North Carolina restaurant group wins business interruption case to recover COVID-19 losses

The group's attorney says this is the first decision in favor of a restaurant business against an insurance company claiming that the pandemic caused a "physical loss." 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 23, 2020

Where the presidential candidates stand on workplace issues

Restaurant Dive and HR Dive are providing an ongoing comparison of the nominees' platforms on topics such as tip credits and minimum wage.

By HR Dive and Restaurant Dive staff • Updated Oct. 23, 2020

Report: Winter weather could undo 2M in job gains from August, September

Restaurants, which added outdoor dining during the summer, will be among the most impacted, especially if they are in markets where average temperatures drop to below 50 degrees by November, Gusto research shows.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 20, 2020

Former Sweetgreen employee alleges he was sexually harassed, misgendered

The plaintiff, a transgender man, said a co-worker "showed him pornographic pictures, told other employees they were dating and that the plaintiff was her property," according to the complaint. 

By Lisa Burden • Oct. 20, 2020

NYC releases heater guidance as city faces new restaurant closures, impending winter

Mayor Bill de Blasio has approved the use of electric, gas and propane heaters for outdoor dining following Gov. Andrew Cuomo's new "Cluster Action Plan" to close or reduce dining capacity in neighborhoods with high COVID-19 cases. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 16, 2020

Wisconsin judge reinstates 25% capacity limit on bars, restaurants

The judge denied a request on Monday to extend a temporary hold on Gov. Tony Ever's restrictions, which were put into place a week ago, arguing that it was unclear if businesses were actually being hurt by the measure.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Oct. 21, 2020

Chipotle adds HBCU to its education benefit

The retention rate for program participants is three and a half times higher than that of others, the company said.

By Sheryl Estrada • Oct. 15, 2020

McDonald's sued over alleged harassment of Black workers, diners

The three plaintiffs, who worked at an Illinois restaurant, claim the location's general manager called Black employees and diners "ghetto" and retaliated against Black workers through hour reductions and termination.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 14, 2020

NYC restaurants caught in crossfire of contradictory COVID-19 guidelines

Over the course of this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced two different, overlapping plans to close restaurants in neighborhoods with high infection rates. Here's what's happening now.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 9, 2020

Starbucks partners with Lyft to drive employees to vote

The coffee chain's 200,000 U.S. employees will receive a free, one-way ride worth up to $75 to the polls on Election Day.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 7, 2020

NYC Mayor de Blasio to move forward with select restaurant shutdowns without state approval

Despite a lack of approval from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would halt indoor and outdoor dining in these areas starting Wednesday unless the state offers a different plan.  

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Oct. 6, 2020

Unemployed residents of Hawaii will receive $500 to stimulate restaurant spending

The state's Chamber of Commerce is using $75 million from its CARES Act money to fund the cards, which the organization says will save an estimated 1,000 jobs. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 2, 2020

'The new better': Why restaurants can't go back to the way business was before the pandemic

Expectations of businesses have greatly evolved over the past six months, and if restaurants want to lure diners back, they need to prioritize both customer innovation and the employee experience, writes Ben Rogers of Qualtrics. 

By Ben Rogers • Oct. 1, 2020

Treasury says it could start forgiving PPP loans this week

Meanwhile, 10 trade groups urged Senate and House leaders Tuesday to reauthorize the program and pass the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, which would forgive loans of less than $150,000.

By Dan Ennis , Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 1, 2020

NYC makes outdoor dining program permanent

The city's Open Restaurants program, which includes over 10,000 participating eateries, will provide guidelines on heaters and how to offer this channel during the coming colder months. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 28, 2020

DoorDash accused of providing 'deceptive information' about non-partners on its platform

A restaurant claims the company falsely listed it as closed or out of delivery range to redirect orders, but DoorDash claims it never intentionally steered customers away from any restaurant.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Sept. 28, 2020

California law bars delivery companies from adding non-partnered restaurants

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, requires aggregators to sign a written agreement with a restaurant before adding menus to their marketplaces and offering delivery.

By Julie Littman • Updated Sept. 28, 2020

AICPA makes PPP loan forgiveness tool available

Finance leaders for any entity that's received a federal PPP loan can access the tool for free to apply for forgiveness. 

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 24, 2020

DC launches $4M grant program to help restaurants winterize their outdoor dining spaces

Funds will be dispersed starting Oct. 1 and can be put toward expenses including tents, heaters, propane, furniture, advertising and operational costs.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 23, 2020

Chipotle fired employee for assault complaint, EEOC alleges

The employee was fired days after saying she planned to escalate her complaint, according to the enforcement agency.

By Lisa Burden • Sept. 22, 2020

87% of New York City hospitality owners couldn't pay full August rent, report says

While there was a slight uptick in landlords renegotiating leases between June and August, 60% of landlords have not waived rent in relation to COVID-19, according to a NYC Hospitality Alliance survey. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 22, 2020

San Francisco restaurants could reopen at 25% capacity in October

Mayor London Breed announced a new plan for city restaurants last week, which will allow area operators to open for limited seating if the city reaches a "moderate" COVID-19 risk level.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 21, 2020

Many banks not yet accepting PPP forgiveness applications

Lenders are awaiting more guidance from the federal government as well as potential legislative action on the Paycheck Protection Program. Here is a rundown of what some of the country's top banks are telling customers.

By Jennifer Goodman • Sept. 21, 2020

Texas increases indoor restaurant capacity from 50% to 75%

The Texas Restaurant Association applauded Gov. Greg Abbott's decision, noting that 15% of restaurants in the state have closed amid the pandemic.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 18, 2020

McDonald's joint employer victory could be marred by potential conflict of interest

An NLRB board member participated in a ruling, despite ties to McDonald's, that said the fast food chain would not be liable for violations committed by franchisees.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 17, 2020