Labor
McDonald’s Commits $250M to Improve Diversity of Franchisees
QSR Magazine 12/8
McDonald’s will undergo a five-year, $250 million plan to attract more minority franchisees, the company announced Wednesday.
All the outrage over a S.F. restaurant not serving armed police officers is absurd
San Francisco Chronicle 12/7
Imagine a scenario where you’re fresh off your shift at the power plant, and you decide to stop by a restaurant for dinner while carrying a barrel of toxic waste.
Food Industry Policy
This Bay Area city is using COVID funds to create permanent parklets for outdoor dining
The Mercury News 12/8
Despite the pandemic’s unpredictable trajectory, San Jose is making one thing certain: the beloved parklets and sidewalk seating areas that have livened up barren streets and allowed restaurant owners to keep their lights on during recent trying times are here to stay.
Inspectors hit S.F. restaurants with ‘confusing’ parklet violations despite mayor’s promise to delay enforcement
San Francisco Chronicle 12/8
Despite assurances from Mayor London Breed that restaurants would not face immediate fines for parklets now considered out of code, city inspectors Wednesday hit a block of North Beach with more violation notices — messages that threatened fines of up to $500 daily if their parklets are not in compliance within two weeks.
On the Side
California Pizza Kitchen debuts domestic franchising program
Restaurant Dive 12/9
California Pizza Kitchen has launched its first-ever domestic franchising program, the company announced Wednesday.
California is Taxing a Half Billion in Pandemic Stimulus Funds From Struggling Bars and Restaurants
California Globe 12/8
California restaurants and bars received $5.7 billion in Restaurant Revitalization Fund (“RRF”) grants out of a nationwide total of $28.6 billion.