Inappropriate touching, unwanted spanking costs Las Vegas restaurant group $2M

The court documents allege that Bouchon and the greater restaurant group failed to take appropriate action to prevent the harassment, even after receiving complaints.

By Caroline Colvin • July 17, 2026

Taco Bell lettuce supplier linked to diarrhea outbreak

Upwards of 1,600 people who contracted cyclosporiasis reported eating at the chain beforehand, the CDC and FDA said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 17, 2026

Taco Bell pulls some ingredients as cyclosporiasis outbreak grows

The brand said its decision was a voluntary precaution and that no specific brand or restaurant has been confirmed as the source of the outbreak.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 16, 2026

Starbucks rolls out quarterly bonuses for high-performing workers

The latest perks could help the chain attract and retain workers needed to sustain its turnaround drive. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 13, 2026

Shallow restaurant labor pool could drive up summer wages

With 300,000 fewer young workers in the labor force than in 2025, restaurants in seasonal markets could have a tough time finding workers, the National Restaurant Association said. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 25, 2026

Cava will hire over 2K employees, open 75 units in 2026

The chain has already hired 150 assistant general managers as part of its Flavor Your Future platform to develop a deep bench of future general managers.

By Julie Littman • June 10, 2026

Why trade, swipe fees are NRA’s political priorities for restaurants

The National Restaurant Association is urging the Trump administration to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement and take a do-no-harm stance on tariffs.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 9, 2026

NRA: Immigration reform may be on the table in 2026

From scheduling laws to visa delays, the restaurant workforce is uniquely impacted by changes to labor regulations, posing major problems for operators with thin margins.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 8, 2026

Illinois restaurants face more tip fees, for now

A federal court blocked the state's interchange fee ban. Delays to the law could cost local businesses $500 million a year, proponents say. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 3, 2026

Restaurants frame immigration as a fight for consumer affordability

As inflation concerns escalate, restaurant groups have found lawmakers more receptive to immigration conversations — even in deep red Texas.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 20, 2026

What independent restaurants want out of politics in 2026

Immigration enforcement, high swipe fees, delivery commissions and a lack of market power threaten restaurant margins, said the Independent Restaurant Coalition’s executive director.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 12, 2026

Applebee’s franchisees sue chain over dual-branding exclusivity

Operators in Texas claim adding Applebee’s to existing IHOP restaurants broke development exclusivity agreements.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 27, 2026

Starbucks Nashville HQ will cost $100M, employ 2K workers

The chain will relocate some teams and hire new workers to staff a regional headquarters with proximity to key suppliers and expected growth markets.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 22, 2026

DOL proposes new joint employer rule

The rule would create “a single nationwide standard” for the Fair Labor Standards Act and other laws, the U.S. Department of Labor said.

By Ginger Christ • Updated April 22, 2026

Chicago’s tip credit elimination plan is back, for now

Chicago city councilors failed to overturn a mayoral veto of the council’s tipped wage freeze on Wednesday.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 16, 2026

How Starbucks, Target, Dave & Buster’s invest in employees to boost CX

Financial incentives, better training and unified company culture are among the tools companies are using to enhance the employee experience.

By Bryan Wassel • April 13, 2026

Popmenu: 35% of diners are cutting back on restaurant tips

Tipping fatigue and consumer price sensitivity driven by inflation may be lowering both the frequency and size of tips given to workers.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 10, 2026

Waffle House not liable for worker stabbing customer in face, 11th Circuit says

The plaintiff failed to show that the chain could have reasonably foreseen that such an incident would take place, according to the court.

By Ryan Golden • April 8, 2026

Popeyes dodges lawsuit over fingerprint scans, but court leaves door open for redo

The chain allegedly violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, a law that has led to several high-profile settlements.

By Ryan Golden • April 7, 2026

Burger King to hire 60K workers as part of turnaround

Investment in menu items, marketing and renovations have helped the chain bring in customers. Now it needs the workers to serve them.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 2, 2026

Starbucks adds performance bonuses for frontline workers

Baristas and shift supervisors could see $300 quarterly bonuses starting in July, while Starbucks is expanding tipping across ordering channels.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated April 3, 2026

Starbucks challenged by labor-friendly activist investors

Starbucks and Workers United may resume bargaining within weeks, despite an ongoing proxy battle over labor relations.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 23, 2026

Chicago Mayor plans to veto tipped wage freeze

The city council froze the tipped minimum wage at 76% of the city’s overall wage, following industry opposition to the gradual end of the tip credit.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 20, 2026

NRA: Tariffs, immigration and swipe fees will define restaurant politics in 2026

The National Restaurant Association said restaurants need stable trade policy, protections for immigrant workers and lower swipe fees.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 20, 2026

Restaurant lobby celebrates Illinois court win on swipe fees

A judge ruled the state can prohibit financial firms from charging interchange fees on tips and sales taxes.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 12, 2026