Why operators need to know about patent trolls

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Patent trolls could cost restaurants money and slow innovation. Here's what operators need to know about patent trolls.

Strong growth ahead in 2015, predicts the IFA, but threats are looming

While the economic forecast is strong, headwinds caused by the NRLB's joint employer ruling, minimum wage hikes and ACA implementation could curtail QSR…

NRA webinar on menu labeling regulations available for playback

December 16, 2014

The regulations affect entities with at least 20 locations nationwide operating under the same name. Attorneys discussed the law’s complexities and answered…

Akerman law firm forms National Restaurant Industry Group

December 5, 2014

The new group includes nearly 30 lawyers and regulatory professionals with broad experience representing restaurant industry clients in major U.S. and…

San Francisco restaurant workers get $4M in back pay

November 20, 2014

Workers at Yank Sing restaurant were granted back pay for minimum wage, meal, rest period and other labor code violations.

Burger King embroiled in trademark dispute with vegetarian concept in India

November 19, 2014

As Burger King gets ready to enter India, the parent company is embroiled in a trademark dispute with Indian company, Burger King Restaurant Pvt. Ltd.

Who's the boss? Tips for avoiding joint employer liability

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Franchisors must clearly define their roles to exclude control over the terms and/or conditions of franchisee's employees.

North American Securities Administrators Association issues new guidance for franchise disclosure documents

October 3, 2014

The guidelines clarify the distinctions between single-unit, area rep and area development offerings and urge uniform terminology in franchise disclosure…

Webinar to address pitfalls and perils of I-9 compliance

October 2, 2014

Webinar will help restaurant operators understand the importance of I-9 paperwork.

Restaurant organizations urging return to 40-hour full-time definition

September 19, 2014

Returning to a traditional 40-hour definition would benefit employees through more hours and income, say trade organizations.

N.C. Dunkin’ Donuts sued for religious discrimination

September 15, 2014

A Seventh-Day Adventist in Asheville, North Carolina, has filed a lawsuit against Dunkin’ Donuts for religious discrimination, claiming his scheduled working…

Russian courts uphold closing of three McDonalds

August 29, 2014

Russian courts have upheld the temporary closure of McDonalds' three units in Moscow.

NY councilman proposes ban on toys in kids' meals that don't meet nutritional standards

August 25, 2014

New York Councilman Ben Kallos has introduced a bill that would set stricter nutrition standards for kids’ meals that come with toys.

International Franchise Association launches ad campaign battling portion of Seattle's new wage law

August 21, 2014

The International Franchise Association today has launched an ad campaign battling back against a portion of Seattle's new wage law, alleging proponents of the…

California legislature passes bill making it harder to terminate franchising agreements

August 15, 2014

The California legislature approved a law Aug. 8 that will make it harder for franchisors to terminate franchising agreements with franchisees, according to…

National Restaurant Association joins fight against Seattle wage increase

August 13, 2014

The National Restaurant Association announced in a press release that it is joining the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as the American Hotel & Lodging…

Shanghai asking restaurants, others to post product source info

August 11, 2014

The city of Shanghai has asked several major restaurant chains to post information about product sources in the wake of a supplier scandal.

Franchising association seeks to halt Seattle’s minimum wage increase

August 6, 2014

The International Franchise Association has asked the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to issue a preliminary injunction preventing…

McDonald’s ordered to pay $27M in teens’ death trial

July 31, 2014

On Wednesday, a Texas jury awarded a $27 million verdict against McDonald's after finding that lax security at one of the chain's restaurants contributed to…

McDonald’s largest franchisee named a ‘best place to work’

July 10, 2014

Arcos Dorados, McDonald’s largest franchisee with more than 2,000 restaurants in Latin America and the Caribbean, has been ranked No. 4 on the “best places to…