Pit Stop '25: A peculiar look back on the cultural year that was
A 2025 year capsulation of pop culture
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Here we arrive at Pit Stop ‘25 , a virtual, capsulated diner where you can “indulge” (indulge me on this piece) on the cultural year, 2025…
Stay a while at Pit Stop ‘25, a definitive 21st century spot — albeit with a 1950s diner aesthetic —celebrating the year of 2025 (MMXXV). Proudly serving up thoughtfully curated faire. Plenty of comfort and diversion inside. All welcomed.
Enjoy!
The ‘25 Menu…
Signature Specials
Smash Burgers
One of the trendiest foods of 2025
Yum! The smashburger had been around for quite a while but it really broke through as a foodie smash in ‘25. Literally, this ultra grill-pressed grub fave is stacked deliciousness
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Smashburgers of the year dedicated to major ‘25 cultural icons all served with
Stitch Burger
Hawaiian style burger, with a seared pineapple and sweet onion, flavored with soy-free tamari sauce. On a Stitch blue bun.
Trump Burger
A bigly double patty behemon with branded with an
image of Donald Trump on bun. Served on a numbered 47 plate
Wicked Burger
Double patty with image of Elphaba on a green bun.
With special pink Glinda sauce of mayo and hot honey ketchup
Sandwiches & Hot Dogs
Chicken, Sub and hot dogs
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One Piece (Chicken Sandwich)
Japanese inspired “katsu” chicken sandwich with cabbage, carrots and sesame flavor. Dedicated to a top manga of ‘25
My Hero Academia (Hero sandwich)
Japanese steak sub sandwich with teriyaki sance. Dedicated to a top manga of ‘25
Philly Sandwich
Original signature Philly cheesesteak sandwich with grilled onions and provolone (or Cheesewhiz) for ‘25 NFL champs, the Philadelphia Eagles
Dodger Dog
Signature plain hot dog with mustard similar to the one served at Dodger baseball games, made by Cantella’s. For Major League Baseball’s champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers
Chicago “Pope” Dog
Hot Dog done in the traditional Chicago way with a swiggle of yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a spear of dill pickle, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers and a dash of celery salt. For Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost, secularly) who is from the “Windy City”
*Note: Smashburgers and sandwiches come with MAHA Style Seed Oil free french fries
“Peace Plates”
Special Pit Stop '25 appetizers inspired by Ukraine and the Gaza region, two war-torn parts of ‘25 inneed of peace
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Blini
Crêpe (thin pancake) enjoyed by peoples of Russia and Ukraine
Falafel
Deep fried food faire (spiced fava bean and chickpea) enjoyed by Arabs and Israelis
Desserts
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Dubai Chocolate Bar
Viral Tik Tok sensation of ‘25 in foodie treats. More than a chocolate bar, an experience
Demogorgon Cookies
Flower-shaped shortbread cookies with red sprinkles, inspired by the creature from top ‘25 streamed TV series, Stranger Things
Highland Cow Pops
Cream popsicles shaped like by the enormously trendy animal of ‘25
Drinks
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K-Pop Soda
Yeah, super popular sugary, artificial. Inspired by the plentitude of K-Pop artists
White Lotus Thai Tea
Typically served cold and spicy. Inspired by popular series, The White Lotus, which took place in Thailand, for Season 3
Labubu Latte
Refreshing, hot espresso and steamed milk drink served in glass. Choice of vanilla, mocha or matcha flavors. Named after the oddly cute and popular plush toys
Diner Features, Special Booth and Table Seating
Featuring framed “ ‘25 things” of culture on the wall, special diner tables and booths
Various ‘25 Movie Posters of Blockbusters
Official ad posters of Avatar, F1 the Movie, Frankenstein, Minecraft, Lilo and Stitch, Ne Zha 2, Sinners, Frankenstein, Weapons, Wicked 2, Zootopia 2
Official Ne Zha movie poster
The Wall of Bigtime Shame
