Franchise Fans Fuel Push for Legal Certainty
Polling shows majority support for franchise-specific joint employer rules as Congress weighs the American Franchise Act.
Jul 20, 2026
Polling shows majority support for franchise-specific joint employer rules as Congress weighs the American Franchise Act.
Jul 20, 2026
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Topgolf Media Networks turns 100+ venues into an ad platform with 42M visits and 28,000 screens, tapping retail media tactics for measurable brand activations.
Jul 20, 2026
Discover how Fresh off the Boat in Santa Ana has built a thriving, health-focused Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Explore operational insights, business strategies, and the customer experience that set this unique concept apart.
Jul 20, 2026
Domino’s leverages rising order volumes to boost revenue and market share despite industry challenges in Q2 2026, offering key lessons for restaurant owners.
Jul 20, 2026
Burger King launches its “Your Way Champion” managerial role, focusing on guest experience, order customization, and staff engagement. Restaurant operators can glean insights for elevating hospitality in their own venues.
Jul 20, 2026
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
Jul 18, 2026
Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star filed Chapter 11 after a 2023 deal revealed unpaid taxes, costly repairs, and lease burdens; plans to reject leases and refocus.
Jul 18, 2026
Cinnabon posted a net gain of 308 U.S. units in 2025 and launched Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2026 to boost beverage mix, margins, and franchise-driven expansion.
Jul 18, 2026
Explore the employment and market challenges faced by Washington DC's restaurant industry in 2025 and the implications of recent legislative changes.
Photo by Louis Hansel
The restaurant industry in Washington DC mirrors national employment trends, with employment levels fluctuating but staying within a narrow range during 2024. However, the sector faces challenges due to consumer price sensitivity influenced by inflationary pressures. The growth in restaurant employment, both locally in D.C. and nationwide, has been restricted by these economic factors, impacting the overall performance of dining establishments.
Photo by Louis Hansel
Washington DC's full-service dining scene anticipates a challenging year in 2025, unlike other restaurant markets, primarily due to recent significant events. The mass firings within large sections of the federal workforce by the Department of Government Efficiency have raised concerns about the potential impact on restaurant traffic. As displaced workers seek new employment opportunities, the dining sector could face a decline in patronage, posing a threat to many establishments.
Photo by Louis Hansel
Recent developments surrounding the tip credit and legislative actions could further strain Washington DC's restaurant industry. Reports indicate that jurisdictions without the tip credit have experienced robust employment growth, with subminimum wage states seeing a 13% increase in restaurant employment, while fair wage states observed a 17% rise. Additionally, employees in states without the tip credit reportedly earn over $3,000 more annually than their counterparts in other jurisdictions.
Photo by Louis Hansel
The attempt to repeal Initiative 82, if successful, would mark a notable shift in tipped-wage policies in Washington DC. Business interests, as highlighted by RAMW's advocacy, seek to overturn the referendum, despite its initial majority support in 2022. This legislative move could alter the financial landscape for restaurant workers and establishments, potentially affecting their operations and profit margins.