Dan Harmon Takes the Helm at Pizzana
Veteran restaurant leader Dan Harmon is now CEO of Pizzana and is driving the brand’s national expansion, franchising plans, and operational innovation.
Jun 29, 2026
Veteran restaurant leader Dan Harmon is now CEO of Pizzana and is driving the brand’s national expansion, franchising plans, and operational innovation.
Jun 29, 2026
Major Popeyes franchisee Sailormen's sale of 97 restaurants out of bankruptcy signals shifting industry dynamics. Learn how resilience and adaptability are essential for today's restaurant owners.
Jun 29, 2026
Southpaw's strategic acquisition of 43 Taco Bell stores in Ohio pushes their restaurant count to 180, highlighting their people-first approach and strong growth in the quick-service space.
Jun 29, 2026
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Darden Restaurants surpassed $13 billion in sales, fueled by robust performance at LongHorn Steakhouse and innovative menu changes at Olive Garden. Explore the strategies driving this industry giant’s continued dominance.
Jun 26, 2026
Discover how Cicis Pizza's rewards program skyrocketed to over one million members in under a year, driving customer engagement and retention. See the lessons for restaurant loyalty programs.
Jun 26, 2026
The fallout of Pizza Hut's mandated AI delivery system rollout has ignited a $100 million lawsuit from a leading franchisee, highlighting crucial franchisor-franchisee lessons for all restaurant owners.
Jun 26, 2026
Expanding to multiple locations requires clear systems, strong managers, smart financing, market research, and performance tracking to protect restaurant profits.
Jun 26, 2026
World Cup knockout games help restaurants boost sales with food and drink specials, group bundles, takeout offers, and timely promotions.
Jun 26, 2026
LongHorn Steakhouse surpassed $1 billion in quarterly sales for the first time, driven by strong value perception and menu innovation. Restaurant leaders can draw key lessons for thriving when consumer price sensitivity is high.
Jun 25, 2026
Learn about Starbucks' recent loss in the appeal of an unfair labor practices ruling by the National Labor Board. Explore the details surrounding the termination of two employees and the implications for the company.


The recent ruling by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the National Labor Board's decision on Starbucks Corporation's termination of two employees in Philadelphia sheds light on the company's actions regarding unionization and employee rights. The terminated employees, Echo Nowakowska and Tristan J. Bussiere, were allegedly fired as a retaliatory act for their involvement in organizing strikes and attempting to form a union.

While Starbucks contended that Nowakowska was dismissed due to performance issues and mistreatment of customers, the NLRB's decision in February 2023 stated that the firings were a consequence of unionization activities. Additionally, Starbucks argued that the employees recorded conversations without consent, but the appeals panel ruled that Starbucks had prior knowledge of these recordings.
The appeals panel concluded that substantial evidence supported the NLRB's findings of unfair labor practices leading to the terminations of Nowakowska and the reduction in hours for Bussiere. While most of the NLRB's decision was upheld, the requirement for Starbucks to compensate the terminated employees financially was considered outside the labor board's jurisdiction.
Following the court's decision, Starbucks has the option to file a petition for a rehearing within a specified timeframe. The company's response to this setback and its approach to labor relations moving forward will be crucial in shaping its reputation and relationships with its workforce.