More funding won't fix PPP, restaurant experts say

The Paycheck Protection Program began accepting applications for its second round of funding Monday. But restaurants that already scored loans from the first round are afraid to cash in thanks to its vague and evolving stipulations.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated April 27, 2020

Chipotle to pay $25M in largest-ever food safety fine

The settlement with the Department of Justice stems from the company's foodborne illness outbreaks that sickened more than 1,100 people between 2015 and 2018. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 22, 2020

Restaurants sue major banks for prioritizing big businesses for PPP loans

Four class-action lawsuits accuse the lenders of favoring companies that would make them the most money, despite urging small operators to apply. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 21, 2020

NRA calls for PPP reform, estimates 8M restaurant job losses

National Restaurant Association is pushing Congress to create a $240 billion restaurant relief and recovery fund, and to change the PPP's loan period, forgiveness restrictions and repayment terms.

By Lauren Manning • April 21, 2020

Shake Shack is returning its $10M in PPP funding

The burger chain, which laid off or furloughed more than 1,000 employees last week, said Sunday that it has access to capital to fill the gap instead.

By Alicia Kelso , Emma Liem Beckett • April 20, 2020

Sales at over 77% of restaurants have declined by 50%

Two-thirds of those surveyed say they are uncertain that takeout or delivery will be enough to sustain their businesses until they are able to reopen, according to a James Beard Foundation report.

By Julie Littman • April 17, 2020

Judge denies McDonald's motion to dismiss $500M sexual harassment suit

The chain had argued the class-action lawsuit's claims were too broad and the allegations at one restaurant couldn't stretch to complaints of systemwide culture issues. 

By Sheryl Estrada • Updated July 21, 2021

San Francisco caps food delivery commissions at 15%

An emergency order from Mayor London Breed makes San Francisco the first city to set limits on what third-party delivery platforms can charge restaurants. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 14, 2020

Independent restaurants grapple with layoffs, but fight to survive

Establishments like Beast in Oregon and Agave Uptown in California talk about the devastating decisions to let employees go or furlough staff during coronavirus.

By Julie Littman • April 14, 2020

Shutdown-impacted businesses taking PPP loans may risk losing CARES Act tax benefits

Until rules are out, it's not clear paying expenses with stimulus loan funds will help your business come tax time.

By Robert Freedman • April 13, 2020

Independent Restaurant Coalition asks Congress to extend Paycheck Protection Program

The group says the initiative's eight-week time frame isn't long enough and wants it to be lengthened to three months to help businesses stay open when they reopen.

By Julie Littman • April 7, 2020

States push legislation to protect restaurants with business interruption insurance

Legislators in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Ohio drafted bills that would force insurers to cover establishments that have shut down due to COVID-19.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 7, 2020

McDonald's rolls out wellness checks, will test employee temperatures

The company and its franchisees will ask workers a series of health-related questions before they can clock in for shifts.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 2, 2020

Postmates couriers are employees, New York appeals court finds

Laws generally are evolving to make it more difficult for companies to establish gig worker status — a change many businesses, especially food delivery companies, are fighting.

By Jennifer Carsen , Emma Liem Beckett • March 31, 2020

5 things to know about the new coronavirus paid leave law

A number of small businesses are "despondent," one source told HR Dive. But there's hope the federal government could soften the the law's impact.

By Ryan Golden • March 30, 2020

President signs $2T coronavirus stimulus package, 'a first step' in helping restaurants recover

With an expansion of unemployment benefits and direct payments to individuals and families, some relief is on the way for many restaurant workers. 

By Julie Littman • Updated March 27, 2020

McDonald's reportedly pushed against sick leave provision in coronavirus package

The chain is concerned the package — which requires companies with 50 to 500 employees to give workers two weeks paid sick leave — will hurt its franchisee profitability, according to Business Insider. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 19, 2020

NRA predicts $225B loss for restaurants, urges federal economic aid

The association is pushing for a $145 billion restaurant and food service recovery fund to pay employees and help operations, as well as assistance that allows businesses to defer mortgage, lease and loan obligations.

By Lauren Manning • March 19, 2020

&pizza's coronavirus response plan: Pay workers more, not less

As restaurants across the country lay off workers in droves, the Washington, D.C.-based pizza chain has raised hourly pay $1 and is developing plans to keep staff fully employed even if its stores temporarily close. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 18, 2020

Will COVID-19 usher in permanent restaurant paid sick leave benefits?

The restaurant industry is notorious for a lack of paid sick leave policies for foodservice workers. Some experts think policy changes during the outbreak could make these improvements last.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 17, 2020

States are mandating restaurant closures. Here's 3 ways brands can prepare.

Whether a restaurant is closing just its dining rooms or halting operations completely, lease agreements, perishable inventory and off-premise strategy will need to be assessed to weather COVID-19's impact. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 16, 2020

Starbucks offers 'catastrophe pay' to workers impacted by coronavirus

The temporary benefit includes 14 days of paid sick leave for workers diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, and also for those who are at elevated risk due to age or preexisting medical conditions. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 12, 2020

Postmates will cover coronavirus medical costs for delivery fleet

The delivery platform will also let restaurants in San Francisco partner with it at no cost as foot traffic declines, giving small businesses an opportunity to protect profits as the virus spreads.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 11, 2020

McDonald's corporate stores offer quarantined workers 2 weeks paid leave

Labor advocacy group Fight for $15 wants the company to do more and issued a list of demands, including paid sick leave for all employees and better training on cleaning standards.

By Julie Littman • March 11, 2020

Olive Garden parent adds paid sick leave amid coronavirus concerns

Darden's permanent benefit grants 180,000 employees an hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and new employees will be able to use accrued sick leave after 90 days on the job. 

By Julie Littman • March 10, 2020