Catering to customers with food allergies
For those who have food allergies – and the restaurants that serve them -- dining out can be stressful. But heightened awareness and new technology are making it a little easier. Chef Ming Tsai was recently part of a PSA to raise knowledge of food allergies, and a pocket-sized allergen tester and app are in development. (Forbes)
Ruling on Arizona minimum wage case
Thinkstock/Stockbyte/Thinkstock
In a victory for restaurant operators in Arizona, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that employers in the state don’t have to pay full minimum wages to front-of-house staff, even when those workers perform non-tip-generating tasks. The tipped minimum wage is generally lower than the non-tipped minimum wage. (Az Central)
Development deals heat up in DC
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Real estate developers in Washington, D.C., are trying to bring buzzy restaurants into office, hotel and residential buildings in an effort to create the next “it” locale and justify high rents. While these development deals can be attractive – one operator reported being offered three years of free rent – they may not always be a smart move for restaurants. (Washingtonian)
Chefs breed their own vegetable seeds
amenic181/iStock/Thinkstock
The Culinary Breeding Network has teamed chefs up with growers to create vegetable varieties that make taste a priority, rather than the typical hardiness to weather and pests. Some of the produce chefs have helped create are already being served at restaurants in Portland, Ore. (Saveur)
Fast-food restaurants in Japan seek homemakers
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
As Japan faces a labor shortage, fast-food restaurants in the country are turning to homemakers to fill open positions. McDonald’s, convenience-store chain Family Mart and café chain Pronto are among the foodservice companies specifically seeking homemakers. (Quartz)
