labor costs

California restaurant operators raise prices, look for solutions and try to remain optimistic

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 17, 2024

Restaurant companies have raised prices to offset the $20 wage. But how much depends on the concept. And brands like McDonald’s are also working to get customers excited about coming in.

Workforce

California's new fast-food wage law will also expand overtime eligibility

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 20, 2024

Salaried quick-service employees will be entitled to overtime if they make less than about $84,000 a year. And that's just one of the other surprises the bill is packing.

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Workforce

Don't hit snooze on this industry alarm

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 12, 2024

Reality Check: Conditions are aligning within the restaurant business for a leap in union activity. Yet apathy prevails.

Operations

Efforts to grow the restaurant labor pool face a big challenge: Time

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 14, 2024

The industry has a number of initiatives underway to pull more potential hires into the field. But the setback of the pandemic and the need for scale are deferring the payoff.

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Workforce

A $20 minimum wage isn't enough for some California lawmakers

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 14, 2024

Reality Check: A candidate for the state's open U.S. Senate seat would like to see a $50 pay floor nationwide.

Operations

A tough few years have been a boon to restaurant labor productivity

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 14, 2024

Operators have examined their kitchens and processes and added a lot more technology while focusing on takeout. The result has been a more efficient operation.

Operations

Restaurants' labor situation has improved, but it's far from perfect

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 14, 2024

The industry has regained workers, and more operators are likely to say they’re fully staffed. But labor is more expensive. Retention remains a key stressor. And jobs have moved.

Workforce