Labor
Chipotle, looking to attract workers, will raise its average wage to $15 an hour.
The New York Times 5/10
The fast-food chain, which is looking to hire 20,000 employees for its peak season and to staff the more than 200 restaurants it plans to open this year, said the wage increase would result in hourly workers making between $11 and $18 an hour.
Guaranteed Basic Income Could Be a Game-Changer for Restaurant Workers
Eater 5/10
More cities nationwide are considering guaranteed income for low-wage earners, which could empower food and farm industry employees.
Food Industry Policy
Senate approves Dodd’s to-go cocktails sales bill
The Davis Enterprise 5/10
The California Senate today unanimously approved legislation from State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to assist restaurants struggling to recover from the pandemic by allowing them to sell to-go cocktails.
What Ghost Kitchens Mean for the Future of San Diego’s Dining Scene
San Diego Magazine 5/10
Proponents of ghost kitchens say the lower cost allows entrepreneurs a more affordable entry point to the increasingly cost-dumb world of restaurants.
On the Side
132 LA County restaurants awarded $3,500 grants, year-long support
Long Beach Press Telegram 5/11
More than 130 Los Angeles County restaurants have been awarded grants of up to $3,500, with additional funding for year-long support services as they work to regain their footing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“RESTAURANTS MAY NO LONGER BE RESTAURANTS”
The Philadelphia Citizen 5/11
A national food writer looks at what a pandemic reset could mean for an industry long in need of reinvention.