Coronavirus

Industries all across the country are experiencing the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Discover how it could affect the U.S. foodservice, grocery and convenience industries.

Tyson Suspends Production at Iowa Plant After Employees Test Positive for COVID-19

By Brett Dworski on Apr. 13, 2020

Company is taking workers’ temperatures, increasing cleaning frequency and promoting social distancing

Smithfield Plant Closure Pushes U.S. Meat Supply ‘Perilously Close to the Edge’

By Jon Springer on Apr. 13, 2020

After officials ordered a 14-day closure of a Sioux Falls, S.D., pork processing plant that became an epicenter of COVID-19 infections, Smithfield warns of dire impacts on the food supply chain. "We are either going to produce food or not," CEO Kenneth Sullivan said.

Financing

Large restaurant chains will more easily survive the pandemic

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 13, 2020

While no company is immune to the coronavirus shutdown, it will likely widen the divide between larger chains and smaller ones, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Leadership

R.J. Melman meets the coronavirus challenge with optimism and innovation

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 13, 2020

Lettuce Entertain You’s president counts on strong restaurant teams, creative ideas and a positive attitude to deal with the current health crisis.

Financing

Brio and Bravo parent files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after closing 71 units

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 11, 2020

Additional closings and a sale of the company could follow, according to court documents.

C-Stores Boost CBD Offerings Despite Pandemic Slowdown

By Brett Dworski on Apr. 10, 2020

Introduction of new products at Circle K and Yesway leads CSP’s cannabidiol news through March

A-B Donates Sports, Entertainment Investments to Nonprofit Partners

By Hannah Hammond on Apr. 10, 2020

Beer company is also making hand sanitizer for the American Red Cross amid COVID-19 crisis

Giant Eagle hires unemployed workers from Pittsburgh Penguins arena and Primanti Bros.

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 10, 2020

The supermarket chain invites jobless foodservice staff to join its teams.

Financing

Restaurants give Congress a new aid wish list

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 10, 2020

Changes are needed in the current programs to avoid further devastation of the industry, the National Restaurant Association told congressional leaders. Those adjustments would be in addition to billions more in aid.

Operations

Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut are making workers wear masks

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 10, 2020

Yum Brands chains will also take workers’ temperatures and have them wear gloves as part of the company’s evolving response to the coronavirus.

Schnucks to Permanently Close Oakwood Store

By WGB Staff on Apr. 10, 2020

The store was temporarily closed and its employees shifted to other stores amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Grocery CEOs Use Alternative Media to Thank Workers, Partners Amid Coronavirus

By Meg Major on Apr. 10, 2020

Retail execs share compassionate, caring words as highly effective, credible spokespeople.

Marketing

Restaurants offer up video conference backgrounds

By Heather Lalley on Apr. 10, 2020

With dining rooms shuttered due to the coronavirus, some brands have created downloadable backdrops for video conference calls.

Operations

DoorDash commission reduction revives tensions between delivery providers and operators

By Heather Lalley on Apr. 10, 2020

Some in the restaurant industry are calling for a government-mandated cap on third-party delivery commissions.

CBD Manufacturers Resort to Online Sales Amid Pandemic

By Brett Dworski on Apr. 10, 2020

C-store sales of cannabidiol products have fallen due to statewide lockdowns

Walmart CEO to Workers: Stay Vigilant

By Jon Springer on Apr. 10, 2020

Walmart facilities in some regions hard-hit by the pandemic are closing for third-party sanitization, but worker illnesses mirror national figures, CEO Doug McMillon says.