with '90s Kids'. A channel created to stream 24/7 on the apps services.

As of March 3, 2025, there is no official schedule for 90's Kids 2, however, it seems to be geared more towards 2000s and 2010s live action series like Zoey 101 and Victorious.

In March 2025, Newsweek announced that Pluto TV would have several new channel in April 2025. However, 90s Kids 2 was not amongst that list.

The new channel comes as a surprise to most viewers of the app and lovers of Nickelodeon alike.

Enjoy some old favorites on 90's Kids TV 2 - You can find 90’s Kids 2 on Pluto TV HERE!