Labor
Coronavirus: California unemployment claims rise for second straight week
Marin Independent Journal 6/11
California unemployment claims have increased for the second straight week, according to a report released Thursday, an unsettling reminder that the state’s reeling economy is still battling to shake off the effects of coronavirus-linked business shutdowns.
Food Industry Policy
SF soda tax funds find new purpose: fighting hunger during COVID-19 pandemic
San Francisco Chronicle 6/12
To provide emergency relief to people struggling to afford food during the pandemic, San Francisco is using $1.65 million from its soda tax to bolster local programs feeding vulnerable communities in the city.
Yum Brands sues Grubhub for breach of contract
Nation’s Restaurant News 6/11
The suit was filed after Grubhub told Yum it had violated an exclusivity agreement, triggering a ‘brazen’ pricing structure that will result in an increase of nearly 40% in fees to consumers, Yum said.
Palo Alto Street Closed to Cars, Opened for Restaurant Seating
NBC, Bay Area 6/11
California Avenue in Palo Alto has been closed to cars to allow restaurants to add or expand outdoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Order takeout? Proposed California law aims for truth in all online restaurant menus
The Fresno Bee 6/11
The California Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would ban online food-delivery platforms from advertising restaurants’ menus without consent, potentially preventing companies like Grubhub and DoorDash from taking a cut of revenue from takeout orders.
Restaurants to Turn to Plexiglass to Keep Diners Together — and Apart
NBC, Bay Area 6/11
As patrons in San Francisco return to restaurants Friday to dine outside, some may find themselves eating and drinking while separated from their fellow diners by thin plexiglass shields. It may be the look of the future.
On the Side
Black Restaurant Community Talks Next Steps for Anti-Racism
KQED 6/11
Many restaurant owners and food industry personnel have spoken out on racial inequality within the food system. We spoke to black-owned restaurants from ‘Check, Please! Bay Area’ seasons past and present to hear how owners and employees are addressing this moment and envisioning the path forward.
Influencer Marketing and COVID-19: Can it Reinforce Customer Trust?
QSR Magazine 6/11
In a recent Datassential study, more than 200 brands said they’ve noticed a shift to comfort foods amid the pandemic. Fifty-three percent of guests started to order from a narrower set of items.
How to get guests to order from your restaurant instead of a delivery service
Restaurant Business 6/11
Restaurants need to be direct with customers about the best way to order from them, Advice Guy says.
For a cold, heartless robot, Sally makes a decent salad
Los Angeles Times 6/11
For a vending machine, Sally makes a mean salad. On a visit to Chowbotics’ Bay Area headquarters in March, back when in-person visits were still possible, I tapped my order on Sally’s touchscreen
