POLITICAL:

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund is now empty. However, the ENTRÉE Act would provide $60 billion to re-start relief distribution. The proposed application process is different; notably, it would be first-come, first-served, with no priority window for marginalized groups.

SOCIAL:

Thanks to the 2021 Summer Olympics and changes to NCAA policies that allow college athletes to benefit from usage of their image, likeness and name, restaurant chains are partnering with sports stars in the latest marketing trend.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

Restaurants around the world are stepping up to mitigate their carbon footprints and contribute to a culture of environmental sustainability. Seeing how sustainability looks internationally can help industry professionals find new ways to make their own businesses more sustainable.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Here are some tips on how to deal with burnout.

ECONOMIC:

In 2021, restaurant M&A has increased
compared to last year, with the trend likely to continue. Industry experts attribute this to factors including restaurant sales recovery, low interest rates and a pending tax proposal.

TECHNOLOGY:

Rising oil prices have restaurants exploring new oil management strategies. Oil management technology can give operators more control over oil expenditures and usage by measuring how much life is left in the oil and automating messages about when to change it.

LEGAL:

McDonald’s is facing an ongoing class action lawsuit alleging sexual harassment of female employees. The company’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit was denied by a U.S. district judge, a decision that emphasizes evidence of systemwide culture issues.