Continue to Site >>>

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.

None

Why restaurants should care about the looming hemp beverage ban

 By Restaurant Business Staff on Aug. 03, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at a federal provision that could recriminalize hemp THC products. Plus, a proposed $30 minimum wage on the ballot in one California county.

Workforce

The threat of fair share healthcare legislation

 By Restaurant Business Staff on Jul. 23, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at legislation that could make businesses more financially accountable for public healthcare costs. And McDonald's again calls for the end of the tip credit.

Operations

Congress should rethink approach to hemp products, says restaurant association

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jun. 30, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast takes a look at the National Restaurant Association's letter to Congress seeking a two-year delay in the hemp-product ban. And a look at the first half of 2026.

Workforce

Federal bill would grease path for unions

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jun. 23, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast focuses on legislation pending in the U.S. Senate that would speed up the process for organizing unions in the workplace.

Operations

Where to from here on the swipe fee battle?

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jun. 15, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast brings in Dan Swanson with the Merchants Payment Coalition to discuss recent defeats on the interchange relief front.

Operations

What restaurant operators should know about the California primary

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jun. 01, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast focuses on the Golden State, where operators will soon know who their options will be in the November election.

Operations

Colorado swipe-fee bill offers signs of hope

By Restaurant Business Staff on May 14, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at the unprecedented win over the banking and credit card lobby in Colorado, though the legislation awaits the governor's signature.

Marketing

How Steak 'n Shake's new MAHA officer could impact the industry

By Restaurant Business Staff on May 01, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast dives into the burger chain's appointment of a chief Make America Healthy Again officer, and how the tough economy has emboldened moves once deemed politically dangerous.

Operations

What the 'DoorDash Grandma' stunt tells us about Trump

By Restaurant Business Staff on Apr. 27, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast dissects the president's staged McDonald's delivery to the Oval Office and his efforts to woo the working class.

Operations

A new MAHA battle is brewing

By Restaurant Business Staff on Apr. 15, 2026

Working Lunch: This week’s episode of the restaurant politics podcast looks at the latest news surrounding RFK Jr. and the MAHA movement.

  • Page 1