Bradley Cooper’s Cheesesteak Spot Opens Early

Bradley Cooper has teamed up with Angelo’s Pizzeria’s Danny DiGiampietro to launch Danny & Coop’s, a Philly cheesesteak restaurant opening in NYC in January 2025. Fans don’t have to wait—Danny & Coop’s is hosting a soft opening in Alphabet City on Dec. 20-22, serving its signature cheesesteaks until sold out. Located at 151 Ave. A, it’s a sneak peek at the highly anticipated venture. Cheesesteak lovers, don’t miss it!

 

Glen Powell Joins Tom Cruise’s Cake Club

Mindy Kaling‘s Christmas got sweeter with Tom Cruise‘s signature coconut cake.  The cake is from Doan‘s Bakery, it’s made with a ring of moist, luxurious coconut bundt cake, mixed in chunks of sweet white chocolate, a layer of rich cream cheese frosting, and then dusted all over with toasted coconut flakes. On Dec. 19, Kaling shared a photo of the iconic holiday dessert, captioned with a simple “Iykyk” and playful emojis. Cruise, known for gifting these cakes to A-list friends, also sent one to Glen Powell earlier in the season. If you want to bake the cake at home, you can!

 

Cheesy Game Changer

Cheez-It is taking its love of college football to the next level by sponsoring the December 31 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. This year’s game features many cheesy antics, from mascot Ched-Z, officiating a two-minute timeout wedding to a fan reporting live from a giant bowl of Cheez-Its.

The highlight? A new flavor duo was created with Kordell Beckham, “Chief Fantaseez Officer,” combining Extra Toasty Cheddar Jack and Smoked Cheddar crackers.

 

Drive the Wienermobile: Oscar Mayer Is Hiring Hotdoggers

Oscar Mayer is accepting applications for its “Hotdogger” role until Jan. 31, 2025. This one-year, full-time gig involves driving the iconic 27-foot-long Wienermobile across 40 cities and attending hundreds of events.

Open to recent college grads with a bachelor’s degree, the role combines travel, vehicle maintenance, and creating custom content. It’s an ideal stepping stone for careers in social media or brand marketing.

 

Is Food Coma Real?

The holidays are perfect for indulging in the ultimate gift: naps. After a festive feast, everyone retreats for a glorious, no-alarm-needed snooze. But is the famed “food coma” real or just an excuse to rest? Gastropod’s latest podcast breaks it down, exploring the science behind “postprandial somnolence” with expert insights. Discover why we really slow down after a big meal—and embrace the beauty of rest and digestion.

 

Brown Sugar Named Flavor of the Year for 2025

T. Hasegawa has crowned brown sugar as the 2025 Flavor of the Year, highlighting its rich, nostalgic versatility. Once a staple for baking, it’s now trending in lattes, milk teas, craft cocktails, and even savory dishes like chicken wings.

The flavor is part of a broader trend emphasizing nostalgia and innovative food experiences. Brown sugar’s ability to blend comfort with creativity ensures it will play a key role in shaping menus and products in 2025.

 

Healthy Choice Targets GLP-1 Users with New “On Track” Badge

Conagra Brands is introducing an “On Track” badge to 26 Healthy Choice frozen meals, designed for GLP-1 medication users like those on Ozempic and Wegovy. These meals are high in protein, low in calories, and fiber-rich, marketed as “GLP-1 friendly.”

The badge will appear on Café Steamers and Simply Steamers at major retailers like Walmart and Target, with packaging rolling out in January. This move caters to the growing demand for accessible, dietitian-recommended options for those using GLP-1 receptor agonists to support weight loss.

 

California Declares State of Emergency Over Bird Flu Threat

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency Wednesday as bird flu (H5N1) spreads, with cases now found in dairy cows on Southern California farms. The declaration aims to expand monitoring and provide resources to contain the virus.

Bird flu has affected 16 states, with 111 million birds impacted and the first severe human case reported in Louisiana this week. While the CDC considers the risk to humans low, 61 cases have been confirmed, mostly in farm workers. California continues efforts to protect public health and agriculture.