Labor
Lawmakers propose raising the federal minimum wage to $17 and killing the tip credit
Restaurant Business 7/25
The tip credit would be phased out nationwide and the federal minimum wage raised to $17 an hour under a bill introduced in Congress today by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Bobby Scott.
Will Peet’s Coffee join Starbucks in union movement? Vote begins at 3 Bay Area cafes
San Francisco Chronicle 7/25
While working at Peet’s Coffee, Terri McFadden has often felt unsafe, but nothing compares to when a customer threw hot water at him and his manager.
Food Industry Policy
Gov. Newsom Signs Bill That Eases Restrictions on Home-Cooked Foods
Eater LA 7/25
On Friday, July 21, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that strengthens the abilities of home cooks who sell food to the public.
Can Fast-Food Restaurants Surge America’s EV Charging Network?
QSR Magazine July 2025
The roar of gas-guzzling engines is slowly being replaced by the hum of electric motors. S&P Global Mobility projects that electric vehicles (EVs) could make up 40 percent of the country’s total car sales by 2030. Even more optimistic forecasts suggest that number could climb to over 50 percent.
On the Side
Sweetgreen branches out into Orange County
Los Angeles Times 7/25
In spite of the 90-degree weather, diners lined up outside Sweetgreen in Irvine on July 18 to get the first taste of the popular seasonal salad and bowl concept.
A coffee revolution: Peet’s’ first ever employee spills the beans
Berkeleyside 7/25
Long before the pandemic, the widespread adoption of craft coffee and the recent national coffee shop union drive, Bill Coffin was Employee Number One at the original Peet’s Coffee shop at Vine and Walnut streets in Berkeley.
