The Hugo Spritz and the Spaghett battle it out for cocktail of the summer
On the agenda today:
The story behind Blackstone's viral barricaded office photo.
Inside the million-dollar tree war that's brewing among New England's elite.
Starbucks' new office is a 5-minute drive from the CEO's home.
Internal guidelines reveal how much Microsoft pays new hires.
But first: The debate of the summer.
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This week's dispatch
Jacky Zarra
The hottest cocktail of the season is …
This summer's battle for beverage supremacy isn't your typical cocktail clash.
In one corner, there's the Hugo Spritz. It's a mixture of prosecco and club soda. The addition of elderflower liqueur makes this sweet, low-ABV drink stand out. This Aperol Spritz successor is all over TikTok. Yelp queries and Google searches for it have jumped.
In the other is the Spaghett: a brash, no-frills concoction born for the dive bar. It consists of Miller High Life beer, a splash of Aperol, and a lemon. It's cheap and quickly becoming a cult classic: Google Trends and bar tabs alike show it gaining real traction.
So, which is better? And which should be crowned drink of the summer?
BI's Emily Stewart sees the Spaghett as more than a quirky cocktail. She says it has broader economic ramifications, specifically as a potential recession indicator.
"Trading down from an Aperol Spritz to a Spaghett usually puts a few bills back in your pocket," she writes. "And swapping a basic beer for a Spaghett won't break the bank — especially when the beer was budget-friendly to begin with."
Yet our colleague Callie Ahlgrim says we shouldn't underestimate the compelling visual the Hugo Spritz evokes, particularly in the social-media era. She said the drink is "perfectly engineered for virality."
So, what'll it be: elegance in a glass, or a buzzy, beer hack that doubles as an economic signal?
This season's drink of choice says as much about your vibe as it does your wallet.
What do you think? Email us your thoughts at today@businessinsider.com — and check out Emily and Callie's video on the debate.
Behind the Blackstone photo
Following the deadly New York City office shooting that cut four victims' lives short, a haunting image of a furniture barricade at Blackstone's headquarters became emblematic of the tragedy.
One person familiar with the matter told BI that Blackstone employees moved quickly and worked together to pile everything up, including a refrigerator. Employees also barricaded themselves inside closets, bathrooms, and conference rooms, another person familiar with the matter said, with some hunkering down until 10 p.m. when authorities cleared the building.
"It was a long day."
Trouble in the trees
In New England's most exclusive coastal enclaves, neighbors are feuding over ocean views — and cutting down each other's trees to get to them.
The timber wars don't come cheap. Cases of unauthorized chopping and poisoning, known as "timber trespass," have sparked bitter legal feuds among the wealthy and sometimes resulted in seven-figure payouts.
Splintered paradise.
The 5-minute commute
Starbucks' newest office is a 4,624-square-foot space just minutes from CEO Brian Niccol's Southern California home. It's 1,200 miles away from the company's headquarters in Seattle, where corporate employees are under a four-day return-to-office order.
The California office, nicknamed "Project Sunshine," was part of Niccol's compensation package, built so he wouldn't have to commute across states daily.
Views of the Pacific coast.
Also read:
Microsoft's pay guidelines, revealed
The company's internal pay guidelines obtained by BI's Ashley Stewart shed light on how much the tech giant generally offers new hires, including pay ranges for engineers and researchers in the US.
Microsoft's pay documents include a carve-out for competitive situations, though. Recruiters can seek approval for higher offers for exceptional candidates.
Breaking down pay by levels.
How much do tech employees make? See salary data from top tech companies.
This week's quote:
"It really is the case that if you give people more bedrooms in their apartments, they're more interested in having children."
— Lyman Stone, a coauthor of a recent report by the Institute for Family Studies, on why the real estate market is driving down the birth rate.
More of this week's top reads:
Sex sells. So does outrage. Sydney Sweeney's "great jeans" ads cash in on both.
