California judge overturns Prop 22, causing a setback for delivery firms

The judge ruled Friday the law is unconstitutional because it undermines the legislature's ability to grant workers' compensation rights to delivery and rideshare drivers.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 23, 2021

New York City restaurants sue Mayor Bill de Blasio over vaccine mandate

The Independent Restaurant Owners Association Rescue's lawsuit could spark similar litigation across the industry as other cities and restaurants adopt vaccine mandates for indoor dining. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 19, 2021

New York State Restaurant Association president on how Kathy Hochul could shape restaurant policy

Melissa Fleischut talks about the association's experience working with Hochul, what challenges lie ahead for the state's restaurants and how she hopes the incoming governor will help.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 16, 2021

New Orleans vaccine mandate for indoor dining takes effect

The Big Easy's mandate began Monday and could provide a test case for restaurants in San Francisco, which will soon fall under similar regulations. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 16, 2021

San Francisco to require proof of full vaccinations for indoor dining

The city's mandate will begin Aug. 20 for customers and Oct. 14 for employees. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 13, 2021

Chipotle to settle EEOC charges of sexual harassment, retaliation

The worker whom the behavior targeted was fired three days after she said she planned to elevate the issue to corporate headquarters, EEOC said.

By Katie Clarey • Aug. 13, 2021

$1.2 trillion infrastructure bill would strip restaurants of key tax credit

The package, which passed the Senate Tuesday and now awaits review by the House, would end the Employee Retention Credit for small businesses three months early. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 11, 2021

Postmates strikes nearly $1M deal with Seattle over gig worker claims

The city began investigating the aggregator after workers complained that it failed to provide paid sick and safe time, violating a pandemic-era ordinance. 

By Emilie Shumway • Aug. 9, 2021

Stockholders sue McDonald's over the handling of Easterbrook firing

This complaint is similar to a suit filed recently against the Golden Arches and Morgan Lewis & Bockius that claims the probe was rushed and the law firm created "an information vacuum" at the company.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 9, 2021

30% of diners would leave a restaurant if asked for proof of vaccination, report shows

Comparatively, 68% of diners say they would comply with mask requirements to eat inside a restaurant, according to Datassential research.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 5, 2021

One Fair Wage creates guide to transition restaurants to a $15 minimum wage

The nonprofit organization recommends restaurants offset rising labor costs through modest menu price increase and by renegotiating contracts, implementing operational efficiencies and preventing costly food waste. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 4, 2021

New York City will require vaccines for indoor dining starting in September

The Big Apple is the first city to announce such a mandate, which will be enforced beginning Sept. 13 to encourage higher vaccination rates.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 3, 2021

Only 24% of US consumers support vaccine requirement to dine indoors, report finds

Comparatively, 60% believe vaccinations should be required to travel on an airplane, according to Gartner research. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 2, 2021

Massachusetts attorney general sues Grubhub for violating temporary fee cap

Maura Healey alleges the delivery company charged 18% or higher in fees during the months a 15% limit was in place. Grubhub claims an additional 3% fee was related to order processing.

By Julie Littman • July 30, 2021

New York City Council extends 15% delivery fee cap until 2022

The legislation is part of a package of bills that would tighten third-party food delivery restrictions, including barring non-partner listings.

By Alicia Kelso • July 30, 2021

USHG to require guests to show proof of vaccine status

Beginning Sept. 7, Union Square Hospitality Group will become one of the largest fine dining restaurant groups to issue a vaccine policy for both customers and staff.

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2021

SBA will open PPP forgiveness portal in August

The platform will allow businesses with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 or less to apply for forgiveness directly starting Aug. 4.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 28, 2021

Congress proposes Entrée Act to inject $60B into Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The funds would come from rescinding money from unspent Economic Injury Disaster Loans and other state and local funds within President Biden's American Rescue Plan.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 22, 2021

DoorDash, Grubhub sue San Francisco over permanent delivery caps

The companies claim the 15% cap — which San Francisco's Board of Supervisors unanimously passed in June — is unnecessary, harmful, unconstitutional and will result in fewer orders for restaurants.

By Julie Littman • July 19, 2021

OFW: Ending unemployment benefits doesn't ease restaurant labor pressure

In five states that already ended federally funded unemployment benefits, only 16% of workers said they would be more likely to accept any low-wage job, One Fair Wage research reveals. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 16, 2021

IRC cries foul over hotels, recreation facilities receiving Restaurant Revitalization Funds

The group pointed out that 11 locations under the Hilton and Wyndham banners received a total of $24 million in grants.

By Alicia Kelso • July 13, 2021

Biden's competition executive order takes aim at non-compete agreements

The order will make it easier for restaurant employees to change jobs without facing legal restrictions, such as anti-poaching clauses included in restaurant franchise agreements.

By Ryan Golden • Updated July 12, 2021

One Fair Wage launches $1M restaurant worker relief fund

By providing workers up to $1,200 in grants, the organization hopes to keep restaurant staff on the job to fight for higher wages. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 9, 2021

Study: Labor shortages, food costs are now restaurants' biggest concerns

New research commissioned by Uber Eats and DoorDash shows concern about these issues eclipses operator worries about third-party delivery fees.

By Alicia Kelso • July 8, 2021

24% of Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants were for $50K or less

The majority of grants (25.7%) were for between $150,000 and $350,000, but more than two-thirds of the program's applicants didn't receive grants.

By Alicia Kelso • July 8, 2021