Working Lunch

Working Lunch is a podcast from Align Public Strategies devoted to explaining the so what and now what about key issues impacting the restaurant and retail industries.

Operations

Starbucks again changes with the times

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 21, 2025

Working Lunch: The political podcast features a discussion on the coffee shop giant’s change in its bathroom policy. Also, DoorDash strikes another deal.

Operations

Should restaurants fear alcohol warning labels?

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 13, 2025

Working Lunch: This week’s politics podcast from Align Public Strategies also features a discussion on the SEIU and the AFL-CIO and McDonald’s walking back DEI policies.

Workforce

Restaurants get a preview of regulation under Trump

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 16, 2024

Working Lunch: The Senate blocked a move by Democrats to keep decidedly pro-labor union regulators in power.

Workforce

Restaurateurs say Trump's pick for Labor should be a plus for the business

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 09, 2024

Working Lunch: Yes, Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been pro-labor, but she also knows firsthand what goes into running a small business.

Workforce

Trump's choice for Labor secretary is a head-scratcher

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 02, 2024

Working Lunch: Lori Chavez-DeRemer is a solid Republican, but few party colleagues on Capitol Hill have been as pro-labor. Here's why the nomination should raise the long-range concerns of restaurants and other employers.

Food

Robert Kennedy could prove the most controversial Trump appointee for restaurants

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 18, 2024

Working Lunch: The scion of the famous political family is an adamant critic of America's current food production methods. His opposition to factory farming could bring a disruption of supplies.

Workforce

Donald Trump's dream setup may prove nightmarish for restaurants

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 11, 2024

Working Lunch: With the White House and Congress both controlled by Republicans, operators could see a runaway train occasionally bearing down on them.

Leadership