Unionized Starbucks baristas in Los Angeles won catastrophe pay after the company allegedly required employees to keep working during the wildfires.

These customers will be able to enjoy free refills on hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea during their visit. Starbucks says folks must have their first beverage served in a ceramic mug, glass or personal cup — no disposable vessels — to receive free refills.

They’ve been negotiating a template for collective bargaining agreements covering more than 500 cafes in the U.S.

Starbucks chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said in a virtual quarterly update message that the company is planning a roughly 30% reduction of the menu, which will affect both food and beverage items. The process to “pare down” the menu has already begun, and will be complete by the end of 2025’s fiscal year, Niccol told investors.

All company-owned Starbucks locations will default to ceramic mugs for customers consuming beverages in stores, and will also bring back condiment bars this week.

The condiment bar is coming back, and diners will get unlimited free refills of iced or hot coffee whether they’re rewards members or not.

Several policies are returning to Starbucks' locations in United States and Canada, including free refills, as well as milk and sugar stations.

Starbucks is cutting 30% of its food and beverage menu to simplify operations, reduce wait times, and improve the customer experience.

During the recent fires, many L.A. residents were inundated with information (and misinformation) about air quality. Here's the latest on a few spots where you can hike safely post-fires and not fret over air quality.

Fritz Coffee, a popular South Korea-based coffee shop with locations in Seoul and on Jeju Island, is popping up in Los Angeles with Kumquat Coffee on February 1 and February 2. The proceeds from the event will be donated to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund.

What if you discovered a way to supercharge your body and help it recover faster from everyday stresses, tough workouts, or even minor injuries? That’s exactly how I felt when I first heard about hyperbaric chambers.

Matthew Kang is the Lead Editor of Eater LA. He has covered dining, restaurants, food culture, and nightlife in Los Angeles since 2008. He's the host of K-Town, a YouTube series covering Korean food in America, and has been featured in Netflix's Street Food show.