Was Jeffrey Epstein a spy? There's nothing about that in the Epstein files, sources say.
I went to Figma's IPO. It turned Wall Street into a literal block party.
Parents of college kids are getting unhinged in their group chats.
I'm a career coach. Applying for jobs should be the last step in your job hunt process.
CNBC's "The Profit" ended with legal acrimony and an $11 million payout. Its host is now back on TV.
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2 hours ago
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Blackstone Begins ‘Climb Back to Normalcy,' Returns to Office After Shooting
Blackstone hosts a weekly companywide call on Mondays at 8:30 a.m. that typically touches on business initiatives, deals or other happenings at the private-equity firm. This week's edition broke the mold. Many workers were returning to the office a week after a gunman stormed the building that houses Blackstone's headquarters and shot and killed four people, including Wesley LePatner, one of the firm's top real-estate executives.
Business Insider
2 hours ago
- Business Insider
At $799, the Traeger Flatrock is one of the most expensive flat-tops on the market — but its durability makes it worth the price
Traeger's smokers are currently some of the best pellet grills in terms of performance and value, but as versatile as a good pellet grill is, it can't do everything. So, the company has aimed to capitalize on Blackstone's success and entered the world of flat-top grills. The latest addition to its grill lineup is the Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone. The griddle features two heating zones, 468 square inches of total cooking space, and retails for $799. The Flatrock 2 Zone may be new territory for the company, but the griddle's foundation remains in line with other past products. To set itself apart, Traeger is focusing primarily on a premium build quality and refining the basics, like using U-shaped burners. I've used nearly half a dozen different Traeger grills over the last several years, including the Flatrock 3 Zone model. This new, smaller one offers a more compact option that should fit in nearly anyone's outdoor space. You'll just need to decide whether you can afford a premium griddle. What I like Assembly is simple, and there's a strong focus on quality. If you buy this grill from a retail store, there's a chance it will come preassembled and ready to go. However, you'll need to count on putting the Flatrock 2 Zone together yourself if you buy it online directly from Traeger. I've assembled many of the best Traeger grills over the years, and they continue to get easier to do. There has been a subtle change to the manufacturing and packaging, but the assembly has become even more streamlined, starting in early 2025 with the Woodridge series. The Flatrock 2 Zone took me between 60 and 90 minutes of casual work to assemble by myself. I don't know if having two sets of hands would have cut the time in half, but it would have gone at least a little quicker. Moving the heavy metal cooktop and main grill frame would have been less stressful, too. However you proceed, you'll only need a Phillips head screwdriver and a basic wrench, both of which are included among all the screws and instruction manuals. Traeger's major differentiator claim for its griddles is durability. Some of the most common complaints among users of the ultrapopular Blackstone griddles — the most direct competitor to the Flatrock — are about durability and build quality. I can't comment on all the various models or styles from Blackstone, but the Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone does feel sturdy. It's hard to quantify the unit's build quality, but once it was put together, even rolling it across pavers in my backyard didn't induce panic from overly shaky or rattling parts. The four wheels were simple to level, the side tables have rubber bumpers cushioning them from hard impact, and no parts are unstable when the griddle is actually in use cooking food. Traeger's five-year warranty is comparable to Weber's warranty for its similarly priced griddles, but far exceeds Blackstone's one-year warranty. The features aren't flashy, but result in superior cooking results. At first glance, the 2 Zone griddle is straightforward without any tricks or distinguishing features. Even Traeger is primarily banking on the quality to sway people. However, if you look closer, there are a few subtle differences from