Labor
As Minimum Wage Rise Approaches; Workers Relieved, Restaurants, Retail Wary
Pasadena Now 6/23
Back in late May, more than two dozen Pasadena workers demonstrated at City Hall to demand that the City Council keep its commitment to raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour on July 1 as scheduled.
Chipotle’s $3M Worker Break Deal Faces Skeptical Judge
Law 360 6/23
A California federal judge said Tuesday she’s unlikely to approve a $3 million settlement resolving claims that Chipotle failed to provide thousands of California workers with required breaks, expressing concern that workers would receive just $6 or a burrito, while the average arbitration award for such workers exceeds $860.
Workers call for extension of pandemic unemployment benefits
The Philadelphia Tribune 6/23
Laid-off workers rallied in front of Sen. Pat Toomey’s Philadelphia office Monday to demand the extension of pandemic unemployment compensation.
Food Industry Policy
SF Restaurants’ Reopening Stalled by Drinking Problem
SF Weekly 6/23
While outdoor table service has been permitted in San Francisco since June 12, many restaurants are still unable to legally serve alcoholic beverages to diners thanks to a mismatch between city and state regulations.
To-Go Alcohol Could Become Legal in These Six States
Best Life 6/23
Many laws have been loosened in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. After liquor stores were deemed an “essential business,” alcohol-to-go laws became less restrictive across 34 states to help restaurants and bars struggling amid stay-at-home orders.
On the Side
Restaurants Are at the Mercy of Delivery Apps, but Can they Survive the Pandemic Without Them?
Civil Eats 6/23
Just four delivery app companies control 98 percent of all restaurant sales, with sky-high commissions and fees. Restaurants that have shifted to delivery-only are seeking solutions.
For These Old-School Chefs, Staying Home Means They Can’t Feed You
Eater, San Francisco 6/23
When the new coronavirus (COVID-19) hit the Bay Area, citizens were told again and again the people over the age of 65 are at particular risk of infection, and should remain isolated and at home until the threat of the virus has passed.
Starbucks continues plant-based push with Impossible breakfast sandwich
Restaurant Dive 6/23
Starbucks expanded its summer menu on Tuesday to include the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich, as well as the Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam, Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam, according to a company announcement.
Will lockdown food delivery habits continue when normal life resumes?
Verdict Foodservice 6/23
As of June 15th, shoppers in England can now visit non-essential stores for the first time in months, with British favorites like Primark reopening for the public.
Pandemic Dining: Tips to Respect Workers, Diners and Yourself
KQED 6/23
As Bay Area restaurants reopen, there is still a lot of uncertainty about how to keep patrons and workers safe. And although the CDC recommends takeout, delivery, curbside pick-up and drive-through services to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many Bay Area residents are eager to dine out at their favorite eateries again.
