Coronavirus

But the numbers crunched by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics don't fully reflect the impact of omicron.

Working Lunch: Mike Whatley, VP of state affairs and grassroots advocacy, discusses the industry’s key issues. Also, President Biden’s vaccine mandates, actions by governors and mayors.

Reality Check: Any new year brings areas of uncertainty and concern. Here are the big ones confronting the foodservice industry.

Justices to hear challenges to OSHA requirements for businesses on Jan. 7

Boston and Chicago are both limiting dine-in service to guests who can prove they've been vaccinated against COVID-19, and Oakland is expected to follow.

The National Retail Federation said it will consider additional legal options, while the National Grocers Association's Robert Yeakel looks ahead to possible Supreme Court outcomes.

Employees will now have until Jan. 10 to provide proof of vaccination, and until Feb. 9 if they opt for testing.

Appeals court overrules earlier decision and lifts stay, allowing requirement effective Jan. 10

In a year that saw deep investment in tech and automation for Walmart as well as consistently better-than-expected sales, the Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant also navigated choppy waters of supply-chain management and continued COVID uncertainties.

Elsewhere in the world, service limits are being imposed on restaurants again. But in the U.S., officials are relying on vaccination and mask mandates to avoid caps on seating and hours of operation. At least until now.

Southern California’s Locali closed 2 stores during the pandemic and has sights on a new ghost kitchen

As of Jan. 3, total vaccination will be required of all restaurant guests and employees unless they've tested negative for COVID-19 in the prior 24 hours. Testing will no longer be accepted as of Jan. 17.

The measure takes effect Wednesday and will run for at least a month.