Restaurants feel the pinch as shutdown drags on

Jan 22, 2019
... but some owners reach out to help furloughed federal workers.
Restaurants, which often operate on single digit margins, are feeling a decrease in business due to the government shutdown.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Would you like some earplugs with that appetizer?

Some noisy restaurants ring in at a decibel level that over a long period of time can cause hearing loss.
Popular restaurant design elements like hard, minimal surfaces, open kitchens and attached bars are responsible for restaurants' climbing decibel levels.
Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Liaison

How to make restaurant kitchens a better place for women

May 30, 2018
The new CEO of the James Beard Foundation has some ideas.
James Beard Foundation (JBF) CEO Clare Reichenbach at the 2018 James Beard Awards in Chicago on May 7, 2018. 
Kent Miller/Courtesy of the James Beard Foundation

It's expensive to launch a new restaurant — so these guys did fried chicken and donuts instead

Sep 25, 2017
Mike Solomonov and his restaurant partner Steven Cook opened Federal Donuts with a group of friends. They didn't expect it'd actually be successful.
“The beauty of Federal Donuts is that the financial success really came second,” said Steven Cook.
Photo courtesy of Mike Persico

Restaurateur Jen Agg on creating ambiance, treating staff like family and sexism in the kitchen

Sep 12, 2017
In a new book, Canadian restaurateur Jen Agg recounts growing up in the restaurant industry and why she thinks it can still get better.
Jen Agg.
Jenna Wakani

Yelp ratings may be predictor of how restaurants fare after a minimum wage increase

Aug 2, 2017
What determines whether a restaurant stays open after a minimum wage hike? New research suggests it could be customer satisfaction levels, as measured by Yelp.
Research would suggest Calafia, a restaurant in Palo Alto with 3.5 Yelp Stars, is feeling the pinch of a higher minimum wage.
Peter Maroulis/for Marketplace

In Nashville, a program connects refugee farmers to hipster tables

Jul 26, 2017
A program called Growing Together encourages refugees living in Tennessee to get back into farming.
Chef Jess Benefield shows how Japanese shishito peppers are fried to create a popular appetizer at Two Ten Jack restaurant in East Nashville. Finding quality peppers can be difficult, Benefield said.
Chas Sisk/for Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

There's a whole lot of love for Howlin' Ray's Nashville-style hot chicken in LA

Jul 18, 2017
Copy cats are popping up, and chef Johnny Zone promotes them. "That means we're doing something right."
Photo courtesy of Howlin' Ray's

What's the purpose of a minimum wage?

Jul 7, 2017
We check in on the employer side of the minimum wage debate to see how policies impact businesses.
Food preparation at 71Above, in Los Angeles, CA.
Liana Cabrera/Courtesy of 71Above

In Nashville, it’s a good time to be a restaurant employee

May 15, 2017
Restaurant owners in Nashville have a lot of competition these days, and that's good news for workers.
Lulu, a new fast-casual eatery, is among the 100-plus restaurants and bars that are expected to open in Nashville this year. 
Emily Siner / WPLN