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Restaurant Industry

Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Buca di Beppo is Buca di bankrupt. The popular Italian eatery chain announced it had filed for Chapter 11 this week and would close several underperforming locations, including restaurants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.  Like many other restaurant chains, Buca di Beppo said the business hadn't bounced back since the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer spending is lower than expected, and supply costs remain high, according to court documents. It's a common tale for several "fast-casual" dining restaurants that have failed to thrive in recent years.   Revenue for…
New Haven County Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business New Haven County Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business
New Haven County Restaurant To Close After 10 Years In Business A Connecticut restaurant that has been a fave of many has announced it plans to close this week due to financial issues. New Haven County's Eli's Orange, located on Boston Post Road, has served American-style pub food and drinks for the past 10 years. The restaurant says it is "sad to announce we will be leaving this wonderful community." The restaurant, known for its wings, quesadillas, and craft cocktails, will celebrate its last day on Sunday, April 28, with customers from 3 to 6 p.m. with a special "thank you celebration." The restaurant said owners, managers, and employees will be pre…
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report An analysis of orders from diners across the US in 2023  by Grubhub has uncovered the biggest food and beverage trends of the year. Spoiler alert: Spice is nice. In 2023, over 53 million items were ordered with added spice, the report on deliveries says.  Classic favorites like Sriracha (a sauce made from chili peppers) were added over 91,000 times, and buffalo chicken wings came in first as the most ordered wing flavor followed by lemon pepper, BBQ, teriyaki and garlic parmesan. The report notes that in 2023 diners enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zones and break…
5 Fairfield County Restaurants Ordered To Pay Over $858K To Employees: Feds 5 Fairfield County Restaurants Ordered To Pay Over $858K To Employees: Feds
5 Fairfield County Restaurants Ordered To Pay Over $858K To Employees: Feds Following a federal investigation, a total of six Connecticut restaurants and their owners have been ordered to pay over $858,000 in back wages and liquidated damages to employees, officials said. The restaurants, including five Fairfield County establishments and one in New Haven County, were ordered to pay back wages, withheld tips, and liquidated damages to 105 employees following an investigation and litigation conducted by the US Department of Labor, which announced the order on Tuesday, July 25.  The six restaurants included in the case are:  Scena Wine Bar and Restaurant,…
With 1,152 Avocados A Day, Guac Time, Run By Stratford Couple, Lives Up To Its Name With 1,152 Avocados A Day, Guac Time, Run By Stratford Couple, Lives Up To Its Name
With 1,152 Avocados A Day, Guac Time, Run By Stratford Couple, Lives Up To Its Name With a name like Guac Time, you’d expect the growing chain of restaurants would go through a lot of avocados. It does.  Up to 1,152 avocados a day are used at all six restaurants — including the latest (and first) in Connecticut in Norwalk.  That number will go up to 1,344 when the seventh Guac Time opens in Queens in the fall. Five of the six current eateries are either in New York City or on Long Island. Guac Time is the brainchild of a Stratford couple, Harmeet and Subodh Marwaha, and their two New York-based partners Akash Marwaha and Manny Singh. View this post …
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts The sexual misconduct trial of celebrity chef Mario Batali, who has run restaurants in New York and Connecticut -- in Westchester and Fairfield counties -- is underway in Massachusetts. On Monday, May 9 in Boston, a woman testified that Batali, age 61, kissed and groped her while attempting to take a selfie at a Massachusetts restaurant after the chef waived his right to a jury. Related story - Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali Now Under Investigation By NY AG Instead, a judge will decide Batali’s fate at the conclusion of the trial, where proceedings are expected…
Chef From Region Voted World's Best Chef From Region Voted World's Best
Chef From Region Voted World's Best A celebrated chef from the region has been named the world's best by an association of highly-rated restaurants, according to a new report.  Les Grandes Tables Du Monde, an association of 179 restaurants across 23 countries, announced that Chef Daniel Boulud, a resident of Northern Westchester County, was voted the world's best restaurateur, according to AFP news. Boulud opened his flagship restaurant, "Daniel," in New York City in 1993. "At the heart of Manhattan, Restaurant Daniel is a celebrated culinary destination that blends refinement and sophistication with New York style and …
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Mexican Grill is increasing menu prices to cover the costs of raising its workers’ wages, the company announced. Consumers will see price increases of approximately 4 percent at the popular Mexican food chain, with that money being used to increase employees’ paychecks following the company’s announcement that hourly wages for workers would reach an average of $15 by the end of the month. The price hike is likely not to be felt too badly by consumers, with company officials saying that it will amount to quarters and dimes while dramatically boosting their ability to pay employees. …
