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Guzman y Gomez Mexican Kitchen, an Australian-born Chipotle rival that once planned to open hundreds of U.S. locations, has abruptly closed all of its American restaurants after six years in the Chicago area.

“All GYG USA restaurants permanently closed,” a message on the company’s U.S. website says. “Effective from May 22nd, GYG USA restaurants will cease trading. Thank you for your support.”

The chain also announced the move on Instagram, thanking customers and employees in Chicagoland, where all eight of its U.S. restaurants were located.

“After six years of burritos and big dreams in Chicagoland, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our US restaurants,” the post read. “To every guest who came through our doors – you chose us, and we never took that for granted.”

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A Guzman y Gomez restaurant in Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.  (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Guzman y Gomez’s U.S. website shows just a message of its sudden closing Friday.

“To our team – thank you. Your passion and your purpose built something special. If you’re ever in Australia, Singapore or Japan, come find us – we’ll have your favs waiting for you. Chicagoland, Thank you!”

The shutdown marks a sharp reversal for Guzman y Gomez, which had recently reaffirmed its intent to expand in the U.S. market. The company (ASX: GYG) was founded in Australia by native New Yorkers Steven Marks and Robert Hazan and made its U.S. debut in 2020 with ambitions to build a much larger American footprint.

“I have always been confident in the differentiation of our food and guest experience, however this was not translating to an improvement in sales momentum,” Marks said in an Australian Securities Exchange announcement, Business News Australia reported.

An employee prepares food at a Guzman y Gomez restaurant in Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“Having spent the last three months in the US, I realized this was going to take significantly more time and capital than we had expected.

“In assessing the trajectory of the current network, the board and I have concluded that the business is unlikely to deliver the performance that would justify continued investment of shareholder capital.”

FMR FAST FOOD CEO PREDICTS MORE RESTAURANTS WILL CLOSE NATIONWIDE OVER HIGHER PRICES

Guzman y Gomez says adios to the U.S., but remains active in Australia, Japan and Singapore. (Guzman Y Gomez/Instagram / Unknown)

The company chose the Chicago area as its entry point. At the time, its founders said they intended to open “hundreds, if not thousands” of Guzman y Gomez locations across the country.

Instead, the company is exiting the U.S. entirely, which has helped is stock price in Australia surge more than $3 Australian from $18.05 to $21.10 when the news dropped Friday morning.

“We have a long runway ahead of us in Australia as we progress towards our longterm target of 1,000 restaurants and segment underlying EBITDA as a percentage of network sales of 10%,” Marks said.

“Concentrating our capital, focus and infrastructure behind this opportunity is the most effective way to compound shareholder value over the long term.”

The retreat comes as U.S. restaurants face pressure from cautious consumers, higher food costs and declining traffic.

ITALIAN RESTAURANT CHAIN FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY, CITING INFLATION AND HIGHER INTEREST RATES

Guzman y Gomez (ASX: GYG), an Australian-based Chipotle rival in Chicago, is forced to close all its Chicago-area restaurants. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

TheStreet reported that three in 10 Americans have cut back on retail spending and restaurant visits compared with a year earlier, citing S&P Global data. Food-away-from-home prices rose 39.3% from January 2019 to January 2026, far faster than in the previous seven-year period, according to the same report.

Those headwinds have weighed on chains across the industry, especially those trying to scale in crowded categories.

Guzman y Gomez positioned itself as a cleaner take on fast-casual Mexican food, touting no added preservatives, no artificial flavors, no added colors and no “unacceptable additives” on its Australian website.

Its U.S. closure leaves Chipotle — which has roughly 4,000 restaurants — without one of its smaller fast-casual Mexican challengers in the American market.

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RBC Capital Markets analyst Michael Toner told Reuters the exit could be positive for Guzman y Gomez’s broader business because its U.S. operations had limited prospects and were weighing on earnings.

“The U.S. business had very low prospects of being successful, and the losses of the business were weighing down the earnings of the group so the sooner exit than anticipated is positive,” Toner said.

Reuters contributed to this report.

