Potbelly’s RaceTrac Era: Growth
RaceTrac acquires Potbelly to accelerate a franchising-led expansion, backed by new leadership and an expanded development playbook.
Apr 18, 2026
RaceTrac acquires Potbelly to accelerate a franchising-led expansion, backed by new leadership and an expanded development playbook.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash
Chili’s brings back Ziosk for pay-at-table, loyalty, and AI insights across 1,100+ locations, signaling a thoughtful, guest-focused digital restart.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by The 77 Human Needs System on Unsplash
Scottsdale welcomes a compact, all-day market from True Food Kitchen blending wellness-forward meals with grab-and-go convenience, signaling broader growth into market formats.
Apr 18, 2026
The Melting Pot blends modernization with conversions to grow, inviting brighter guest experiences while honoring its fondue heritage.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash
South Block grows along the East Coast with Savory Fund, preserving neighborhood-first ethos and people-on-the-block philosophy.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by Julian Myles on Unsplash
California's 2024 PAGA reforms curb abuse and streamline workplace claims, balancing worker protections with clearer compliance guardrails for employers.
Apr 18, 2026
A thoughtful look at how fast-service restaurants are embedding safety into infrastructure through cameras, lighting, guards, and real-time communications.
Apr 17, 2026
Four leaders map growth through core offerings, culture, and authentic marketing, outlining Swig, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Firebirds, and El Pollo Loco.
Apr 17, 2026
McDonald’s Collector’s Meal blends collectible cups, AR experiences, and live events to rekindle brand bonds across generations.
Apr 17, 2026
Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
A refined look at how menus revive favorites and push new textures across brands this season.
Apr 17, 2026
Explore the implications of the California Supreme Court's decision on Proposition 22, shifting delivery drivers from employees to independent contractors. Learn about the benefits, criticisms, and the ongoing debate around the gig economy.
The recent California Supreme Court verdict solidifies the status of drivers affiliated with gig-based platforms as independent contractors rather than full-fledged company employees. This decision significantly impacts thousands of delivery drivers working for industry giants like Uber and DoorDash. Proposition 22, endorsed by California voters in 2020, brought about this pivotal change by reinstating the contractor classification for drivers.
Proposition 22 emerged as a legislative response to the stringent provisions of the 2019 California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), which aimed to reclassify gig workers as employees entitled to various labor benefits. By passing Proposition 22, the delivery app companies successfully circumvented AB5's requirements, arguing that the contractor status offers drivers greater flexibility in managing their schedules and work hours, aligning with the gig economy's on-demand nature.
Proponents of Proposition 22 highlight the advantages of classifying drivers as contractors, emphasizing the autonomy and flexibility it grants them in structuring their work routines. However, critics argue that this classification exempts companies from fulfilling obligations typically associated with employing full-time staff, such as providing paid sick leave, health insurance, and avenues for unionization. The debate continues on whether this shift truly benefits or disadvantages gig workers in the long run.
Delivery companies like DoorDash and Uber celebrated the Supreme Court's decision, considering it a triumph for their drivers and the sustainability of the gig economy. Liz Jarvis-Shean, Vice President of Communications, expressed satisfaction in maintaining benefits and flexibility for California Dashers. Conversely, union advocates, including Service Employees International Union California director Tia Orr, viewed the ruling as a setback, criticizing the lack of essential worker protections under Proposition 22.