politics

Politicians are quietly creating a new route for restaurants to sell wine

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 16, 2023

Working Lunch: It's an often-overlooked channel with plenty of room for growth, according to a lobbyist in the trenches.

Operations

Restaurants applaud Texas' effort to avert a hodgepodge of business regulations

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 14, 2023

A bill signed into law by Gov. Abbott ensures that local and county jurisdictions can't set rules that conflict with state and federal requirements.

Operations

Bill is introduced to bring down restaurants' swipe fees

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 07, 2023

The bipartisan measure aims to lower the cost by fostering more competition among processors.

Consumer Trends

Now Chick-fil-A is being blasted by the right

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 05, 2023

Working Lunch: The high-flying chain is drawing fire for hiring a head of diversity, equity and inclusion. Is any brand safe from the nation's political polarization?

Premium

Operations

Washington, D.C., restaurants learn the outs of service fees

By Peter Romeo on May 22, 2023

Surcharges have become routine after residents voted to kill the tip credit. Now, operators and customers are coming across the unexpected side effects.

Operations

Recent elections provide few clues of what will happen in 2024

By Peter Romeo on May 19, 2023

Working Lunch: The mayoral contests yielded little insight on what's ahead for restaurants politically.

Consumer Trends

What restaurateurs can learn from the culture wars—including how to stay clear

By Peter Romeo on May 01, 2023

Working Lunch: The Bud Light and Disney controversies show how businesses can be sucked in.

Leadership

Accusations fly in Howard Schultz's appearance before Bernie Sanders' Senate committee

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 29, 2023

The former Starbucks chief was accused of being a regulatory scofflaw with little regard for the chain's employees. And he had a few pointed words for the senators who bashed him.

Workforce