NEW YORK — Boeing Co. and Airbus SE showed contrasting performances through mid-2026 as investors weighed Boeing’s ongoing recovery challenges against Airbus’s production ramp and strong order backlog.

As of May 22, 2026, Boeing shares closed at $198.45. Airbus shares closed at €142.80 on the Euronext Paris exchange, equivalent to approximately $162.50.

Recent Financial Results

Boeing reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $17.9 billion. The company posted a GAAP net loss of $1.2 billion, or $1.85 per share, primarily due to continued costs related to the 737 MAX program and supply chain issues. Commercial Airplanes revenue was $6.8 billion. Boeing delivered 83 commercial airplanes in the quarter.

Airbus reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of €13.8 billion, up 11% year-over-year. The company delivered 142 commercial aircraft in the quarter. Airbus reported adjusted EBIT of €1.1 billion and maintained its full-year guidance for 800 aircraft deliveries in 2026.

Analyst Consensus

Analysts assigned Boeing a Hold consensus rating with an average 12-month price target around $210. Airbus carried a Moderate Buy consensus with an average target of €165 to €175.

Boeing Developments

Boeing continues to address quality control issues following multiple incidents involving its 737 MAX aircraft. The company reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in early 2026 related to prior compliance matters. Boeing has focused on stabilizing production rates while working through supply chain constraints.

The company secured new orders at major air shows and continued development of the 777X program. Boeing’s defense business remained stable with contracts from the U.S. government and international partners.

Airbus Developments

Airbus has maintained a strong production ramp, particularly for the A320neo family. The company reported a robust backlog exceeding 8,000 aircraft. Airbus expanded its presence in the wide-body market with the A350 program and continued exploring sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen technologies.

Airbus faced its own supply chain pressures but reported better delivery consistency than Boeing in recent quarters. The company secured major orders from airlines in Asia and the Middle East.

Market Context

Both companies operate in a commercial aviation sector recovering from earlier pandemic effects while facing new challenges including supply chain disruptions, labor issues and rising demand for more fuel-efficient aircraft. Global passenger traffic has returned to pre-pandemic levels, driving airline orders for new planes.

Boeing’s market share in narrow-body aircraft has faced pressure, while Airbus has gained ground in certain segments. Both manufacturers are investing heavily in next-generation technologies, including sustainable aviation and digital cabin solutions.

Valuation and Performance

Boeing shares have shown volatility in 2026 due to safety concerns and production delays. Airbus has demonstrated more stable performance with consistent delivery progress. Both stocks have benefited from broader industry optimism but remain sensitive to quarterly delivery numbers and regulatory developments.

Outlook Factors

Boeing aims to increase 737 production rates gradually while resolving quality issues. The company expects improved cash flow in the second half of 2026. Airbus reaffirmed its target of delivering 800 commercial aircraft for the full year.

Both companies face long-term opportunities from fleet replacement cycles and growing global air travel demand. Analysts will monitor second-quarter results, scheduled for July 2026 for both manufacturers, for updates on production rates, margins and order activity.

Broader Industry Trends

The global aircraft manufacturing duopoly continues to dominate the commercial aviation market. Emerging competition from companies like COMAC in China remains limited in Western markets. Both Boeing and Airbus are expanding aftermarket services and defense portfolios to diversify revenue streams.

NEW YORK — The New York Times Strands puzzle for May 24, 2026, numbered 812, had the theme “Summer Essentials” with the spangram BEACHBAG, according to official solutions published by the newspaper and multiple review sites.

The six theme words were SUNSCREEN, TOWEL, FLIPFLOPS, SUNGLASSES, COOLER and UMBRELLA. These items represent common gear used for beach days, pool outings and outdoor summer activities.

The spangram BEACHBAG describes a large carry-all bag used to transport summer supplies. It typically spans the grid from one side to the other and was highlighted in yellow upon discovery.

Puzzle Details

Strands presents a 6×8 grid of letters where players connect adjacent letters horizontally, vertically or diagonally to form words. The game includes one spangram that captures the overarching theme and several additional theme words. Non-theme words can be submitted for hints after finding three.

