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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.

Marketing

Report finds some restaurant chains are using ingredients produced with prison labor

 By Peter Romeo on Feb. 02, 2024

Working Lunch: The situation could draw fire to the industry, yet even the involved brands may not be aware of their vulnerability.

Workforce

Despite more 'salting,' labor unions are getting pushback in their drive to organize restaurants

 By Peter Romeo on Jan. 22, 2024

Working Lunch: Some unionized workers aren't happy about a portion of their paycheck going to labor groups, and they're deciding to do something about it.

Workforce

Something's gotten into government this year. Here's why you should care

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 12, 2024

Working Lunch: The past week has brought at least one long-awaited and controversial regulatory change. But that's not all that's happening.

Operations

What can restaurants expect from government in 2024?

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 05, 2024

Working Lunch: It promises to be an historic year politically, with plenty of pandering by candidates and action on a slew of issues, from service fees to credit-card processing charges

Workforce

What's next for Starbucks after the extraordinary week it's had? Here are some possibilities.

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 15, 2023

Working Lunch: The developments are unlikely to halt the fault-finding that's erupted. But at least one could foster more respect.

Financing

Restaurants find unlikely allies in the push to roll back credit card fees

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 08, 2023

Working Lunch: A newly formed alliance includes parties that are usually opposed to the industry on political matters.

Operations

Expect more action next year on reducing credit-card fees

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 04, 2023

Working Lunch: Shifting political alliances are likely to turn a reduction in charges into an imperative at the state level.

Leadership

What the results of Tuesday's elections could mean for restaurants

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 13, 2023

Working Lunch: Among the industry's concerns should be Democrats' embrace of abortion rights as their party's issue. The importance of the matter to voters could usher more anti-business progressives into office.

Workforce

California's wage law could pave the way for $18 Big Macs

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 06, 2023

Working Lunch: A McDonald's in Connecticut is already charging that much for a combo featuring the signature sandwich. Might that become the threshold in the industry's largest restaurant market?

Workforce

Can the redefinition of 'joint employer' be stopped?

By Peter Romeo on Oct. 30, 2023

Working Lunch: The National Labor Relations Board's controversial move is likely to be challenged immediately in court. The franchise community is also likely to push for use of the Congressional Review Act. But will either effort succeed?

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