PJ's Coffee Joins C-Store Franchise Lineup
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
A seasonal menu helps restaurants attract repeat customers, match seasonal demand, control food costs, promote limited-time items, and improve profitability.
Jun 23, 2026
Noodles & Company partners with Coca-Cola to launch an exclusive Fanta Vanilla Cherry Spritz, paired with limited-time Mac & Cheese deals for July. Learn how this innovative LTO strategy can inspire your restaurant’s menu innovation!
Jun 24, 2026
Miso Robotics has acquired Zume Pizza’s technology deck, giving new life to pizza automation and food robotics for forward-thinking restaurant operators.
Jun 24, 2026
Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
Jun 24, 2026
Discover how the Korpal brothers are driving Golden Chick's expansion across Texas with innovative operational strategies, team culture, and community engagement.
Jun 24, 2026
Taco Bell launches L.O.C.O.S., an international marketing initiative leveraging emotional support tacos and immersive brand experiences across global markets. Discover how this strategy sets new industry benchmarks.
Jun 24, 2026
A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand, training, supply chain, legal structure, and support can scale.A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand
Jun 23, 2026
Domino's has announced that CEO Russell Weiner will retire on October 1, with COO and US President Joe Jordan named as his successor- a leadership transition that comes as the pizza giant pursues its most ambitious growth targets yet.
Jun 23, 2026
Starbucks is hiring more than 300 coffeehouse coaches nationwide following a successful 62-store pilot, as the coffee giant works to double store leadership capacity and fill 90% of retail leadership roles through internal promotions.
Jun 23, 2026
Explore the recent increases in minimum wages across 21 states in the US and the implications of these changes for workers and businesses.


The beginning of the year witnessed a substantial wave of minimum wage hikes across various states, signaling a shift towards better compensation for low-wage workers. With 21 states implementing these increases as of January 1, the labor landscape in the US is experiencing significant changes. States such as Alaska, California, Colorado, and Washington took the lead in elevating their minimum wages to provide more sustainable earnings for their workforce.
The upsurge in minimum wages brings about crucial implications for both workers and businesses. For employees in low-paying jobs, these adjustments translate to improved income and better standards of living. On the other hand, businesses, especially small enterprises, may face challenges in adjusting to higher wage costs. However, proponents argue that higher wages can boost employee morale, productivity, and ultimately benefit businesses in the long term.
States like California have taken bold steps in enacting specific wage rates, such as the 'fast-food' wage of $20 an hour. The rejection of an $18 minimum wage increase by California voters underscores the complexities surrounding wage policies. Moreover, the approval of ballot measures in Missouri and Alaska reflects a growing public demand for fair wages. These state-level initiatives showcase the diverse approaches towards addressing income inequality and worker welfare.
Looking ahead, further increases in minimum wages are anticipated in 2025, indicating a continued trend towards higher wage standards. States and policymakers are under pressure to balance the need for equitable wages with economic sustainability. Additionally, the phased increments towards $15 or higher minimum wages in multiple states underline a gradual but determined effort to uplift low-income earners.
Apart from state-level changes, city and county minimum wage ordinances are also on the rise, highlighting a localized approach to addressing income disparities. The Inventory of U.S. city and county minimum wage ordinances by the University of California Berkeley Labor Center sheds light on the diversity of wage regulations at the local level. These nuanced approaches aim to cater to the unique economic dynamics of different regions.