other units that might be appreciated by griddle aficionados. The first is the U-shaped burners and the recessed cooktop, both of which contribute to even, steady heat. Lots of griddles have side walls, but still have an exposed area between the flames and the cooktop. The Flatrock's recessed cooktop completely blocks the flames from the wind and the elements. The Flatrock's folding side shelves aren't a revelation, but they are semi-novel for a backyard griddle. Similarly, the attached folding lid that stays rigidly fixed at all angles isn't groundbreaking, but it is a premium offering. You know what else is very nice? Four wheels. This one rolls easily, so you don't have to lift one side to move it around. The Flatrock also boasts a 'TruZone' internal divider for distinct temperatures between zones, a dedicated grease collection bin, a carbon steel cooktop, and a line of accessories that work across all of its grills. All of which are near table stakes for any decent griddle offering. This 2 Zone model reaches 58 inches tall, including the height of the lid raised to its peak. The grill is 35 inches deep, including an askew lid hinged open. Both of those dimensions are identical to the Flatrock 3 Zone model. Where the models differ is the 59-inch width for the 2 Zone compared to the 74-inch width on the 3 Zone model. The smaller one has a 26-by-18-inch cooktop surface area, while the larger model is 33 by 18 inches — 468 square inches compared to 594. Put into practical terms, the 2 Zone claims 18 burgers, compared to the 3 Zone's 24 burgers. Not only does the Flatrock 2 Zone not have WiFi or Bluetooth to connect to its app, but the grill doesn't even have a power cable. The 3 Zone version has an electrical cable for the propane sensor and electric ignitor, but the smaller one omits those. Instead, it uses a piezo ignitor. As someone who rarely tests a product that doesn't have a battery or plug into a wall, the 2 Zone's untethered flexibility is refreshing. There's a small window above each temperature knob to visually see the flames spark to life. Although it was a little tough to see through once grease was smeared over it, the window still worked just fine as a secondary sensory confirmation to sound. Another way the 2 Zone differs from the larger model is how it holds a propane tank. It adds a bottom shelf with a cutout for a standard-size tank to slot into. There's a twisting handle in the back that secures the tank from tipping over while pushing the griddle around. I much prefer this solution to the hook that holds the tank on the 3 Zone. With the added bottom shelf, there's now a place to store a few tools if needed. It heats evenly, with distinct cook zones for cooking food at different temperatures. To test the Flatrock 2 Zone's cooking skills, I was forced to make smash burgers, fajitas, vegetables, eggs, lots of bacon, hash browns, and a few other items. It's rough work, but my family seemed to enjoy the results, and so did I. In my general use, I didn't notice any huge variance in temperatures across the cooktop. The bacon along the top cooked at the same speed as the bacon in the middle. I couldn't see any inconsistencies or cold zones. But beyond the eye test, I used an infrared thermometer to get a sense of some performance numbers. During a warm afternoon, I set the left side to low and the right side to high and waited around 10 minutes for it to heat up. The center of the low side measured about 322 degrees Fahrenheit, while the same spot on the high side was about 422 degrees. I was curious about the other spots, so I took temperature readings in four other spots on each side, too. (Imagine cutting each side in half from top to bottom and left to right to create four areas. I pointed the thermometer in the center of those four spots.) On the left side of the griddle, which was set to low, the top left was 298, the bottom left was 287, the top right was 350, and the bottom right was 307. The right side of the grill, set to high, measured 455 on the top left, 454 on the bottom left, 426 on the top right, and 391 on the bottom right. So, while the center area stays the warmest, the entire area, right up to the edges, keeps a fairly even heat. This bodes well for making use of the entire allotted cooking space. I didn't detect any cold spots. How about the heat shield that claims to keep the two zones independent? I measured the right side on high while the left side was off. After 10 minutes