Labor
With pandemic and presidential race, $15 minimum wage could get another push
CNBC 7/15
Advocates say the election and the coronavirus pandemic offer a new opportunity to push for a higher minimum wage.
Chipotle to Hire 10,000 People as Drive-Thru Growth Accelerates
QSR Magazine 7/15
Chipotle Mexican Grill on Wednesday announced that it will open its 100th Chipotlane, the brand’s drive-thru digital order pick-up lane, later this month.
Food Industry Policy
Have we reopened too soon? Bay Area food community weighs in
San Francisco Chronicle 7/16
The Bay Area has been slowly lifting social distancing restrictions on businesses and gathering places, though the full reopening of restaurants has garnered a mixed reaction.
‘Absolute chaos’: Bay Area businesses grapple with start-stop opening and closing
San Francisco Chronicle 7/15
Gov. Gavin Newsom called it a “dimmer switch.” For Bay Area business owners already grappling with new rules for protecting workers and customers as they reopened, the unexpected orders to close back up again are more like the flickering light in a horror film.
Oakland and Berkeley Restaurants Can — Once Again — Open for Outdoor Dining
Eater, San Francisco 7/15
The last few days have been a wild roller coaster for restaurants in Alameda County (the region that includes cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and Pleasanton).
ABC: Bars Can Stay Open If They Serve Bona Fide Meals Outside
CBS Sacramento 7/14
Bars that were ordered to close under the statewide order Monday now have another way to keep their business flowing.
On the Side
Domino’s CFO Jeffrey Lawrence to Retire After 20 Years with Company
QSR Magazine 7/16
Domino’s Pizza announced Thursday morning that Jeffrey D. Lawrence, EVP and chief financial officer, has announced his decision to retire from Domino’s after more than 20 years with the company. He has served in his current role for the last five years.
How Restaurants Can Bring Regulars Back Post-Pandemic
Forbes 7/15
Like many of you reading this, one of the things I’ve missed most during quarantine is eating at my favorite restaurants. Yes, I can get the food to go, but there’s something irreplaceable about stopping in at your favorite place for a lovely evening with someone special.
Landlord Pressures Bernal Heights Restaurant to Use Delivery Apps
Eater, San Francisco 7/15
Bernal Star’s landlord is telling the restaurant how to run its business, after revenues dropped during the pandemic.
Is the Restaurant Industry Headed for a Bankruptcy Wave?
FSR Magazine July 2020
Before the pandemic, operators expected a reduction in restaurants because of oversaturation. COVID has accelerated that process and acted as a butcher knife to the overinflated tire that was the food and beverage industry.