Many solvers identified BEACHBAG early, which unlocked the remaining summer-related items. SUNSCREEN and TOWEL were frequently found first. FLIPFLOPS, SUNGLASSES, COOLER and UMBRELLA completed the theme set.

The puzzle reset at midnight local time. Players who submitted non-theme words received progressive hints, including the first three letters of remaining words.

Previous Day Comparison

The May 23, 2026, puzzle No. 811 featured the theme “Staying alive” with the spangram SURVIVALIST and words MACHETE, HATCHET, FLINT, PARACORD, TARP and SHOVEL.

Game Mechanics

Strands is part of The New York Times Games portfolio alongside Wordle, Connections and others. Players must use each letter exactly once across all valid words. The spangram is highlighted in yellow upon discovery, while theme words appear in blue. A perfect solve shows a specific pattern of indicators.

The May 24 edition fell on a Sunday. Community feedback noted the seasonal theme was timely as summer approached in the Northern Hemisphere. The words focused on practical outdoor and leisure items.

Strategies Reported by Solvers

Common approaches included scanning for longer words or obvious compounds like BEACHBAG. Many began in corners or looked for summer-related terms after recognizing the theme. Finding the spangram first often simplified the remaining grid.

The New York Times publishes a Sidekick companion with hints. For puzzle 812, it encouraged thinking about items typically packed for a day at the beach or pool.

Popularity and Context

Strands has maintained steady engagement since its expansion in the NYT Games lineup. The daily format encourages vocabulary, pattern recognition and lateral thinking. Sunday puzzles sometimes incorporate seasonal themes like the May 24 edition.

On May 24, 2026, the puzzle aligned with other NYT games: Wordle answer STORM and Connections categories including types of bags, famous duos, things that spin and words that can follow “black.”

Broader NYT Games Ecosystem

The New York Times offers Strands through its website and mobile app. Basic daily play is free, with subscriptions providing archives and additional features. The game requires finding all theme words and the spangram to complete the board fully.

No major rule changes were reported for Strands in 2026. The format continues to blend word search and crossword elements, with the spangram providing the thematic anchor. Difficulty varies by grid arrangement and word familiarity.

Community Engagement

Solvers shared results on social platforms using indicator grids that avoid full spoilers. Discussions highlighted the practical vocabulary in the May 24 puzzle. Some noted connections to real-world summer activities and vacation preparation.

Performance tracking includes solve times, hint usage and perfect completion rates. The purple-level challenge in related games like Connections often draws comparisons to Strands’ spangram difficulty.

Historical Notes

Strands builds on the success of other NYT word games launched or acquired in recent years. Puzzle numbering reached the 800s by mid-2026, reflecting consistent daily output. Each edition adds to an archive of thematic challenges.

The May 24 solution emphasized single-word items with specific functions in outdoor and leisure contexts. Official answers are confirmed directly from The New York Times sources after the daily reset.

Players who missed the May 24 puzzle can reference solution archives. The game continues to attract participants seeking a balance of accessibility and intellectual challenge through its letter grid format.

NEW YORK — The New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle for May 24, 2026, numbered 614, featured four sports-themed categories with the following groupings according to official solutions published by review sites.

The yellow category, rated easiest, was “NBA team nicknames.” The words were Celtics, Knicks, Lakers and Spurs.

The green category was “golf terms.” The words were birdie, eagle, par and bogey.

The blue category was “tennis grand slams.” The words were Australian, French, Wimbledon and US.

The purple category was “baseball positions.” The words were catcher, pitcher, shortstop and outfielder.

The 16 words in the grid were: Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Spurs, birdie, eagle, par, bogey, Australian, French, Wimbledon, US, catcher, pitcher, shortstop and outfielder.

Game Mechanics

Connections Sports Edition follows the standard Connections format but focuses exclusively on sports-related themes. Players sort 16 words into four groups of four based on common threads. The game provides color-coded feedback: yellow for the easiest category, green for the next, blue for the third and purple for the hardest.

The May 24, 2026, edition emphasized major league basketball teams, golf scoring terms, the four major tennis tournaments and standard baseball defensive positions. Solvers noted the NBA category was straightforward for basketball fans, while the purple category required deeper baseball knowledge.

