Get ready because Corby examined a many hot topics in food news beginning with the operational changes at Starbucks and McDonald’s in Brockton, which now face security concerns with limited dining hours and entry policies. The discussion then shifted to the pressure on restaurants to expedite table turnover to maximize profits, raising concerns about the impact on customer experience, informed by Pete Wells’ insights on automation. The meeting also paid tribute to Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos Cookies, who passed away at 88, recounting his journey and advocacy for childhood literacy despite past business struggles. Furthermore, the meeting highlighted troubling practices in India’s sugar industry, including forced child marriages, and criticized the complicity of certification agencies. Finally, the Surgeon General’s focus on loneliness prompted discussions on new social apps aimed at fostering connections, especially for those struggling to make friends in a post-college or remote work environment, potentially benefiting local restaurants by bringing patrons together.