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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.

Workforce

Anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck gets spotlight at HR conference

 By Restaurant Business Staff on Oct. 28, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast discusses the appearance of a conservative influencer at the Society of Human Resource Mangement's conference. Some attendees are boycotting the event as a result, but is this an opportunity to hash out the attacks on anti-wokeism?

Workforce

How restaurants are pushing back on Trump's immigration crackdown

 By Restaurant Business Staff on Oct. 21, 2025

Working Lunch: This week’s political podcast looks how Chicago restaurants are making it clear ICE agents are not welcome. Is that a good idea?

Operations

The rising threat to America's free market system

By Restaurant Business Staff on Oct. 08, 2025

Working Lunch: This week’s political podcast looks at the New York City mayor’s race as a sign of the socialist movement rising, particularly among young Gen Z voters. But similar sentiments are emerging on the far right as well.

Leadership

Activist investor Sardar Biglari continues Cracker Barrel pressure via billboard

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 23, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at why one investor won't let the casual-dining chain's logo saga go. And how brands can steer clear of the political tension around Charlie Kirk's death.

Operations

How the proposed American Franchise Act will bring clarity to the joint employer issue

By Restaurant Business Staff on Sep. 17, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at how leading industry lobbying groups are working with federal lawmakers to end years of seesawing policies impacting franchisors and franchisees.

Workforce

Why McDonald's is leaving the National Restaurant Association

By Restaurant Business Staff on Sep. 05, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast takes a deeper dive into the parting of ways between the nation's largest restaurant chain and the industry's leading trade association. Is the tip credit in trouble?

Operations

Preparing for a future in which restaurants have a role in recycling

By Restaurant Business Staff on Aug. 25, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at the evolving issue of Extended Producer Responsibility laws on recycling across the country. Consultants Michael Washburn and Chloe Kapanen offer insights for compliance.

Workforce

Why Southern California is going off the deep end on raising the minimum wage

By Restaurant Business Staff on Aug. 04, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at proposals for up to $30 per hour wage rates in the Golden State. And a look at the partial restoration of the tip credit in Washington, D.C.

Operations

How the Big Beautiful Bill could impact charitable food donations

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jul. 21, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast brings Jim Larson of Food Donation Connection to the table to discuss how Trump's tax-and-spending bill could hamper restaurant industry efforts to feed those most in need.

Operations

Big beautiful bills, battles over alcohol and sugary drinks and beefing up ICE

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jul. 14, 2025

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast catches up with all the news so far in July, including a conversation with payment policy consultant Dan Swanson on whether Walmart and Amazon will issue their own stablecoins.

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