Tidbites | Week of March 6, 2014

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BW staffer Josh Gross eats a donut.

WORLD BANK SLAMS FOOD WASTE 

The World Bank released a report on Feb. 27 stating that one of the biggest obstacles to conquering poverty is the sheer magnitude of food waste, somewhere between one-fourth and one-third of all food produced globally for human consumption.

“In regions rife with undernourishment, such as Africa and South Asia, this shocking loss translates to 400 to 500 calories per person, per day — and up to 1,520 calories in the developed world,” it said.

That waste increases food prices, further exacerbating the problems of poverty. Costs to the average family in the U.S. or U.K. were estimated at more than $1,000 annually.

For the First World, the largest areas of waste were in food spoilage, but in less developed countries, the bulk of the waste came from the production process.

The World Bank also outlined several initiatives it was pursuing towards addressing the issue, including investments and resources towards improving irrigation, nutrition and agricultural strategies.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Quiznos was working with a consortium of creditors to restructure its debt to a more manageable size.

DUNKIN’ DONUTS 

The evil corporate forces of salt, sugar and fat took back ground in the rebel stronghold of Boulder this week, with the opening of Dunkin’ Donuts at 3235 28th Street.

The Massachusetts-based chain has 15,000 locations in 37 countries, including three in Denver and is a main competitor to both Starbucks and Krispy Kreme.

Boulder’s last Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, located at Folsom Street and Canyon Boulevard, closed more than a decade ago.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 

Also freshly opened and freshly baked is Nothing Bundt Cakes, at 2710 Arapahoe in Boulder. It is the fourth Colorado location for the 86-strong national chain, which focuses on fancy cakes like Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Carrot, Lemon and more.

There will be several shindigs through March celebrating the opening. The first is a ribboncutting on Thursday, March 13. The following weekend will have two events, with 20 percent of sales on Friday, March 21, going to Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence and the chance to win free cakes for a year on Saturday, March 22.

QUIZNOS IS BROKE 

News broke this week that Denver-based sandwich chain Quiznos is prepping for bankruptcy to deal with overwhelming debts and a rash of store closures.

The chain was 5,000 strong in 2008, but now operates only 2,100 restaurants.

Though competition with other sandwich chains is a major factor, the chain has also faced a series of lawsuits from franchisees that allege the chain overcharges them for marketing and supplies. In 2009, Quiznos had to pay a $95 million settlement, according to media reports, and another legal challenge was filed in 2013 for similar reasons.

WORST TIMING EVER 

Boulder Weekly recently published a review of North Boulder Cafe that started by pointing out that its not-on-the-way-anywhere-in-particular location made it easy to understand why our reviewers last visited in 2009. Apparently, we weren’t the only people not going there. The North Boulder Cafe just closed.

Owners cited financial effects of flooddamage — and the lessened stream of customers that came with it — for the closure.

Fare thee well, sweet huevos rancheros. We’ll still see you in our dreams.

Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com