The Daily Dish: Chipotle Sued For $2 Billion Over Photo
Chipotle Sued for $2 Billion Over Photo
Chipotle has been the target of several lawsuits, and the latest one could possibly be the largest. According to ABC 10, Leah Caldwell from Sacramento, California, says Chipotle has been using a picture of her in its promotional materials without her consent. She alleges that in 2006, photographer Steve Adams took a picture of her at a Chipotle restaurant in Denver. She maintains that Adams asked her to sign a release, but says she did not sign it. Caldwell claims Chipotle has used her photo on the walls of multiple stores in recent years. She says her appearance was distorted, and even says alcoholic beverages were edited into the picture, to make it appear she was drinking beer. Caldwell is looking for $2.2 billion in damages. She is representing herself, and says the $2.2 billion is what she estimates Chipotle made from the use of the "iconic picture."
Police Find Kilo of Cocaine in Cheese
According to The Local, a 35-year-old man was walking down the street in Córdoba, Spain, carrying what was ostensibly a small wheel of cheese wrapped in plastic. Police say the man was "behaving suspiciously," so they stopped him to investigate. Further probing revealed the wheel of cheese was actually a kilo of cocaine wrapped in a cheese rind. The stinky cheese might have been designed to distract drug-sniffing dogs, but police in Spain say they've been finding cocaine in all sorts of odd hiding places lately, though this was the first time they'd seen it concealed in queso.
Starbucks Cancels Evenings Program, Takes Wine and Beer Off Menus
For the past few years, Starbucks has been trying to entice people into certain stores in the afternoons and evenings by promoting beer, wine, and high-end foods as part of its "Evenings" program. The program debuted in 2010, and grew to include more than 400 Starbucks locations across the U.S. The Seattle Times reports that as of Jan. 10, the "Evenings" program will conclude. "This will allow the majority of our locations to focus on our core business," Starbucks said in a statement. Starbucks Roasteries and Reserve stores will continue to sell beer, wine, and spirits, but customers will no longer be able to buy pinot noir at their regular old Starbucks location.
Lobster Prices Go Up After Small Harvest
The already high price of lobster is expected to rise significantly in the near future due to a small winter catch and increasing demand from abroad. According to the Associated Press, bad weather contributed to a smaller-than-usual catch in New England and Canada this year. Demand has been increasing, particularly in China, and is expected to peak at the end of the month when people will be celebrating the Chinese New Year. The Associated Press reported that in the U.S. lobsters were priced between $9 and $11 per pound back in September. Now lobster has been selling around $13 a pound, and it's likely to rise even higher.
McDonald's Japan Gets Curly Fries
McDonald's Japan has released seasoned curly fries in stores from Jan. 6 until early February, according to Rocket News 24. The fries are spiral-cut with a lightly spicy seasoning that makes them a bit more flavorful than regular fries. This is not the first time McDonald's Japan has offered curly fries. They show up from time to time, but never for very long. The curly fries will be available at McDonald's Japan for about $2.75 on their own, or as part of a combo for 50 yen (about 43 cents) above the price of a regular combo meal.