Independent Restaurants

Mask enforcement becomes a battleground for operators

By Heather Lalley on Jul. 14, 2020

Restaurant owners say diners have brandished weapons and spit on them after being told they must wear a mask to enter.

While some chains thrive, many independents can’t survive the pandemic

By Heather Lalley on Jul. 10, 2020

Independent restaurants, many of which have operated for decades, continue to announce permanent closures amid the coronavirus crisis.

Leadership

James Beard Foundation tries to repair its racial inequities

By Heather Lalley on Jun. 17, 2020

The organization, which advocates for independent restaurants, acknowledged it has not been “aggressive enough” in supporting restaurants owned by Black people and people of color.

Financing

Independent restaurants to Congress: We need $120B to stay alive

By Heather Lalley on Apr. 29, 2020

The newly formed Independent Restaurant Coalition is asking for a stabilization fund that would not be able to be accessed by large chains or publicly held companies.

Operations

Survey: Independent restaurants face a dire future

By Heather Lalley on Apr. 17, 2020

Independent operators surveyed by the James Beard Foundation said they’d laid off 91% of their hourly workers, and just 1 in 5 expects to remain open for the duration of the government-mandated dine-in shutdown.

Food

Cook with a Chef video series

Apr. 03, 2020

Chefs are taking to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other social platforms to offer video cooking classes to housebound customers

Operations

Data: Chinese restaurants hit hard by coronavirus fears

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 12, 2020

A new study by software provider Womply reveals the growing business impact of the coronavirus, stoked by incorrect notions about the illness that began in China.

Operations

LA’s restaurant-retail hybrid The Manufactory closes after less than a year

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 17, 2019

The massive operation, which was a partnership between Tartine Bakery’s founders and chef Chris Bianco, included two restaurants, a bakery and a coffee roastery.

Workforce