Previous Day Comparison

The May 23, 2026, Connections Sports Edition puzzle No. 613 included categories for defeat soundly, a Missouri athlete, college coaches and baseball terms or names.

Solving Strategies

Many players started with obvious sports league or scoring terms such as Celtics, Knicks, Lakers and Spurs. The golf terms group was recognizable for players familiar with scoring. The tennis grand slams and baseball positions required more specific sports knowledge.

Popularity of Sports Edition

Connections Sports Edition, launched as a beta version by The New York Times and The Athletic, has gained a dedicated following among sports fans. The daily puzzle complements the standard Connections game and attracts players interested in athletics, team nicknames, scoring terms and positions.

On May 24, 2026, the puzzle coincided with ongoing NBA Western Conference Finals coverage between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, adding relevance for basketball fans.

Companion Resources

The New York Times and partner sites provide hints and companion articles for each puzzle. For No. 614, progressive hints included league nicknames and golf scoring vocabulary. Third-party solvers offered practice boards and reveal assistants.

Broader NYT Games Context

The Sports Edition runs alongside regular Connections, which on May 24, 2026, had categories for types of bags, famous duos, things that spin and words that can follow “black.” Other games that day included Wordle with answer STORM and Strands with a summer essentials theme.

Players access the puzzle through The Athletic or New York Times platforms. Basic play is available daily, with subscriptions offering additional features and archives. The sports version maintains the same four-mistake limit before the puzzle ends.

Community Response

Solvers discussed the puzzle on forums, noting the NBA and tennis categories were accessible while the baseball positions group challenged some. Discussions highlighted how the puzzle tested knowledge across multiple sports.

Performance metrics shared by users included perfect solve rates and time to completion. Sunday puzzles often feature a mix of timely and evergreen sports topics.

Historical Development

Connections Sports Edition expanded The New York Times’ games portfolio in recent years. By mid-2026, puzzle numbering reached the 600s, indicating regular daily releases. Each edition draws from diverse sports including basketball, golf, tennis and baseball.

The May 24 solution blended major league references with technical sports terminology, typical of the game’s educational and entertaining balance. Official answers are confirmed post-reset by The New York Times.

Tips for Players

Effective strategies include grouping obvious sports terms first and eliminating confirmed categories. Knowledge of major league team nicknames, tournament names, scoring vocabulary and field positions aids solving. New players can use practice modes on helper sites.

The game encourages engagement with sports culture while building pattern recognition skills. Difficulty varies, with purple categories often requiring deeper sports knowledge.

PARIS — Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first-round victory at the 2026 French Open to her country after a Russian missile struck close to her parents’ home in Kyiv on the morning of the match.

Kostyuk defeated Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2 6-3 on May 24 at Roland Garros. She became tearful during her on-court interview after the win.

Kostyuk said: “This morning, 100 metres away from my parents’ house, a missile destroyed the building. It was a very difficult morning for me, I didn’t know how this match would turn out for me or how I would handle it. I have been crying this morning. I don’t want to talk about myself today. All my heart and all my thoughts go to the people of Ukraine today.”

Russia launched a large-scale wave of overnight strikes against Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. Four people were killed in Kyiv and at least 83 people were injured across the country.

Kostyuk did not shake hands with Selekhmeteva, in line with the long-standing policy of Ukrainian players not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents.

The 23-year-old world number 15 has been an outspoken critic of Russia and Belarus since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Kostyuk added: “My biggest example is the Ukrainian people. I woke up this morning and looked at all these people who woke up and kept living their lives, kept helping people who are in need. I knew a lot of Ukrainian people would come out and support today. My friends from Ukraine came to support and I’m very happy to have them here. I’m incredibly proud of myself. I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career.”

Match Background

Selekhmeteva was playing her first match under the Spanish flag after switching allegiance earlier in the week.

Kostyuk has recorded 12 wins on clay in 2026, second only to Mirra Andreeva’s 15. She remains unbeaten on the surface this season.

She will face American Katie Volynets in the second round. Volynets defeated France’s Clara Burel 6-3 6-1.

