21 states just raised their minimum wage - and automation demand is surging

California leads the way as 21 states raise their minimum wage in January 2026, forcing restaurant operators to either adapt or face increase financial…

Federal lawsuit claims McDonald's McRib has no pork rib meat

January 5, 2026

A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against McDonald's claiming the brand's popular McRib sandwich doesn't contain actual pork rib meat, according to…

Visibility Is Security: The Compliance Risk of Internal Team Communication

Your biggest security risk isn't external - it's your internal communication. Discover how using personal chat apps for work creates massive compliance risk…

The Legal Liability of Unmonitored Work Group Chats

There comes a point where the informal chat apps that got your business off the ground become a serious liability, creating legal, HR, and financial risks that…

Dirty Dough owner succeeds on transparency, great cookies

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurant Operator Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Bennet Maxwell, owner of Dirty Dough, about the cookie brand's launch and what keeps it successful.

The Hidden Risk of Sharing Phone Numbers in Your Restaurant's Group Chat

Sharing personal numbers exposes team members to harassment, blurs professional lines, and creates major legal risks. Discover how to protect your staff and…

Top 6 Work Chat Apps for Small Businesses

Is your small business outgrowing its chaotic group chat? Discover the top 6 work chat apps that bring clarity, accountability, and professionalism.

Top 5 Work Chat Apps for Restaurants in 2025

Choosing the right work chat app for your restaurant is crucial. This guide rates the top 5 work group chat apps, comparing ease of use, security, and other…

When An Employee Quits, Do They Take Your Business Data with Them?

Stop letting ex-employees walk away with your company's data. With high turnover, personal chat apps put your schedules and private info at risk. Switch to a…

KFC sues Church's Texas Chicken over use of 'original recipe' in marketing

November 13, 2024

Church's Texas Chicken recently reverted to its former fried chicken formula using the words "original recipe" in its marketing promotions. As a result…

Boneless wings don’t have to be bone-free, Ohio court rules

July 26, 2024

The Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that "boneless" chicken wings do not guarantee the absence of bones, a decision that overturns a lawsuit filed after a…

Understanding FSMA Rule 204: crucial for restaurants, fast-food operators

by Jeff Cowan — Senior Director, Community Engagement, GS1 US

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is a pivotal regulation set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) to enhance traceability in the…

5 ways to use technology to mitigate risk of litigation and benefit your business

by David DeLorenzo — Owner, Bar and Restaurant Insurance

Here are five ways that technology can help hospitality business owners avoid litigation.

Panda Express challenges food truck name

February 9, 2024

Panda Express claims that the Trash Panda Vegan food truck in Phoenix challenges its trademark. The chain said that the name and logo are too similar, which…

Will the joint-employer ruling destroy restaurant franchising?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

"The rule upends employment policy, adopting a far-fetched definition of 'employer' based on 'indirect or potential influence' of an employee and then fails to…

Judge dismisses false advertising suit against Wendy's, McDonald's

October 5, 2023

A judge in Brooklyn has dismissed a false advertising suit against McDonald's and Wendy's alleging the brands used under cooked beef for its advertisements to…

Taco Tuesday trademark battle may go on for years

June 27, 2023

The battle over whether "Taco Tuesday" is a legitimate trademark — raging now between Taco Bell and Taco John's — could take years to settle.

Woman suing Subway over tuna seeks dismissal with caveat

May 8, 2023

Nilima Amin, who is suing Subway over claims its tuna isn't all tuna, wants the court to dismiss her case without prejudice, allowing her to re-ignite the…

EEOC sues Papa Johns for discrimination against blind applicant

March 17, 2023

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing Papa Johns for not allowing a blind job applicant to keep his service dog in the restaurant with him…

Former McDonald’s chief fined by SEC

January 10, 2023

Stephen Easterbrook, a former CEO of McDonald's, has been fined $400,000 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for making misleading and false statements…