McDonald's continues to look less and less like a food-police "Most Wanted" corporation with a rap sheet to match its notoriety. Instead, the global fast-food leader keeps adding to its shift toward better-for-you fare and toward making healthier food not only accessible to its customers but palatable as well — even including the health of its own employees.

Today, McDonald's USA announced a number of nutrition initiatives, including the news it's adding calorie counts on restaurant and drive-through menus nationwide starting Monday and introducing menu items next year in line with the latest obesity-targeting federal dietary guidelines.

"We recognize customers want to know more about the nutrition content of the food and beverages they order," McDonald's USA president Jan Fields stated in a press release. As the Associated Press notes, "The move comes ahead of a regulation that could require major chains to post the information as early as next year. 'We want to voluntarily do this,' Fields told AP. 'We believe it will help educate customers.'"Continue reading...

Beatlemania is back — without the hordes of screaming teenagers.

The midwest US retailer specializing in appliance and electronics sales called hhgregg (pronounced "h-h-gregg," the brand uses all lowercase letters to distinguish itself) has licensed the Beatles' song, "Help!" as the cornerstone of its new branding campaign.

With the tagline of "We Help," the campaign's goal is to highlight the chain's sales staff and emphasis on customer service. The move comes as its competition is tougher than ever.Continue reading...