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Independent Restaurants

Operations

Operators out West face a new threat: Wildfire smoke

 By Heather Lalley on Sep. 15, 2020

After pivoting to outdoor dining amid the pandemic, dangerous air is forcing many restaurants in the western U.S. to abandon their patios.

Operations

With winter coming, more independents shut their doors for good

 By Heather Lalley on Sep. 11, 2020

With cold weather on the way and no clear aid package headed their way, more independent restaurant owners decide to close permanently.

Operations

Farewell letter from an independent restaurant owner

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 11, 2020

As Danny Abrams and Cindy Smith shutter their original location of The Mermaid Inn, they reflect on the pandemic’s impact on neighborhood restaurants and hope for better days in the future.

Operations

Ready to reopen, Commander’s Palace reinvents itself for the COVID era

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 10, 2020

The legendary New Orleans restaurant reopens its dining room Friday and launches a new to-go concept.

Marketing

Lettuce Entertain You launches its own Restaurant Week

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 10, 2020

The multi-concept operator will offer three-course meal deals at more than 30 restaurants, a tactic usually employed by cities, not independent restaurant groups.

Workforce

Boka Restaurant Group plans to lay off more than 500 workers

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 03, 2020

The Chicago-based multi-concept operator, known for partnering with chefs like Stephanie Izard and Giuseppi Tentori, filed notice that it will begin mass COVID-related layoffs starting September 20.

Operations

James Beard nominees say they support the decision to cancel the awards

By Patricia Cobe and Heather Lalley on Aug. 21, 2020

Past winners and 2020 nominees acknowledge the industry's challenges this year in supporting a two-year postponement.

Operations

James Beard Foundation cancels its awards until 2022

By Heather Lalley on Aug. 20, 2020

The organization, which recognizes the country’s top independent restaurants each year, said handing out awards would do little to help an industry struggling amid the pandemic.

Operations

Independent operators take on a mounting financial burden

By Heather Lalley on Aug. 14, 2020

Mom and pops are facing rising debt amid the pandemic as they wonder how long they can stay afloat.

Operations

Ark Restaurants faces continued uncertainty as the pandemic rages on

By Heather Lalley on Aug. 12, 2020

The multi-concept operator has already had to reclose just-opened restaurants due to the coronavirus and it is preparing to refund its holiday event deposits.

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