Food Service Weekly Brief: June 17–23, 2025
This week in food service, the industry has navigated some truly dynamic shifts, from significant discussions around labor costs and market growth to critical regulatory changes. These developments are poised to reshape how businesses operate, influencing everything from staffing strategies to supply chain management and consumer engagement.
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LA Hospitality Union Pushes for $30 Minimum Wage Across All Industries
UNITE HERE Local 11, a hotel workers’ union in Los Angeles, has filed new voter initiatives to significantly increase the city’s minimum wage. The proposal aims for an initial $25 per hour, rising to $30 by July 1, 2028, coinciding with the Olympics. This initiative expands on a previous ordinance for tourism workers, now extending the wage hike to all industries citywide. This move could set a powerful precedent for labor advocacy and impact operational costs across the food service sector.
Published: June 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE: Hospitality Union Files Initiative Petitions to Raise LA Minimum Wage to $30/hour for All Workers and Require Voter Approval of Hotel and Event Center Subsidies - UNITE HERE Local 11 -
U.S. Full-Service Restaurants Poised for Significant Growth Through 2033
A new report forecasts significant growth for U.S. Full Service Restaurants (FSRs), with sales projected to nearly double from $336.22 billion in 2024 to $807.83 billion by 2033. This optimistic outlook is driven by evolving dining behaviors, a demand for personalized experiences, and diverse cuisine offerings. Digital tools like online reservations and touchless payments are also enhancing convenience and streamlining operations. However, the sector still faces challenges from labor shortages and rising wage costs, which impact profitability.
Published: June 23, 2025
USA Full Service Restaurants Market Forecast Report -
Senators Query Grocers on Tariff Impact on Canned Food Prices
Senator Maggie Hassan has queried major U.S. grocery retailers like Walmart and Kroger about the impact of recently doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. These tariffs, which increased to 50% on June 4, could significantly raise the cost of canned goods and frozen meals. The inquiry highlights concerns about food affordability for consumers, especially those using SNAP benefits. Experts suggest canned food prices could rise by 9% to 15%, as the U.S. imports much of its canning steel.
Published: June 23, 2025
https://www.fooddive.com/news/hassan-aluminum-steel-tariffs-grocery-food-canned-goods-snap/751306/ -
Former McDonald’s Franchisees Call for National Boycott Over Discrimination Claims
Over 40 Black former McDonald’s franchisees have publicly called for a nationwide boycott, alleging systemic discriminatory practices forced them out of the system. This action follows McDonald’s scaling back diversity initiatives and a recent settlement over racial stereotyping in advertising. The former franchisees claim they were steered to less profitable locations and denied opportunities given to White owners. These allegations highlight critical issues of corporate social responsibility and equity within the food service franchise model.
Published: June 23, 2025
PRESS STATEMENT: Black Former McDonald’s Franchise Operators Join the Call for a Nationwide Boycott of the Fast-Food Chain | Loevy + Loevy
Tools & Tips
- Toast’s Latest Product Updates for Restaurant Management Recent updates from Toast, a prominent point-of-sale and management platform, offer some valuable new features for food service operators. Their June 2025 product releases introduce the MyToast app with a Team Chat function, designed to improve internal communication and keep staff connected. A notable addition is the “TipOut” feature, which aims to simplify and speed up the distribution of non-cash tips, allowing for instant deposits directly to employees’ bank accounts and reducing the need for cash handling and manual reconciliation. Furthermore, Toast has rolled out a Menu Optimization tool that provides pricing guidance, helping operators make more confident decisions about menu item pricing by analyzing potential impacts on demand.
June 2025 Product Updates- US - Toast Community - 15685
Fun Fact
The world of food service is full of interesting connections, and sometimes, that includes celebrity involvement in unexpected ways. For example, did you know that musician Jason Mraz actually supplies avocados to Chipotle, meaning some of that guacamole might literally come from his own backyard? Beyond just sourcing, many public figures are also significant investors. Basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, for instance, owns a remarkable 155 Five Guys locations, and the “five guys” in the burger chain’s name refer to the founder’s sons. Chris Brown and Magic Johnson are also noted for owning multiple Burger King locations.
https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/fun-facts-about-restaurants
We’d love to hear from you! Have you participated in any Food Service events or utilized new Food Service tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.