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Financing

The restaurant industry has an immigration problem

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 23, 2026

The Bottom Line: The Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement policy is closing restaurants and hurting operators. But that’s nothing compared to the long-term impact it will have on sales and labor costs.

Food

What the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines mean for restaurants

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 08, 2026

Steak and burgers are in, seed oils and flour tortillas are out, as the government rethinks the way Americans should eat. But how much will this impact dining-out decisions?

Financing

Penny-wise, pound-foolish: Restaurants feel short-changed by the elimination of the penny

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 11, 2025

To the federal government, it makes sense to ditch the penny as it costs more to make than it’s worth. Restaurants are hoping Congress will help them buy time while the consumer adapts to the change.

Operations

Chicago committee advances hemp-THC ban as federal prohibition looms

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 05, 2025

The proposal now heads to the full city council for a vote. Beverages made with intoxicating hemp have become popular in Chicago's restaurants, bars and performance venues.

Financing

President Trump, looking to tout his economic record, returns to McDonald's

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 18, 2025

In a campaign-style speech to the fast-food giant’s franchisees, the president praised the company’s price cuts on Extra Value Meals and vowed to lower inflation.

Financing

With prices still rising, President Trump cuts tariffs on beef, coffee and other products

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 17, 2025

The White House walked back some of its import taxes on agricultural products amid inflation concerns. The National Restaurant Association said it “delivers needed relief for restaurants and their customers.”

Operations

The big, beautiful bungle on food donation

By Joe Kefauver on Oct. 01, 2025

President Trump’s signature bill eliminates tax deductions for corporations that do not exceed 1% of their taxable income. That could devastate restaurant chains’ food donation efforts.

Financing

On McDonald's head-scratching stand on the tip credit

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 17, 2025

A Deeper Dive: A special episode of the restaurant finance podcast explores the tip credit, and why the fast-food giant opted to leave the National Restaurant Association over the issue.

Financing

The labor market has slowed to a crawl

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 01, 2025

Restaurant job growth has flattened in recent months while employment throughout the economy has slowed this year, according to new federal data.

Financing

National Restaurant Association: New tariffs could raise food costs

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 01, 2025

The trade group is asking the Trump Administration to exempt food and beverages from new tariffs, saying they will drive up restaurants’ costs for items like coffee and hamburgers.

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