New CEO to take helm at National Restaurant Association

Effective June 1, Tom Bené, a former Sysco and PepsiCo exec, will lead the organization during one of the most difficult times the industry has ever faced. 

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2020

IRS allows employers to claim tax credit for paying furloughed employees' health premiums

The employee retention credit is one of a few financial options available to employers during the pandemic, and could benefit chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack and Chuy's.

By Ryan Golden • May 14, 2020

Washington no longer requires dine-in customers to provide contact information

Gov. Jay Inslee revised his earlier requirement on Friday for restaurants to collect dine-in customer information, saying it would be voluntary for patrons.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 19, 2020

IRS: Business expenses not deductible under PPP loans

The chairs of the House and Senate tax-writing committees are expected to challenge the IRS' interpretation of the program to help small businesses survive the pandemic.  

By Robert Freedman • May 13, 2020

Illinois restaurants allowed to reopen with outdoor seating

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that restaurants can open with outdoor seating only during Phase 3, which could start as soon as the end of May, and will be welcome news for restaurants that pushed to reopen sooner. 

By Julie Littman • Updated May 21, 2020

24 attorneys general push for PPP changes

The requested changes echo demands from the Independent Restaurant Coalition and National Restaurant Association, which argue that the loan program's requirements aren't designed with restaurants in mind.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 11, 2020

Restaurateur charged with fraud over PPP loan application

David Staveley claimed he had dozens of employees at three restaurants. He only owned two, and neither was open when the coronavirus pandemic hit, the Justice Department found.

By Dan Ennis • May 7, 2020

Famous Dave's parent secures $13M PPP loan

After new restrictions on lending were put in place for public companies, BBQ Holdings remained eligible because it is considered a nano-cap business, with a capitalization below $50 million. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 6, 2020

McDonald's gives 10% bonus to employees working in company-owned stores

In addition to the bonus pay for working amid the pandemic, an internal memo obtained by Business Insider said franchisees should offer an emergency relief fund. 

By Thai Phi Le , Emma Liem Beckett • May 6, 2020

DoorDash partners with Pennsylvania AG to extend financial, childcare benefits

Expanded benefits include financial assistance for Dashers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for top Dashers who have primary childcare responsibilities for children whose schools and daycares have closed.

By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2020

Restaurants call on insurers to pay business interruption claims

Lawmakers and lawyers are getting involved as insurers say COVID-19 isn't covered, while Main Street businesses say they're counting on the proceeds to keep them afloat.  

By Robert Freedman • May 5, 2020

75% payroll rule makes PPP loans useless, business owners say

Small business owners need help with operational costs, which the government's program fails to cover without risking loan forgiveness.

By Robert Freedman • May 4, 2020

Whataburger to settle allegations that manager was told to hire only white applicants

Employers cannot rely on customer or client preferences that are discriminatory as the basis for negative employment actions, the EEOC has said.

By Lisa Burden • May 4, 2020

Nearly 50% of Texas restaurants don't want to reopen yet, study shows

Governor Greg Abbot allowed restaurants to reopen at 25% capacity on Friday, but a Texas Restaurant Association poll found that concerns about rehiring and restocking inventory are keeping operators on the sidelines. 

By Lauren Manning • May 4, 2020

Cosi sues SBA for barring it from PPP funding

The chain argues that the Paycheck Protection Program is a lifeline needed to maintain its business and it shouldn't have been restricted from the loans based on its February bankruptcy

By Alicia Kelso • April 30, 2020

Chili's to open 300 dining rooms by this weekend

The company has set up a new strategy that will seat customers two tables apart in states that are easing social distancing restrictions. 

By Julie Littman • April 30, 2020

5 practices restaurants can use to keep customers safe

Operators should maintain social distancing standards, retool their menus and communicate with their guests about what is being done to minimize exposure when dining room closures lift.

By Julie Littman • April 30, 2020

Georgia restaurateurs push back against reopening

Operators of over 120 restaurants in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, have pledged to keeping their dining rooms closed despite the governor's go-ahead.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2020

5 steps restaurants should take before bringing back staff

Before restaurants consider reopening their dining rooms, experts say operators should review payroll practices, rehire based on seniority and develop ways to monitor employee health.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2020

California's paid coronavirus sick leave requirement targets big chains

On April 16 Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order requiring food businesses with more than 500 employees nationwide to provide the benefit to essential workers, including delivery personnel. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 28, 2020

Lenders get 2nd chance to correct PPP flaws

Despite some negative press, the first rollout of the SBA program has let some banks prove they can help their customers even in the worst of times, said David Zaring, a Wharton professor of legal studies and business ethics.

By Anna Hrushka • April 28, 2020

Former workers sue Hooters alleging it failed to give proper notice of mass layoff

The plaintiffs alleged the company violated the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act when it laid off hundreds.

By Lisa Burden • April 27, 2020

California is paying restaurants to deliver meals to seniors

The program will reimburse restaurants $16 for breakfast meals, $17 for lunch and up to $28 for dinner. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 27, 2020

Seattle caps delivery fees at 15% in emergency order

The city's cap became effective Friday and will remain in place until restaurants can reopen their dining rooms. New York City is also considering a 10% cap. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated April 28, 2020

LA County to publicly list restaurants with COVID-19 exposures

Restaurants will join institutions like nursing facilities and shelters tracked by the county's Department of Public Health that have reported positive cases of coronavirus. 

By Julie Littman • April 24, 2020