"Hot Off the Grill" - Edition #1

Introducing our sizzling new edition of newsletters: "Hot off the Grill"! We're fired up to bring you the latest and greatest industry updates, straight from the grill to your inbox. Curated by the National Restaurant Association and industry leaders, "Hot off the Grill" is your go-to source for the hottest industry topics happening across the county. So, sit back, relax, and let us serve you the freshest updates straight from the grill!

Public Affairs Conference Preview

Issues for Action: Our message to policy makers this year is clear. For restaurants to continue being a growth engine in every community, we need Congress to take action in 3 key areas:

• Lowering swipe fees through the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA)

• Protecting the tip credit

• Helping to block the FTC’s proposed surcharge ban.  

Learn more: Watch this short video to learn more about these key issues and what we’re asking of Congress.

Check out the agenda: From Monday's welcome reception to Tuesday’s programming and afterparty and Hill Day on Wednesday, see what to expect at the 38th annual Public Affairs Conference.

Keynote speakers: Co-hosts of Fox News Channel’s The Five, Dana Perino and former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., will be the keynote speakers.

Political speakers: Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, and Rep. María Salazar (FL-27), member of the Caucus, will participate in a fireside chat. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), lead co-sponsor of the CCCA, will also speak at the event.

Federal Safety Inspections May Allow Union Reps

What just happened: Yesterday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled a final rule clarifying workers’ ability to designate someone who doesn’t work for their employer—including labor union representatives—to represent them during the “walkaround” part of an OSHA inspection.

What you need to know: Labor union representatives can join federal safety inspections starting May 31, when the rule goes into effect. Restaurant operators who regularly prepare for safety inspections, which cover everything from proper ventilation systems to safe lighting to prevent slip and falls, should be aware that employees can now designate non-employees to join federal compliance officials.

Go deeper: Key aspects of the new rule include:

• Expanded Representation: The rule states that a third-party representative can participate in an inspection walkaround if OSHA determines their presence will enhance the inspection through their knowledge, experience, or skills related to workplace hazards, conditions, or necessary language and communication skills. The decision to allow a third-party representative is up to the discretion of the OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer.

• Credential Shift: This represents a significant change from current expectations that third-party representatives possess specific safety or health qualifications (such as industrial hygienists or safety engineers).

• Implementation Date: The new rule takes effect May 31, 2024.

What’s next: The Association is evaluating legislative oversight of the final rule.

Learn more: OSHA Walkaround Rule FAQ

How Tech Integration is Transforming the Restaurant Experience

The news: What technologies do consumers prefer and what tech investments are operators planning to meet those preferences in 2024? The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Technology Landscape Report 2024 reveals that consumers’ attitudes toward restaurant technology vary greatly by segment—full service, limited-service, and delivery—and by age group. Insights into tech preferences for ordering, paying, dining in, and ordering out are featured, along with operators’ top tech investment plans. Supported by Dell Technologies and SpotOn.

Learn more: Download the report.

 In the news...

MasterCard and Visa offer temporary reductions in swipe fees

MasterCard and Visa have reached a temporary agreement to reduce and freeze fees charged to restaurants and other merchants for processing credit card payments, aiming to address long-standing complaints about high swipe fees, but restaurant industry advocates argue that legislative action is still necessary for a lasting solution.

Fast food restaurants are imposing time limits on dining in: ‘these rules are here for a reason’

Fast food restaurants are implementing time limits on patrons' dining experiences, as seen through recent reports and social media posts, with various theories suggesting these policies are aimed at deterring vagrants or preventing loitering, prompting discussions about the balance between customer convenience and restaurant management.

Past the tipping point? survey finds most Americans say tipping is ‘out of control’ 

Tipping expectations, especially in casual dining settings and fast-food establishments, have escalated to levels that many Americans find excessive, leading to growing dissatisfaction and calls for businesses to review tipping policies and for customers to reconsider tipping norms.

25% food and dining inflation indicates recession 

A 25% increase in food and restaurant prices, coupled with labor cost hikes, is leading to reduced consumer spending, particularly among low-income individuals, which serves as an indicator of a potential recession.