government

California bans most restaurant service fees and other surcharges

By Peter Romeo on May 08, 2024

The prohibition takes effect July 1. Delivery fees would still be allowed, and automatic gratuities tacked onto the tabs of large parties would also be permitted at least initially.

Financing

The International Franchise Association has some ideas for better franchising

By Jonathan Maze on May 08, 2024

The trade group is calling for changes in disclosure rules before people buy a franchise. It comes as federal regulators examine rules for franchise companies.

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Financing

Surprise, surprise: California kept its full-service restaurants in the dark for months

By Peter Romeo on May 08, 2024

Reality Check: The state attorney general had refused to clarify the scope of the state's pending anti-junk-fee law. It's one more smack in the face to the trade.

Operations

President Biden vetoes joint employer legislation

By Jonathan Maze on May 03, 2024

The president declined to sign off on a bill that would have scuttled an effort to make franchisors jointly liable for their franchisees’ workers, sending the issue back to Congress.

Financing

The odds for keeping delivery fees and large-party gratuities aren't looking good

By Peter Romeo on May 01, 2024

Working Lunch: The Biden administration doesn't get that those aren't true "junk fees."

Workforce

New York mandates a new employee benefit: Paid leave for expectant parents

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 30, 2024

The state's nearly $400 billion budget also obliges restaurants and other employers to provide paid half-hour breaks for nursing mothers.

Marketing

NYC asks for input on a new menu-labeling requirement

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 29, 2024

Items with high sugar content will need to be flagged, but only if they're exactly what's available in packaged retail form. The targets are beverages.

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Marketing