The top story in Nation's Restaurant News this week was “What we know about California wage increases as Q1 concludes.” The second quarter was an important test for restaurateurs operating in California, as it marked the first reporting period since the state implemented AB 1228 on April 1. The law increased the minimum wage for quick-service restaurants to $20 an hour, or 25 percent.
In other news, the appeal (and demand) of nostalgia is sweeping the restaurant industry, and Taco Bell is joining in: The company announced today that it's testing “Nostalgic Menus” for a limited time at select locations in Southern California, with plans to roll out these menu items nationwide for a limited time later this year.
For now, it's available at three restaurants in Fullerton, Irvine and Brea, Calif., while supplies last. The menu features some of the company's most popular dishes from over the decades, including tostadas, green burritos, meximelts, gorditas and caramel apple empanadas.
And the Jodeco Road exit in McDonough, Georgia, looks just like any other highway that branches off a major interstate, dotted with gas stations, Starbucks, Costcos, high schools, new homes, etc. Today, the exit is home to a huge and unique Chick-fil-A restaurant that can be seen from blocks away, extensive signage at the entrance that rivals a small theme park, and four lanes of traffic flowing under and beside the stilt-top kitchen.
See what else was trending on NRN.com this week.
