America’s Strange But True Alcohol Laws By State

Running a restaurant involves more than just scheduling and inventory management—you also have to play by some truly bizarre rules when it comes to alcohol. What’s legal in one state could get you fined (or even shut down) in another, and a clear understanding of these alcohol laws by state is even more important for […]
Ensure Restaurant Safety & Compliance Under the Human Foods Program

In October 2024, the FDA rolled out its revamped Human Foods Program (HFP), a landmark initiative designed to unify food safety and nutrition regulations. For restaurants, this program represents a significant shift that not only demands attention and compliance, but also provides opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, and trust. Understanding the program’s implications—and designing and […]
How Small Restaurants Can Prepare for Seattle’s 2025 Minimum Wage Hike

Seattle’s restaurant industry is poised for a seismic shift in 2025 as small businesses brace for a significant wage increase. On January 1, 2025, the city’s minimum wage will rise to $20.76 per hour, aligning wages for small and large employers alike. This change is driven by the elimination of the “total compensation credit,” which […]
Understanding California’s SB 478 and Its Impact on Restaurants

New legislation can bring both challenges and opportunities. One such example is California’s “Honest Pricing Law” (SB 478), which went into effect on July 1, 2024. The law affects a wide range of businesses, from hotels and resorts to concert ticket retailers. For restaurant owners and managers, understanding and adhering to this law—which aims to […]
California Wage Law: How AB 1228’s Affects Quick-Serve Restaurants

In recent years, California has led the movement to increase the minimum wage. Assembly Bill 1228 (AB 1228), which went into effect April 1, 2024, requires quick-serve restaurants to pay employees a minimum wage of $20/hour. In addition, AB 1228 established the nation’s first Fast Food Council, a consortium of foodservice workers, government appointees, and […]