Eater compiled a list of 10 chain restaurants that should come to New York, and most of them make some sense. (Though they're kind of stretching it if they think Cracker Barrel is going to set up shop.) We do agree New York is in some serious need of Sonic's Cherry-Limeade, and we shouldn't have to schlep all the way to Jersey to get our hands on Denny's Fried Cheese Melt. But why import a P.F. Chang's when you can get better Chinese on almost any corner? And sorry guys, In-N-Out just ain't going to happen. more ›

A state judge ruled that New York's juvenile corrections system regularly breaks the law by shackling young detainees any time they leave a detention center—even if the children don't pose a physical threat. According to the Times, the ruling should bring an end to a policy that mandated the use of shackles whenever detainees leave state facilities, despite other laws on the books permitting shackles only as a last resort for "youth who are out of control and dangerous, and then only for half an hour." A 15-year-old plaintiff said he was kept in feet and handcuffs connected to a belly chain for roughly 15 hours on a single day. Lawyer Nancy Rosenbloom said the case revealed "a culture of abusive practices that is not rehabilitative." She added: "We had evidence of kids not being able to drink their milk on the way to court because of the chains." more ›

Williamsburg got a brand new shiny Duane Reade just a few months ago, currently up and running on Kent Avenue and North 5th. And now like Gremlins doused in water, the store is multiplying — Curbed notes that the neighborhood is getting another one on Bedford Avenue and North 3rd! This is dangerously close to Kings Pharmacy, which has been the area's go-to drugstore and still has a prescription filling time one hour faster than the chain... but can they survive the Duane Reade-ification of the neighborhood? more ›

Williamsburg Waterfront, you are growing up so fast! The area, drowned in luxury condos, will soon have its first chain store grand opening! Brownstoner recently spotted the shiny, new Duane Reade, "one of the three businesses signed up for retail space at Northside Piers on Kent Avenue, set to open on Saturday. Word of the ubiquitous drugstore chain's arrival on the Brooklyn waterfront first broke over a year ago; signage confirmed the news back in June." Their first space in the neighborhood is located at North 5th and Kent, a grueling 15 blocks from the closest Chase Bank. Meanwhile, just four blocks away is the current establishment hipsters get their Adderall refilled at, King's Pharmacy. Will their customers remain loyal? more ›

Earlier this year Reverend (and mayoral hopeful) Billy Talen told us, "Wal-Mart in New York City? DEVIL GET THEE BEHIND ME! As Mayor, I will take that company to the LAKE OF HELLFIRE!" Since then, the chain has been quiet, leaving one to assume they either got the fear in them, or they're assembling an army for the ultimate showdown. Now Crain's reports that the store is hunting for locations in the city again, this time focusing on all five boroughs. The store's spokesman said, “Now, more than any other time in recent memory, New York City residents want and need better access to our stores... Hopefully we will be able to bring a store to New York in the near future.” Along with Billy, local labor leaders and other elected officials are also against a Wal-Mart moving in, one saying, “The reality remains the same. Wal-Mart is not welcome in New York City, and it should not try to take advantage of these economic times to slither in.” And City Council Speaker Christine Quinn declared, “Until they make actual changes, providing a living wage and ending the practice of preying on small businesses, I will block any attempt to locate in the five boroughs.” more ›

The incoming president of the Obesity Society has resigned amidst controversy surrounding his work on behalf of the restaurant industry. Last month Dr. David B. Allison (pictured), a professor of biostatistics and nutrition at the University of Alabama, drew fire from colleagues when he submitted an affidavit questioning the city’s new rules requiring chain restaurants to prominently display calorie information on their menus. more ›

The incoming president of the Obesity Society has filed a 33-page affidavit questioning the city’s new rules requiring chain restaurants to prominently display calorie information on their menus. Dr. David B. Allison (pictured), a professor of biostatistics and nutrition at the University of Alabama, cites a study indicating that dieters who get distracted by calorie information are more likely to overeat. And even if the daunting calorie details prompt diners to go for lower calorie items, they'll just end up overeating later because their healthier choice won't really satiate them. more ›