How are retail sales numbers higher than they were last year?

Aug 14, 2020
People are still shopping — just for different stuff.
A Florida man puts newly purchased wood into his truck. Sales at home and garden stores in July were up almost 15% over July of last year.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

With tips down, some restaurants have raised wages for servers. Will it last?

Jul 13, 2020
“A lot of workers are saying no, I refuse to go back and put my health at risk and my family's health at risk for $2, $3 or $4 an hour.”
With business slow at most restaurants, some are raising wages to incentivize staff to come back.
Byron Smith/Getty Images

Takeout cocktails have saved many businesses. Some states want to make them permanent offerings.

Jun 25, 2020
Takeout cocktails have saved jobs in the restaurant and bar industries.
A bartender sells a frozen margarita to go in New York City. Offering alcohol for takeout  has helped keep restaurants and bars afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

As pandemic worsens, will restaurants need to pull back again?

Jun 24, 2020
Small restaurants are at the greatest risk if put under new restrictions.
A Los Angeles restaurant worker wears a face covering and gloves for handling takeout orders, accompanied by pandemic-safety instructions.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

As cities move to cap delivery app fees, some restaurants worry

May 19, 2020
Some fear the apps will pass fees on to consumers, who might balk.
An Uber Eats delivery person in April. Some delivery companies say a decrease in fees they charge restaurants would be passed on to consumers.
Pascal Guyot/AFP via Getty Images

What role should employees play in enforcing social distancing rules?

May 15, 2020
Employees may face tense situations with some customers.
Should restaurant and retail employees be in charge of enforcing the law?
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A Shanghai postcard: life after the COVID-19 economic shutdown

Apr 27, 2020
With masks, fever checks and health QR codes, there are signs that the coronavirus still poses a threat to daily life.
Marketplace's Jennifer Pak on a hike three hours outside of Shanghai. Before departing, she had to make sure she could return to the city without being quarantined.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

"Cooking with heart" through the COVID-19 crisis

Mar 27, 2020
One east London cafe might be closed during the city's lockdown, but its co-owners are still cooking to serve the more vulnerable members of their community.
A Portuguese Love Affair, a cafe in east London, during normal business hours.
Victoria Craig/BBC

Amid worker shortage, Houston restaurant industry seeks immigration reform

Feb 11, 2020
According to one estimate, the national workforce will lose more than a million workers aged under 25 in the next eight years.
Cooks at Hugo’s restaurant in Houston, Texas, prepare for the lunch shift.
Macie Kelly/Houston Public Media

Restaurant gift cards are getting more popular as holiday presents

Jan 10, 2020
As gift giving has shifted toward experiences and not physical items, restaurant gift cards are getting more popular. And restaurants are catching on.
Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images