Black Sweetgreen workers sue chain for racial discrimination and sexual harassment

Managers and coworkers called Black workers racial slurs and female workers faced sexual harassment and inappropriate touching, a lawsuit claims.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 15, 2023

California state Senate passes major restaurant labor compromise

The labor deal replaced the council outlined in AB 257 with a weakened version, set a $20 sectoral minimum wage, and averted a fight over joint-employer liability.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 14, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Workforce Challenges

The recovering restaurant labor market is still unstable, marked by growing worker demand and a small talent pool, pressuring businesses to adapt their staffing strategies. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

EEOC sues Jack in the Box franchisee over sexual harassment

Operator Rock Strategic allegedly failed to stop a general manager’s sexual harassment of young workers at a Texas location, EEOC said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 13, 2023

Las Vegas hospitality workers to hold strike vote

A potential strike would impact major hotels along the Strip, building on the labor movement that’s swept across Southern California.

By Noelle Mateer • Sept. 12, 2023

Restaurant industry, labor groups to kill CA’s FAST Act referendum with labor council deal

A major amendment to AB 1228 would scrap joint-employer liability and set a $20 minimum wage for QSR chains with 60 or more units.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 11, 2023

Culinary Union launches organizing effort at Las Vegas hotel restaurants

The union is hoping to organize 10,000 restaurant workers at hotels along the Strip, starting with Eataly Las Vegas, part of MGM Resorts.

By Noelle Mateer • Sept. 6, 2023

Domino’s franchisee faces federal suit over driver pay in Massachusetts

A suit argues that a low reimbursement rate resulted in drivers earning less than minimum wage in the latest in a long run of wage and hours suits against Domino’s franchisees.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 6, 2023

IFA CEO: Restaurant franchise model threatened by joint employer revisions

California’s AB 1228 would require franchisors and franchisees to share joint liability for adherence to labor law, which undermines the “business for yourself, but not by yourself” goal, says Matthew Haller.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 1, 2023

Chipotle takes Gen Z behind the scenes to recruit new employees

The chain is rolling out social media content highlighting employee perks and inside scoops as it attempts to recruit staff from a younger generation.

By Jessica Deyo • Aug. 31, 2023

BCTGM withdraws petition in Dunkin’ union drive

A union drive at a Cincinnati Dunkin’ did not reach an election, as the union withdrew its NLRB petition following a captive-audience meeting.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Sept. 12, 2023

Chipotle agrees to $300K settlement in DC over child labor law violations

The Washington, D.C., attorney general’s office found hundreds of instances of minors working past the number of hours allowed at Chipotle.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 28, 2023

NYC fast food chains to pay $4.5M in settlement of fair workweek violations

Fair workweek laws are meant to ensure that hourly workers in targeted industries are given predictable work schedules so they can plan their lives beyond work.

By Laurel Kalser • Aug. 24, 2023

Coffee could become a union industry in Boston

UNITE HERE has organized four Boston cafe chains. Now, it wants to use a standard contract to spur more unionization and drive up wages in the city’s coffee sector. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 24, 2023

EEOC alleges Olive Garden asked illegal questions during a job interview

A general manager at a Pennsylvania Olive Garden allegedly asked a candidate questions about his disability, then refused to hire him based on that information.

By Ginger Christ • Aug. 21, 2023

Cornell will not renew Starbucks contract amid student pressure

The university’s agreement with the coffee giant ends in June 2025, and some students are counting Cornell’s decision to source a new vendor as win for organized labor. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 18, 2023

New Jersey DOL issues stop-work orders at 27 Boston Markets over wage complaints

The chain faces a flurry of lawsuits from workers, creditors and vendors, including allegations it has failed to pay hundreds of workers.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 17, 2023

NYC mayor signs permanent outdoor dining program into law

Dining Out NYC addresses residents’ concerns about outdoor dining structures’ impact on sanitation and quality of life, and streamlines the process for restaurants to offer sidewalk and streetside service. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 16, 2023

Starbucks’ ‘overbroad’ workplace civility rule oversteps NLRA, Board rules

On the heels of its Stericycle ruling, which increased scrutiny of employer handbooks, NLRB said Starbucks must rescind its “How We Communicate” workplace policy.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 15, 2023

Federal court dismisses suit that targeted Starbucks’ DEI policies

The complaint alleged the coffee chain’s diverse hiring practices constituted discrimination against White people.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Aug. 14, 2023

Serve Robotics raises $30M, goes public in reverse merger

The delivery robot company, which merged with Patricia Acquisition Corp., will use the new financing to help deploy up to 2,000 robots with Uber Eats.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 11, 2023

SPB Hospitality CEO: Full-service chains still can’t find skilled labor

Josh Kern is focused on competitive benefits, enhanced training and a positive work culture to attract and retain talent.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 7, 2023

PDQ promotes Kep Sweeney to CEO

Sweeney takes the reins from co-founder Nick Reader as the chicken chain invests in off-premise improvements, including geofencing to trim service times for pickup orders. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 4, 2023

How Pollo Campero plans to grow from 90 US units to 250 in 5 years

Since expanding its customer base beyond its legacy Guatemalan and Salvadoran diners, the concept has gained traction throughout the U.S. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 4, 2023

EEOC: Bojangles to pay $20K in sexual harassment, retaliation suit

Earlier this year, an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission head publicly voiced concerns about sexual misconduct in the restaurant space.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 3, 2023

Starbucks re-ups commitment to military employees

The coffee company seeks to smooth out the relocation woes of military families, and provide increased mental health support for veteran workers.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 3, 2023