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.

Financing

SBA to stop accepting applications for direct restaurant aid on Monday

By Peter Romeo on May 19, 2021

Demand for the grants from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund is far surpassing its allocation, but some set-aside pools still have funds, the agency said.

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C-Stores Take a Bigger Slice of the Foodservice Pie

By David Wilkinson on May 19, 2021

How pandemic pivots set the industry up for success right from the start

Mask? No Mask? Here's Where Stores Stand

By Christine LaFave Grace on May 15, 2021

Some grocery retailers are dropping mask requirements for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Others are leaving them in place for the time being. Here's a look at who has said what so far.

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Workforce

Employees’ take on staffing woes: Restaurants have themselves to blame

By Peter Romeo on May 15, 2021

A union-affiliated survey of industry employees found that 53% intend to leave their restaurant jobs, most likely because of wages.

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Leadership

Why the restaurant industry needs its own vaccine passport

By Peter Romeo on May 14, 2021

The CDC has cleared the way for a quicker return to normal for the business. What's missing is a way of verifying which customers are vaccinated. Why shouldn't restaurants remedy that lack themselves?

Financing

Gov. Newsom calls for more state aid to California small businesses like restaurants

By Peter Romeo on May 14, 2021

He wants to raise the kitty for direct grants to $4 billion, saying that would be the highest in the nation.

In most instances, those who are fully vaccinated no longer need masks, CDC says

By Peter Romeo on May 13, 2021

Nor do they need to stay six feet from others, according to the updated safety guidelines.

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Consumer Trends

Casual dining roars back, but will the upswing continue?

By Peter Romeo on May 13, 2021

The segment's strong April is attributed to both short-term and long-term factors, with plenty of uncertainty sprinkled in.

Royal Farms Increases Wages By $2 Per Hour

By Greg Lindenberg on May 13, 2021

Retailer offering additional bonuses

Operations

Vaccinated restaurant guests no longer need masks, CDC decides

By Peter Romeo on May 13, 2021

Nor do they need to keep six feet apart from other patrons, according to the updated safety guidelines.

Financing

Financial roundup: Acquisitions ahead for Fat Brands, better sales for STK, Kona Grill, US Foods

By Peter Romeo on May 12, 2021

With vaccinations climbing and restrictions easing, normal conditions--sales levels included--are returning at numerous restaurant chains.

Marist College’s delivery program is proving to be a pandemic silver lining

By Kelsey Squire on May 11, 2021

The dining team’s fleet of golf carts transports around 400 food orders daily.

Financing

Week One of the $29B Restaurant Revitalization Fund: $2B awarded

By Peter Romeo on May 11, 2021

Initial grants averaged $125,000, draining the fund by about 7%. Industry officials have voiced fears that the pool will run dry in a matter of weeks.