Kostyuk’s Career

The Ukrainian reached the fourth round at Roland Garros in 2021, her best result at the tournament. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Her victory on May 24 came on the same day as the Russian strikes, adding emotional weight to the match. Kostyuk described it as one of the most difficult matches of her career.

French Open Context

The 2026 French Open runs from May 24 to June 7. The tournament is being played at Roland Garros in Paris.

Kostyuk’s emotional speech and performance drew attention amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting athletes from the region. She has remained a vocal supporter of Ukraine throughout the conflict.

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama will look to build on his strong individual performances as the San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals on May 24 at Frost Bank Center.

The Spurs trail the best-of-seven series 2-1 after losing Game 3 123-108. Oklahoma City overcame a 15-0 deficit in that contest, powered by a playoff-record 76 points from its bench.

Wembanyama’s Series Stats

Wembanyama has been the Spurs’ leading performer through the first three games. He scored 41 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in Game 1, a double-overtime Spurs victory. In Game 2, he posted 21 points and 17 rebounds in a loss. In Game 3, he finished with 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks.

The 22-year-old has faced increased physical defense from the Thunder, particularly from Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Oklahoma City has contested his shots at the rim and limited his driving lanes.

Series Context

The Spurs won Game 1 in double overtime 122-115 in Oklahoma City. Wembanyama’s dominance was central to that victory. The Thunder responded with a 122-113 win in Game 2 and carried that momentum into Game 3.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led Oklahoma City with consistent scoring and playmaking. The Thunder’s depth has been a decisive factor, especially in Game 3.

San Antonio has been without Dylan Harper for much of the series due to a right adductor injury. De’Aaron Fox returned in Game 3 after missing Game 2 with an ankle sprain and scored 15 points.

Coach and Player Comments

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson has emphasized the need for better collective effort to support Wembanyama. After Game 3, he noted the importance of sustained intensity across all four quarters.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has praised his team’s ability to adjust defensively against Wembanyama after Game 1. Daigneault highlighted the importance of bench contributions and physicality.

Wembanyama has spoken about the physical nature of the series. He has continued to draw attention from multiple defenders while attempting to create opportunities for teammates.

Tactical Factors for Game 4

The Spurs will aim to establish better ball movement and spacing to create driving lanes and open shots for Wembanyama. Reducing turnovers and improving transition defense have been areas of focus.

Oklahoma City is expected to maintain its strategy of using multiple bigs and wings to contest Wembanyama’s touches. The Thunder have shown the ability to force him into difficult mid-range attempts and limit his efficiency at the rim.

Home-Court Atmosphere

Game 4 returns to Frost Bank Center, where the Spurs have received strong fan support throughout the playoffs. Legends David Robinson and Tim Duncan attended Game 3, adding to the atmosphere.

The Spurs have historically performed well at home in playoff scenarios when facing elimination pressure. Wembanyama has been particularly effective in front of home crowds.

Broader Playoff Picture

The Thunder, as defending champions, have demonstrated resilience through injuries and early deficits. Their bench production has been a consistent strength.

San Antonio has shown competitiveness despite injuries to key guards. The series has featured strong individual performances from young stars on both sides, with Wembanyama and Gilgeous-Alexander standing out.

Historical Comparisons

Wembanyama’s scoring and rebounding numbers through the first three games place him among elite playoff performers for rookies and second-year players. His ability to impact games on both ends has drawn comparisons to previous greats, though the Thunder have adjusted to limit his dominance after Game 1.

Physical play has been a theme throughout the series. Both teams have emphasized legal physicality within playoff rules while drawing attention to officiating decisions.

Upcoming Game Outlook

Game 4 represents a critical juncture for the Spurs. A win would tie the series at 2-2 and shift momentum back to San Antonio. A loss would put the Thunder one victory away from returning to the NBA Finals.

Player availability remains a factor. The Spurs hope for continued contributions from Fox and potential increased minutes for other bench players. The Thunder will monitor Jalen Williams’ hamstring status after he missed Game 3.

The series could return to Oklahoma City for Game 5 if necessary. Both teams have young cores with significant future potential, making this matchup notable for its blend of current competitiveness and long-term implications.