Major Wendy's franchisee accused of PPP fraud

A former employee claims that Starboard Group received a $9 million loan, but ordered her to tell business partners it couldn't meet payment obligations because it didn't receive federal funding.

By Alicia Kelso • July 8, 2020

P.F. Chang's, Ruby Tuesday scored millions in PPP loans, according to SBA

Nearly 50,000 restaurant companies received loans of more than $150,000, and more than two-thirds of these PPP loans went to full-service restaurants, Small Business Association data shows. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 7, 2020

California, Chicago escalate response to COVID-19 violations

As of Monday, the multiagency task force created by Gov. Gavin Newsom said it issued 52 citations after warning 483,000 businesses of potential consequences, as Chicago and others clamp down on noncompliance. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 7, 2020

President signs PPP extension into law

President Donald Trump signed an application extension of the Paycheck Protection Program into law on July 4, pushing the deadline to Aug. 8.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated July 6, 2020

McDonald's puts reopening on hold for 3 weeks as COVID-19 spreads

Roughly 2,200 of the chain's U.S. locations are open for limited dine-in service, and the fast food giant said operators can continue to let diners eat inside if local municipalities allow it.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 2, 2020

PPP's quick rollout, rule changes, few safeguards are fraud risks, GAO says

More than $100 billion in loan money is still available through the program. The SBA plans to stop taking new applications Tuesday.

By Dan Ennis • June 29, 2020

Chipotle ranks No. 1 among QSRs for COVID-19 safety measures, report says

McDonald's and Starbucks ranked among the top for health and safety compliance as well, according to Ipsos research based on in-store visits from mystery shoppers.

By Alicia Kelso • June 24, 2020

DoorDash to pay $5.3M to settle San Francisco misclassification suit

This ends an investigation that began in 2019 following accusations the aggregator intentionally misclassified its delivery drivers as independent contractors so it could withhold sick leave.

By Kate Tornone • Updated Nov. 23, 2021

Starbucks' stumble on Black Lives Matter shows rising stakes for brands in addressing race

Initially banning employees from wearing Black Lives Matter apparel, the chain quickly reversed its position — but the damage may already have been done.

By Peter Adams • June 22, 2020

Prioritizing the 'simple' tasks when returning to work

Restaurants are going to have to be creative as they reopen, while maintaining the proper precautions in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

By John Orr, SVP of Retail, Ceridian • June 22, 2020

Taco Bell to clarify policy after employee fired for wearing Black Lives Matter mask

The chain said staff can don Black Lives Matter attire and has since apologized to the worker in Ohio, who posted a video on Facebook after being terminated for bringing "politics into the building."

By Julie Littman • June 19, 2020

Feds issue streamlined PPP loan forgiveness form

Under an EZ form, restaurants only have to complete a brief calculation and certify their representations to get out of repaying their payroll protection assistance.

By Robert Freedman • June 19, 2020

1 in 4 workers at high risk for serious COVID-19 illness as states reopen despite surges

New data from the Kaiser Family Foundation could throw a wrench in restaurants' plans to reopen and resume a normal course of operations, even as more than half of states report rising COVID-19 infections.

By Rebecca Pifer • June 18, 2020

Seattle passes hazard pay bill for food delivery drivers

The city council unanimously passed the rule requiring food delivery companies like DoorDash to pay drivers an additional $2.50 per trip.

By Jeff Wells • Updated June 16, 2020

How to ensure PPP loan forgiveness

While the Federal Accounting Standards Board is looking to create guidance for for-profit companies like restaurants, it recommends disclosing how the loan is treated in financial reports.

By Robert Freedman • June 16, 2020

Restaurant industry expected to lose $240B by the end of 2020

The segment has already bled $120 billion in sales during the last three months following stay-at-home orders and dining room closures due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Restaurant Association. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 16, 2020

Starbucks reverses policy, allows employees to wear Black Lives Matter attire

The decision follows backlash and calls to boycott the chain after BuzzFeed shared an internal company memo telling employees such clothes could be misconstrued and lead to violence. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 12, 2020

DC restaurants: Reopening patios amid COVID-19, protests like juggling 'flaming knives'

The District's restaurant scene is emblematic — perhaps in extremes — of the tumultuous environment that operators across the country are fighting to survive in.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 11, 2020

Texas Restaurant Association extends COVID-19 relief fund to restaurants damaged amid protests

Independent restaurants that have had their property vandalized can apply for financial support through the association's fund, which was originally designed to ease the economic impact of COVID-19. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 3, 2020

Panera franchisee to pay $4.6M in overtime lawsuit

The settlement, which received judicial approval last week, stems from a 2018 class action lawsuit filed by assistant managers against Covelli Enterprises, Panera's largest franchisee.

By Alicia Kelso • June 3, 2020

In-N-Out sues insurer for business interruption coverage

The chain claims Zurich American Insurance wrongly denied coverage of its losses from the coronavirus and is in breach of contract.

By Alicia Kelso • June 2, 2020

Insurers propose pandemic assistance plan

Federal money, not business interruption insurance, is the appropriate response to a pandemic, property and casualty carriers say. 

By Robert Freedman • May 29, 2020

EEOC asks court to enforce subpoenas against Bloomin' in pay discrimination investigation

The commission claims that the casual dining chain's "failure to comply" with subpoenas served in 2019 has "hampered the investigation" into sex-based discrimination allegations against an Outback Steakhouse.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 29, 2020

President signs PPP law that gives restaurants more flexibility

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act will lower required payroll spending from 75% to 60% for loan recipients and extend the loan period from two months to six months. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated June 5, 2020

San Francisco restaurants can use public space for takeout and dining

Operators can apply for free permits to expand pickup services to streets, sidewalks and parking spaces. Eventually, outdoor dining will also be allowed in these areas. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 28, 2020