DC launches $4M grant program to help restaurants winterize their outdoor dining spaces

Funds will be dispersed starting Oct. 1 and can be put toward expenses including tents, heaters, propane, furniture, advertising and operational costs.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 23, 2020

Chipotle fired employee for assault complaint, EEOC alleges

The employee was fired days after saying she planned to escalate her complaint, according to the enforcement agency.

By Lisa Burden • Sept. 22, 2020

87% of New York City hospitality owners couldn't pay full August rent, report says

While there was a slight uptick in landlords renegotiating leases between June and August, 60% of landlords have not waived rent in relation to COVID-19, according to a NYC Hospitality Alliance survey. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 22, 2020

San Francisco restaurants could reopen at 25% capacity in October

Mayor London Breed announced a new plan for city restaurants last week, which will allow area operators to open for limited seating if the city reaches a "moderate" COVID-19 risk level.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 21, 2020

Many banks not yet accepting PPP forgiveness applications

Lenders are awaiting more guidance from the federal government as well as potential legislative action on the Paycheck Protection Program. Here is a rundown of what some of the country's top banks are telling customers.

By Jennifer Goodman • Sept. 21, 2020

Texas increases indoor restaurant capacity from 50% to 75%

The Texas Restaurant Association applauded Gov. Greg Abbott's decision, noting that 15% of restaurants in the state have closed amid the pandemic.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 18, 2020

McDonald's joint employer victory could be marred by potential conflict of interest

An NLRB board member participated in a ruling, despite ties to McDonald's, that said the fast food chain would not be liable for violations committed by franchisees.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 17, 2020

New York City Council passes 10% COVID-19 surcharge

The ordinance, which awaits Mayor Bill de Blasio's signature, is expected to help restaurants recover from lost sales during the pandemic and could cover costs associated with outdoor dining and personal protective equipment.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 17, 2020

Taco Bell announces 'womxn-focused' employee resource group

Some employers have prioritized employee resource groups as a way to support diversity and inclusion work in recent months.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 17, 2020

Biden doubles down on $15 minimum wage, end to tip credit

The Democratic presidential candidate also said he opposes the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities.

By Aman Kidwai • Sept. 16, 2020

Nearly 1 in 6 restaurants have closed, says NRA

Without more financial support from the federal government, the association says the industry is on track to lose $240 billion by the end of 2020. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 14, 2020

California Restaurant Association says the state's small business support isn't enough

CRA President and CEO Jot Condie criticized the bills signed into law last week, saying they failed to target aid directly for restaurants in the state.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 14, 2020

Dining out increases COVID-19 risk more than other activities, CDC report finds

Adults who have tested positive for COVID-19 were nearly twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant in the past two weeks than those who tested negative, according to the agency.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 11, 2020

NYC to allow 25% indoor dining capacity as bar compliance improves

While compliance currently sits at 99.2%, the city will provide 400 inspectors to ensure restaurants continue following safety protocols. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 10, 2020

Pennsylvania restaurants can double dining capacity with online certification

Gov. Tom Wolf will allow restaurants — except those in Philadelphia — to operate at 50% beginning Sept. 21 if they pledge to follow safety guidelines.  

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 9, 2020

Hurricane Isaias' impact on restaurant sales hint at what to expect this winter

During the storm, which hit the East Coast during the first week of August, regional restaurant sales dropped by 11%. Connecticut, New Jersey and New York were the most impacted states. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 4, 2020

Restaurant owners growing restless with disparate state opening plans

California and New Jersey just released new reopening plans, while New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio promises to have an answer within the next few weeks. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 3, 2020

27 Black former franchisees join racial discrimination case against McDonald's

The amended complaint now contains 77 named plaintiffs and includes nearly 300 stores with compensatory damages averaging between $4 million to $5 million per location. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Nov. 18, 2020

New York, Los Angeles extend delivery commission fee caps

With the pandemic complicating reopening plans, these two cities are lengthening their timelines until restaurants are able to operate at 100% dine-in capacity, plus an additional 90 days.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 31, 2020

Chicago outdoor dining challenge to help restaurants survive winter

The city is crowdsourcing design ideas for outdoor seating to help restaurants as winter approaches and the pandemic stretches on.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 31, 2020

Sex, lies and the C-suite: How McDonald's clawback battle highlights need for strong misconduct policies

Corporate ethics experts feel the chain isn’t doing enough to establish a zero-tolerance policy following news of ex-CEO Steve Easterbrook's inappropriate relationships with female employees.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 26, 2020

Judge OKs lawsuit by businesses seeking COVID-19-related insurance claims

In a first, restaurants and other businesses hit by pandemic shutdowns can move forward on legal efforts to get insurers to pay on business interruption policies.

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 25, 2020

Gov. Cuomo mulls ending outdoor dining as NYC restaurants' frustrations grow

Operators have also threatened legal action if plans for a phased return to indoor dining are not made. 

By Rosie Bradbury • Aug. 21, 2020

Chipotle managers refused nursing mom pumping breaks, class-action suit alleges

The plaintiff alleged the managers told her she "should have managed her time better before coming into work," in refusing her break time on one occasion.

By Lisa Burden • Aug. 20, 2020

Easterbrook fights to keep McDonald's severance, claims company knew of inappropriate behavior

The former CEO's attorney argues that because McDonald's had possession of his emails in October, the restaurant doesn't have grounds to accuse Easterbrook of breaking his deal with the company.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 17, 2020