Who Will Win the French Toast Stick War?

In breakfast wars among fast food establishments, one key weapon in their arsenal is the French toast stick.

How the Taco Tuesday Fight Ended

Deciding who could invite us to Taco Tuesday was finally legally settled after Taco Bell challenged the owners of the Taco Tuesday trademark.

An Economist’s Top Ten List For Christmas

Through a Christmas Top Ten list, we can see how economics has the perfect lens for understanding our holiday behavior. Christmas Top Ten List 10. Social Norms Violating a social norm, a grandmother in Wales charges for her holiday meals.…

Why France Liked California Wine

In 1976, with The Judgement of Paris, the entire world elevated its opinion of California’s white and red wines.

What Economists Say About All-You-Can-Eat

Knowing how all-you-can-eat economics explains the benefits of buffets, Red Lobster was surprised by its “Endless Shrimp” problem.

How McDonald’s Built a Better Burger

From the beginning, McDonald’s had the fast food recipe. Seventy years ago, its milkshake salesman, Ray Kroc, wanted to see why they had ordered 10 of his multi-mixers. With each one able to make five shakes, a 50-shake capability was…

Why We Need Cranberry Innovation

Unprofitable after The Great Cranberry Scare of 1959, Ocean Spray’s cranberry innovation initiatives helped it survive and then thrive.

How a Behavioral Economist Explains Our Thanksgiving Meal

Through a Thanksgiving Top Ten List, we can use behavioral economics to explain what we eat and how much we eat during the holiday.

Where a Junk Food Tax Will Limit What We Eat

Hoping to encourage healthy eating habits and less obesity, Colombia has a junk food tax on ultra-processed food and sugary drinks.

The Economic Side of a Sandwich

Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, a look at sandwich economics tells us about our food tradeoffs and our GDP spending.