COVID-19: Cheers! CT Now Offers Free Drink To Those Who Have Gotten Vaccinated COVID-19: Cheers! CT Now Offers Free Drink To Those Who Have Gotten Vaccinated
Covid-19: Cheers! CT Now Offers Free Drink To Those Who Have Gotten Vaccinated Have a drink on them. Connecticut is offering an innovative new program to encourage residents to go out and get the COVID-19 vaccine. Participating restaurants in Connecticut are offering a free drink to customers who show their COVID-19 vaccination card between Wednesday, May 19, and Monday, May 31, provided the patron purchases food during the visit. Gov. Ned Lamont announced the initiative on Monday, April 26, noting that the limit will be one drink per person. A limited number of Connecticut restaurants initially opted into the program, with more expected to in advance of the program …
COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65
Covid-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 The founder and chief executive officer of a national restaurant chain died by suicide amid a battle with COVID-19-related symptoms, the company announced. Kent Taylor, who launched Texas Roadhouse in 1993, was 65 years old. The symptoms included severe tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, and his suffering had increased in recent days, the company, Texas Roadhouse, announced in a statement sent to CNN. Taylor died on Thursday, March 18. "Kent leaves an unmatched legacy as a people-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people company that just happened to se…
COVID-19: CT Restaurants May Return To Full Capacity, But It Comes Up With A Catch COVID-19: CT Restaurants May Return To Full Capacity, But It Comes Up With A Catch
Covid-19: CT Restaurants May Return To Full Capacity, But It Comes Up With A Catch Restaurants in Connecticut will soon be permitted to open up their businesses to full capacity, though certain COVID-19 restrictions will still be put in place, limiting restauranteurs. This week, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced that beginning on Friday, March 19, restaurants can open up to 100 percent capacity, up from the 50 percent they had been working through. However, while capacity is opening up wider, there will still be restrictions including social distance requirements, mandatory facial coverings, and cleaning protocols that will have to continue to be maintained, which co…
COVID-19: CT Rolls Back Economy Starting Today COVID-19: CT Rolls Back Economy Starting Today
Covid-19: CT Rolls Back Economy Starting Today Many Connecticut businesses will step backward due to mounting COVID-19 cases in the state, reverting from Phase 3 to Phase 2 reopening guidelines per an order issued by Governor Ned Lamont.  The changes go into effect Friday, Nov. 6. A month after loosening COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and event venues, Lamont tightened restrictions on certain businesses in an executive order issued on Monday, Nov. 2. Since Oct. 8, restaurants have been allowed to seat 75 percent of their building's capacity. Now, they will only be permitted to allow 50 percent and must halt in-house dining b…
COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives
Covid-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives Restaurants already struggling to stay afloat due to the COVID-19 outbreak have a new challenge rapidly approaching as the weather begins shifting, limiting outdoor dining options. The pandemic forced extreme restrictions on restaurants and bars for the past six months, with many scrambling to arrange temporary, and now possibly permanent outdoor dining options, while even more were forced to shut down for good due to a lack of business. Since mid-March, occupancy at restaurants has been restricted, face coverings must be worn by patrons and staff, social distancing must be practiced at all…
COVID-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions COVID-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions
Covid-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions One of New York City’s greatest attractions has been given the green light to start reopening amid the COVID-19 outbreak. During a COVID-19 press briefing in Manhattan on Wednesday, Sept. 9, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that restaurants in New York City will be permitted to resume indoor dining, albeit at 25 percent capacity, beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Cuomo said that he has set a deadline of Thursday, Nov. 1 to determine whether restaurants will be able to reopen up to 50 percent capacity. When restaurants reopen, they will be under strict guidance from the state that inclu…
COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic
Covid-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic New data is revealing just how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic has been to the restaurant industry. Yelp's latest Local Economic Impact Report, released this week, reports that nearly 16,000 restaurants have permanently closed throughout the nation since the outbreak began in March. Of the 26,160 total restaurant closures listed on Yelp as of mid July, 15,770 were permanent. New York has seen the third-most restaurant closures at 8.4 percent, behind California (14.4 percent) and Texas (8.5 percent), according to Business Insider. Restaurants have passed the retail industry to accou…