In the rear of diner, black framed pictures of major 2025 images, including: mugshot of Luigi Mangione, accused assassin who was glorified as a pop culture hero; Diddy, domestic abuser convicted of federal charges; a portrait of Prince Andrew branded with a ”cancelled” stamp on it; the cheating couple caught on the Kiss Cam at a Coldplay concert; notorious celebs, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Sydney Sweeney in her Jeans
A poster of the questionably “controversial” American Eagle jeans ad featuring actress, Sydney Sweeney, arguably the most talked about actor of ‘25
The Showgirls Corner
a corner booth with various covers of Taylor Swift’s, Life of a Showgirl, major seller
Minecraft table
a long table especially for Minecraft fans
Jukebox Songs
Mainstream Pop Selections of 2025:
2501-Abracadabra by Lady Gaga 2502-Anxiety by Doechii
2503-APT by Rose with Bruno Mars
2504- Daisies by Justin Bieber
2505-Golden 2506-Luther 2507-Manchild by Sabrina Carpenter
2508-Ordinary by Alex
Oh, the love of one word titles, and mediocrity! These songs
Overall, 2025 lagged majorly in mainstream pop music. Certainly some exceptions here and there— but— too much techno noise and monotonous beats. There was a plethora of “meh” kinda songs that would have been B side material 30 years ago but were overly pumped up by the music industry. Okay, that Golden song is cute, well executed pop but the production is too industry orchestrated. And talk about the nonsensical lyrics. How in the world does “APT” even get a nod for Song of The Year by the Grammys when it is supposely a honor for best song writing?
Better 2025 songs of various genres
2509-People Watching by Sam Fender
2510-Play that Song & 2511-Nothing Is Impossible by Mariah Carey
2512-A Song to Sing by Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton
Old-timey kinda song great for jukebox playing
2513-Wildflower by Billie Eilish
2514-Somewhere Over Laredo by Lainey Wilson
2515-Man I Need by Olvia Dean
2516-Coming Around Again- Alanis Morisette with Carly Simon
Airy, breezy cover song, originally sung solo by Carly
2517-Die With a Smile by Bruno Mars/Lady Gaga
A carryover song from 2024 with great harmony and was #1 early in the year
2518- Bend the Clock & Night Terror by Dream Theater
BTC: such a crushing, soaring guitar solo in the end
NT: Rockin’ carryover song
You Look Like You Love Me- Ella Langley and Riley Green
I’m Gonna Love You by Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood
To Ease You by Men I Trust
Such a classic sounding. Would have been a smash hit in the mid 80s.This was the #6 pick from Rick Beato’s Spotify Top 10 of 2025 (More great selections here to check out on the list)
Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake amd Jellybean
Come Jesus Come by Cece Winans
Powerful vocal. A top gospel song of ‘25
Diner Shop
Merch “for sale” at Pit Stop ’25
Gift shop items featuring T-shirts and a sundry of souvenirs representative of pop culture 2025.
Tees
Vintage tees of 2025 American Pro Sports winners:
LA Dodgers, OKC Thunder , Philadelphia Eagles and Florida Panthers
Other tees/hoodies/accessories:
A rack with Charlie Kirk/Freedom tees and hoodies; hunting fatigue jackets ( a top ’25 fashion trend); cutesy tees of pop culture icons; K-Pop Demon Hunters; Minecraft; Stranger Things and various manga (One Piece and the like)
Toys and Plushes:
Nintendo Switch 2 player, Steal a Brainrot game
Plushes of Highland Cows, Capybaras, Axolotls, Labubu and Fuggler soft toys
Books
Featuring top frequent besteller novels (according to NYT), Onyx by Rebecca Yarros
& highly popular dyotopian Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Keychains/Charms/Magnets:
Items with the terms “6-7 theme”, “tariffs” and “Woke”; plus branded Minecraft, various cutesy purse charms (major ‘25 fashion accessory trend)
Postcards:
Including… “Pop Culture” cards featuring (mocking) the all-female crew of the historic Blue Origin flight NS-31 (Katy Perry and the girl power gang); Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engagement photo; image of divorcing celebs Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban with a cross out heart surrounding; Karen Read (Free Karen image); a courtroom sketch of Diddy looking old and tired
Collectable UK Royal style Tea Tins:
Featuring Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Whales together and the Princess alone smiling