of heating up, the center of the right side read 400 degrees, while the center of the left side (which was off) read 164. I was impressed by this test's results, showing that there is meaningful heat separation between the two zones in such a limited amount of space. In the more subjective territory, I like the feel of the two temperature knobs. They're firm, chunky, and easy to rotate to zero in on a specific heat range. On the cleanup front, the grease hole in the cooktop is small enough not to get in the way, but is plenty big for drippings to go down. The grease keg underneath should be big enough for scraps from a couple of weeks of meals if you do want to fill it up before dumping the aluminum liner. In terms of the griddle's overall size, the 2 Zone hits a sweet spot for me. I already have a smoker in the backyard, and I just don't have unlimited space for a second, supplementary grill. When the side shelves are folded up, the 2 Zone is legitimately compact; when extended, they provide a significant amount of prep space. If you do have extra outdoor room or your griddle is your primary cooking solution, then you should look at the 3 Zone model. Cons to consider While there aren't a lot of flashy features of the Traeger 2 Zone griddle, there also aren't a lot of downsides. It's a very solid, reliable way to cook food. There are a few things worth pointing out, however. The first is that there's no propane fuel gauge. That feature is only available on the 3 Zone model. It would be nice to have, but I also like the freedom to roll the griddle around and not have to worry about having an outlet readily available. The second consideration is that this griddle doesn't have a natural gas hookup. Other brands have this feature, but Traeger doesn't offer it, at least not yet. That could be a dealbreaker for some people, but especially for this smaller compact grill, I don't think it's a huge blow. What are your alternatives? There are plenty of griddle options, including different styles like stovetop add-ons or portable camp-style solutions. But if you're looking for a permanent backyard flat top grill besides Traeger, your path is bound to cross Weber and Blackstone. Those are the big names in the space. Blackstone has the market cornered on low- to mid-range-priced griddles. They're widely available, likely at your local hardware store. For well under $500, you can get to griddling right away in a variety of sizes. The most common complaints about Blackstone griddles, however, usually have to do with flimsy parts that get bent or damaged. I've known several people who have been satisfied with their Blackstones, but long-term quality seems to be the biggest risk. Weber (now technically merged with Blackstone) is closely aligned to Traeger, with a higher price and a focus on solving problematic areas of grilling. The company's latest Slate line of griddles promises a rust-free, pre-seasoned cooktop, along with an easy-to-remove grease tray. Weber also has a knack for building in accessory spots so that its first-party cutting boards, sauce holders, or tool trays work best. With limited space in my yard, I appreciate the space-saving folding shelves and smaller cooktop size of the Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone. It should work for even those with minimal patio space. But if size isn't a concern and budget is the thing that's top of mind, then a griddle from Blackstone might be the most obvious option. Keep in mind that flat-tops are a separate beast from most grills; you won't get the same grill flavor that you get from the best charcoal grills or even the best gas grills. For a breakdown on the different grill types, see our guide to the best grills. The bottom line At face value, the $799 Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone griddle is a pricey grilling solution. It's not overly expensive compared to other options on the market, but its cost is certainly not its selling point either. Digging deeper into the flat top grill, it performs extremely well, providing a steady, dependable way to make a meal. For those with the budget and don't have the patience to fuss with minor inconveniences, you'll be well served with what Traeger is offering here. The biggest decision will be deciding whether two zones are enough or if three would be better. Party people or those with large families will be best served by the 3 Zone. For everyone else, the 2 Zone is the one to get.