COVID-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week COVID-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week
Covid-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week New York City is set to enter Phase 3 of reopening its economy as of Monday, July 6, though it’s unclear whether reopening indoor dining will be advisable, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. During a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing on Monday, June 29 in Manhattan, Cuomo said that the state is monitoring the data and will make a determination this week on how to best move forward with indoor dining in the densely populated New York City.  “One of the issues we're working on in New York, indoor dining has shown that it has been problematic,” Cuomo said. “That a virus spreads in closed…
COVID-19: Food For Frontline Supports Hospitals, Restaurants In Fairfield County COVID-19: Food For Frontline Supports Hospitals, Restaurants In Fairfield County
Covid-19: Food For Frontline Supports Hospitals, Restaurants In Fairfield County A simple idea to show how one Fairfield County mom appreciated the work her daughter was performing as an EMT during the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into an entire movement to feed those on the frontlines. Nicole Straight, of Westport, wanted to thank, and offer a little comfort, to all of the doctors, nurses, EMTs, and first responders, while at the same time helping the struggling workers of the restaurant industry. Her solution, which turned out to be a fantastic success, was dreamed up “Food For The Front Lines,” a grassroots fundraising initiative that provides healthcare workers on …
Popular Hamburger Chain In Fairfield County Adds Fish Sandwich To Sizzling Summer Menu Popular Hamburger Chain In Fairfield County Adds Fish Sandwich To Sizzling Summer Menu
Popular Hamburger Chain In Fairfield County Adds Fish Sandwich To Sizzling Summer Menu Summer lunch at popular hamburger chain with two locations in Fairfield County is sizzling with four new menu items including a fish sandwich. The stylish burger and bourbon b Restaurants in Stamford and Fairfield will offer blackened Mahi-Mahi Sandwich, Watermelon Gazpacho, Grilled Turkey Rachel and Summer Salad for weekday lunch until Oct. 4. "The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal produce and flavors that complement our hot days and warm nights," said a spokesperson for the Locals 8 Restaurant Group, the holding company of b Restaurants, formerly known as Plan B Burger Bar. The c…
Husband, Wife Chefs Ride Success Of White Plains Eatery In Downtown Stamford Husband, Wife Chefs Ride Success Of White Plains Eatery In Downtown Stamford
Husband, Wife Chefs Ride Success Of White Plains Eatery In Downtown Stamford Riding on the success of their White Plains restaurant,  the owners of Roasted are getting a grip on the Stamford market after almost two years in the downtown area. Roasted Food Co. began as a serious sandwich place and quickly morphed into a full-fledged fast-casual restaurant and bar, focusing on that same from-scratch philosophy, Chef Bill and Kristin Hall used in White Plains at the Melt Sandwich Shop. Kristin Hall was born and grew up in Newtown. The restaurant's concept starts with its namesake, a selection of meats and veggies that are roasted, cured, brined, smoked, or gr…
Look Who's Back: Days After Announcing Closure, Black Duck Restaurant Says It Will Stay Open Look Who's Back: Days After Announcing Closure, Black Duck Restaurant Says It Will Stay Open
Look Who's Back: Days After Announcing Closure, Black Duck Restaurant Says It Will Stay Open Just days after announcing it was closing its doors after a 40-year run, a favorite "food hangout" in the area now says it's staying open. Black Duck Cafe, a floating barge restaurant in Westport, said on Tuesday "It is with a heavy heart that we announce our closing.  "We've had an amazing 40 years here in Saugatuck and in Westport. We are grateful for every friend we've had the pleasure to serve and entertain along the way." But late Friday morning, Black Duck management dropped a bombshell. "We are beyond pleased to announce that after many days of discussions with our credit…
Famed Fairfield County Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes Famed Fairfield County Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes
Famed Fairfield County Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes A nationally known food celebrity known as "Lord of the Pies" who owns restaurants in Westchester and Fairfield counties has admitted to filing false income tax returns and payroll tax returns totaling nearly a million dollars.Bruno DiFabio, 49, of Ridgefield has ownership interest in the following: Pinocchio Pizza in New Canaan and Wilton, Connecticut; Amore Pizza in Scarsdale, Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford; ReNapoli Pizza in Old Greenwich. DiFabio’s business partner, Stamford resident Steven Cioffi, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false t…
POLL: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For? POLL: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For?
Poll: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For? Click here for an updated story: IHOP's Big Reveal: Restaurant Explains Why It Will Now Be Called IHOb Is the International House Of Pancakes having an identity crisis? America's beloved breakfast joint is changing its name to IHOb. CLICK HERE to find out what the B stands for.