Labor
Increasing the minimum wage would help, not hurt, the economy
NBC News 10/23
A minimum wage that hasn’t risen since 2009 will only become increasingly unsustainable for the people relying on it, experts say.
A Restaurant Operations Expert Shares Industry Insights & Predictions In Light Of The Pandemic
Forbes 10/23
While the ripple effects of the pandemic have been felt across all industries, the restaurant industry, in particular, has been among the hardest hit. As restaurant operators and owners are forced react quickly to unexpected new realities, Shu Chowdhury has some insights to share on the current state and future of the industry.
Domino’s Driver Says Auto Reimbursement Falls Short
Law360 10/22
A Domino’s Pizza franchisee was hit with a proposed class and collective action Thursday in Kentucky federal court alleging its delivery drivers were left making less than the minimum wage under its “flawed” mileage reimbursement policy.
Food Industry Policy
Burger King testing reusable food packaging in zero-waste effort
The Hill 10/23
Burger King plans to test reusable food containers beginning in 2021 as part of its efforts to reduce waste.
Palm Springs businesses could face up to $1,000 in fines for violating state recycling rules
Palm Springs Desert Sun 10/23
Businesses in Palm Springs could be fined anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per day for failing to abide by the state’s recycling laws. The Palm Springs City Council passed a city ordinance Thursday that allows for code enforcement and fines.
Nearly 300 public, private sector groups launch digital campaign pushing for a deal on a coronavirus relief
The Hill 10/21
The Covid Relief Now Coalition is made up of organizations representing the public and private sector, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), International Franchise Association (IFA), National League of Cities, Airlines for America, National Retail Federation, the National Restaurant Association and the U.S. Travel Association.
On the Side
Crank up the heat: Tahoe restaurants preparing for winter amid COVID-19
Tahoe Daily Tribune 10/23
As temperatures cool and people pull out their winter jackets, restaurants around the Lake Tahoe Basin are preparing for winter. With uncertainty about what the state of COVID will be in the winter, restaurants are preparing to continue outdoor dining even after the snow begins to fall.
With Its Future in Question, a Japantown Institution Gets a Helping Hand From a Neighbor
Eater SF 10/23
The future of the dozens of restaurants and other food businesses in San Francisco’s Japan Center mall remains an open question, as their proprietors grapple with landlords unwilling to cut any discounts on rent owed during the pandemic. It’s a situation that puts the continued existence of Japantown itself into question. But if there’s one small silver lining that has come out of the looming crisis, it’s this: Japantown merchants themselves are lending each other a helping hand.
Second Amazon Fresh supermarket opens its doors
Supermarket News 10/23
Amazon has opened its second Amazon Fresh grocery store, located in Irvine, Calif. The 40,000-square-foot store, which opened to the public yesterday, serves up a mix of national and private brands and fresh produce, meat and seafood, along with an array prepared foods made fresh in store daily, Amazon said.