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Walmart launches new stores to target younger audiences
Walmart has launched a fleet of themed mobile stores called "Walmart Delivers," designed to engage Gen Z with pop‑up retail experiences, giveaways, and photo ops at events across the U.S. running August through November 2025 That's part of a broad plan to make the chain a little more like rival Target, cool without really caring about cool. The campaign has a clear message it wants to get across: Walmart is a hip place for young people where executives clearly know and regularly use all the latest slang. Kids, 5he chain seems to think, always love it when mom and dad try to learn their lingo. Younger folks never stop using terms because adults have co-opted them into the mainstream, nor do they cringe at all when their musical icons turn up in T-Mobile or light beer commercials. Walmart (WMT) is about as hip as your 50-year-old English teacher who tries to incorporate Kendrick Lamar lyrics into his lesson plan. It's a noble idea, but it's one best left to '80s movies, as it's nearly impossible to be the old guy at the club who actually comes off like he belongs there. More Retail: Supermarket inflation: Beef prices soar as egg prices fallLevi's shares plan to beat tariffs, keep holiday prices downAmazon's quiet pricing twist on tariffs stuns shoppers This has not stopped Walmart from trying to co-opt the younger generations by describing its new mobile stores as: "Your FYP on wheels." Don't know what that means? You're not supposed to if you're over maybe 35, but according to Google, it's "for you page," as in a web page filled with so many things you like, it seems like it's just for you. When you get over the cringe factor, Walmart actually has an idea that might appeal to its target audience. The retailer has decided to create a fleet of mobile stores/retail experiences designed to appeal to specific groups of younger customers. "Walmart is hitting the road with a fleet of head-turning delivery trucks, packed with experiences to level up what you love. We're making stops across the U.S. and rolling up with photo-worthy moments, customizable giveaways, & much more. Because whatever you're into - we get it, we have it, and we can deliver it. Who knew?" the chain shared in a press release. Basically, Walmart wants to show some very specific groups that it offers items they regularly shop for. The Walmart Delivers fleet includes five trucks. Now Delivering Your: K-Pop Era: The ultimate K-Pop personalization studio is coming to a tour stop near you. Build your own photocard binder, decorate your own photocard pics, & shop our curated assortment of products. Plus, free giveaways!Now Delivering Your: Lo-fi Play: Play iconic throwback games, climb a live leaderboard for bragging rights, & continue the fun outside with classic board games at our gaming hub popping up at events across the Delivering Your: Rodeo Dream: Add some Western accessories to your outfit, snap a pic with your custom leather belt, play rodeo games, & take home some giveaways from the Wild Delivering Your: Nature Break: Whether you're a sun tracker, plant ID-er, or hot girl trail walker, you can personalize the perfect nature kit tailored to your unique park persona. Come explore with us!Now Delivering Your: Group Woosah: We're showing up so you can wind down. Kick back with your fitness crew while you enjoy choose-your-own-adventure recovery sessions with refreshing drinks. Again, had to look up "woosah," which means taking a deep breath and relaxing, but aside from the "trying too hard" aspect, Walmart has a solid plan here. The tour, so to speak, has already begun, with dates scheduled through 2025. KCON LA: Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 1-3Teddy Swims Concert: Irving, TX, Aug. 9Event TBA: Chicago, IL, Aug. 15-17Lainey Wilson Concert: Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 23Park TBA: Brooklyn, NY, Aug. 23-24Event TBA: Tampa, FL, Aug. 29Park TBA: New York, NY, Sept. 6-7BABYMONSTER Concert: Chicago, IL, Sept. 2Event TBA: Brooklyn, NY, Sept. 7Park TBA: Chicago, IL, Sept. 20-21Philadelphia Distance Run & 5k: Philadelphia, PA, Sept. 21Event TBA: Chicago, IL, Sept. 28Long Beach Marathon: Long Beach, CA, Oct. 3-5Event TBA: New York, NY, Oct. 9-12Lainey Wilson Concert: Chicago, IL, Oct. 17Park TBA: Houston, TX, Oct. 25-26Event TBA: Atlanta, GA, Oct. 31-Nov. 2Lainey Wilson Concert: Tampa, FL, Nov. 7Event TBA: Phoenix, AZ, Nov. 9 Walmart shared that it does expect to add more events. Walmart is debuting a fleet of five themed mobile trucks under its Walmart Delivers initiative Each truck targets specific interest groups: K‑Pop, lo‑fi gaming, rodeo, nature for influencers, and wellness recovery "Woosah" The experiential pop‑ups include photo‑worthy activations, curated giveaways, and shopping tailored to each theme. The tour runs from August through November 2025, with stops at major music events, parks, and marathons in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and New York Walmart is positioning these trucks as a way to meet younger consumers with digital flair and memorable experiences, even if the branding sometimes feels forced. Related: How much Target pays store workers, from cashier to boss The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
