Labor
How one multiconcept group solved its labor problem and is ‘crushing it’
Restaurant Hospitality 9/28
Multiconcept operator Patrick Whalen has opened three new restaurants over the past year. The group’s five restaurants are fully staffed, the work environment is more positive than ever and sales trends are outperforming pre-COVID levels.
Unions are gaining momentum at restaurants. They’ve been here before.
Marketplace 9/28
The food-and-beverage industry has one of the lowest unionization rates in the U.S. — 3.4% of workers last year, compared to the overall rate of nearly 10.8%. But workers from some high-profile shops hope to narrow that gap and have tried to organize at San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing; Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon; and, most recently, a group of Starbucks workers in Buffalo, New York.
Food Industry Policy
L.A. considers sweeping COVID vaccine mandate for restaurants, gyms, malls and salons
Los Angeles Times 9/28
Los Angeles leaders on Wednesday will consider a sweeping law requiring adult customers to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter a wide array of public places, including indoor restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, shopping centers, museums, movie theaters and hair and nail salons.
California lawmakers want outdoor dining to continue beyond pandemic
KTXL Fox 40 9/28
State lawmakers urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign bills that would extend outdoor dining in California. Lawmakers said one of the lessons learned in the pandemic was the beauty of outdoor dining, and they are hoping to keep the option available for restaurants for years ahead.
On the Side
Ahead of Fire Prevention Week—Is Your Restaurant Safe?
FSR Magazine 9/29
As a result of the Great Chicago Fire that killed 250 people in 1871, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed an annual week in October as Fire Prevention Week, now the longest-running public health and safety observance on record.
Michelin stars return to California. Here are this year’s winners
Los Angeles Times 9/28
After a year of pandemic hiatus, the Michelin Guide and its authoritative but divisive star rating system have returned to California. On Tuesday morning the international restaurant guidebook revealed its 2021 selections, including five new two-star designations — two of which can be found in Los Angeles.
