By: Natalie Manitius

The opening of Kettles and Grains, where customers can brew on premises, proves that “new legislation and proposed zoning amendments make it seem like the pro-business side of Virginia is convincing the teetotaler side of the commonwealth that beer can be good for business.” [Loudoun Times]
Calling all cat ladies and feline fans: San Francisco is looking forward to the opening of KitTea, its first-ever cat cafe, intended as an oasis for furry friends and humans alike. [Eater]
Subway pledged $41 million for the next three years to join Michelle Obama‘s crusade against childhood obesity. [WTOP]
Gluten intolerance will no longer be a sufficient excuse for your neighborhood Girl Scout. With cookie season upon us, a new gluten-free Chocolate Chip Shortbread makes its debut next month. [Foodbeast]
Virginia’s former cash crop is finding a new niche, and not in cigarettes. Tobacco has recently trickled its way into vodka, ice cream, cupcakes, and even perfume. Find it in items like Honey-Tobacco home spray, scotch and cigar cupcakes with molasses, and tobacco-leaf and coffee custard. [Newsweek]