El Pollo Loco ordered to fix franchisee contracts to open new stores

More than half of the chain's locations are franchised, and operators aren't happy with the company's decision to open corporate-owned stores in close proximity to their longstanding restaurants.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 7, 2018

Google, Harvard use AI to pinpoint foodborne illness sources in real time

The two teamed up with health departments in Chicago and Las Vegas to cull search data for hints of potential food safety breaches, which could alter inspector visits.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 7, 2018

Move over, teens: Seniors are entering the restaurant workforce

As the labor market shrinks, more quick-service restaurants are hiring older workers looking to cushion retirement funds or battle boredom. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 6, 2018

Applebee's pays $100K to settle transgender hostess' bias suit

EEOC guidance on transgender discrimination has been challenged in court, but the agency continues to enforce its position, suing employers that don't comply with its directive.

By Lisa Burden • Nov. 1, 2018

Pret A Manger to shell out nearly $1M to underpaid New York workers

After settling a similar case in 2014 and amid two simultaneous labeling lawsuits, the U.K. sandwich chain will pay the hefty fine for alleged overtime and hourly wage violations.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 31, 2018

Cava offers employees paid leave to cast a ballot

Workers will get two hours to vote on Nov. 6 — the latest benefit tossed into the ring as chains like Starbucks and Noodles & Company fight to retain talent.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 26, 2018

Washington, DC mandates sexual harassment training for restaurants

The D.C. Council also voted to preserve the tip credit, a system some advocates believe is at the root of the industry's history of harassment.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 19, 2018

All but 2 burger chains fail antibiotics report card

Only Shake Shack and BurgerFi earned As on Chain Reaction's fourth annual antibiotic report, followed by Wendy's with a whopping D-.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 18, 2018

Washington, DC becomes the newest battleground over tipped wages

District lawmakers voted to block Initiative 77, a measure approved by voters in June that would raise wages for tipped workers. Now it's up to the mayor to decide the outcome, which could have national implications. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 5, 2018

Trade war spurs a shift in seafood supply chains

Demand for Canadian lobster has grown so much in the past months, the country's airports have had to add new cargo flights.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 4, 2018

QSR efforts to make healthy kids' meals aren't changing eating habits

New research from the University of Connecticut finds that although more chains are offering options like yogurt and fruit, kids are still eating less-healthy menu items. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 1, 2018

Restaurant managers ignored race harassment, EEOC suit says

Harassment generally becomes actionable when an employer fails to act; that's why manager training is so crucial.

By Lisa Burden • Sept. 24, 2018