Labor
Tipping in San Francisco shot up during the pandemic. Now it’s coming back down
San Francisco Chronicle 6/19
San Franciscans tipped generously during the pandemic, giving more often and in larger quantities, to help employees who faced riskier work conditions and lost income during lockdowns. But as restaurants reopen, data suggest tipping is getting closer to normal.
A Reprieve for Franchise Business Model in California
JD Supra 6/18
California Assembly Bill 257, the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (FAST Recovery Act or AB 257) was defeated by the California Assembly on June 3, 2021. The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez, and had it passed, would have been a disaster for fast food franchisors, franchisees and their employees in California.
Food Industry Policy
Restaurants ‘confused, frustrated’ after lawsuit brings SBA grants to screeching halt
Yahoo Finance 6/19
Sharokina Shams, a spokesperson for the California Restaurant Association, told Yahoo Finance in an interview that it was “deeply disappointing to learn that nearly 3,000 struggling restaurants who were expecting these funds will not receive that help.”
Newport Beach extends temporary use permits for outdoor dining
Los Angeles Times 6/18
The Newport Beach City Council voted unanimously to extend the life of emergency temporary use permits, authorized under the city’s Back to Business program adopted last May, through Sept. 6. Councilman Noah Blom recused himself due to business interests.
On the Side
On The Go LA Aims to Boost Local Food Truck Vendors
dot.LA 6/19
On The Go LA allows local food entrepreneurs to rent a food truck in just a few clicks for a daily fee of $299, or on longer plans that offer lower rates. The founders don’t take any of the trucks’ profits. Instead, they make money from the rental and optional add-ons, such as a cleaning service or a location scouter.
How to eat really, really well at Bay Area gas stations on your next road trip
San Francisco Chronicle 6/18
If you look hard enough, you’ll find gas stations throughout the Bay Area serving up all kinds of tasty fare: rich birria tacos, fried chicken with buttery blueberry biscuits and, yes, even boba.