Labor
Subsidized — not minimum — wages should assist workers during the pandemic
The Hill 8/20
The Democratic Party platform approved this week calls to more than double the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has declared that he’ll do just that if elected president, and the many supporters include his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). But there is a more innovative way to help low-wage workers, and it’s hard to overstate how bad a minimum wage increase would be right now.
Food Industry Policy
New Bill Would Mandate Agreements Between Delivery Services And Restaurants In California
KPBS 8/20
During the coronavirus pandemic, food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and Postmates have exploded in popularity. The app-based services usually have contracts with individual eateries to deliver their food, but not always.
Officials Tell San Francisco Diners to Stay at Home
Eater, San Francisco 8/20
The multitude of wildfires currently burning in the Bay Area have destroyed people’s homes, prompted mass evacuations, and left the spots untouched by flames dangerous to breathe, officials say.
On the Side
Influential James Beard restaurant awards canceled until 2022
San Francisco Chronicle 8/20
The James Beard Foundation, whose awards are considered to be among the restaurant world’s highest honors and regularly go to Bay Area restaurants, announced Thursday that it will discontinue the rest of its awards announcements in 2020 due to the impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on the industry, among other reasons.
How close are Bay Area counties to coming off state watch list?
SF Gate 8/20
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that San Francisco County will likely be removed from the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list only for the state to reverse itself one day later after the city’s number of new cases once again rose above the watch list threshold.
Taco Bell unveils new design with more drive-thrus as pandemic permanently shifts how we order
CNBC 8/20
Taco Bell unveiled its latest restaurant design on Thursday, intended to push customers to order their nachos and burritos ahead and keep drive-thru lines short as the coronavirus pandemic leaves lasting marks on consumer behavior.
4 Reasons Why Fries Dominate Restaurant Menus
Restaurant Business 8/19
“You want fries with that?” has become a catchphrase for a reason.
America, Brace Yourselves for a Pepperoni Shortage
Thrillist 8/17
In 2017 Domino’s created a high tech solution to what was, at the time, the biggest problem in Big Pepperoni: how the popular topping was sometimes poorly spread on a pie. But 2020 has challenged meat production in society-altering ways, and it seems neither pizza chains nor the producers themselves can save us from the latest spicy sausage travesty.
Amid COVID, Restaurants Shake Up the Meal Kit Game
FSR Magazine August 2020
Over the past decade, meal kits have taken the market by storm. Early options like Blue Apron and HelloFresh were soon followed by niche brands specializing in everything from vegan and paleo diets to organic and inexpensive ingredients.
What Will Separate the Fast Casual Winners and Losers Post Pandemic
QSR Magazine August 2020
A combination of better-for-you ingredients and tech-enabled operations will give restaurants a leg up.
