A virtual cup of coffee with DDIFO Executive Director Ed Shanahan

Economy Moves Front & Center  As we move closer to a complete reopening of the American economy in the wake of decreasing COVID -19 infections and increasing citizens being fully vaccinated, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) information is getting much more play in news cycles – and for a bunch of not-so-encouraging reasons. First off, the labor shortage appears to… Read More »

States Tightening Unemployment Rules  With no indications from Washington DC that the President or Congressional leaders recognize how the $300 unemployment premium is exacerbating the labor shortage, a number of governors around the country are taking action on their own to help get their citizens back to work. As of this writing, no fewer than 12 governors – coincidentally… Read More » Tax Filing Deadline Monday  A couple of months ago, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a one-month postponement of the filing deadline for individual taxpayers to file their 2020 tax returns to May 17. That date is Monday, and taxpayers should be prepared to file their returns or an extension by the end of the business day. In addition,… Read More »

California Franchisees Take Note  We advised just a couple of weeks ago about the provisions and prospects of AB 257 being considered by the California legislature in Sacramento. Well, in view of the severity of this legislative proposal and the significant negative impact it would have on QSRs across the Golden State, the International Franchise Association has been working… Read More » Restaurant Workers Sue Michigan  The Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) along with other advocacy groups One Fair Wage and Mothering Justice this week filed a lawsuit against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel alleging that legislative changes made to the state minimum wage law were unconstitutional. To put the issue in context, One Fair Wage initiated a petition drive in 2018… Read More » An Economic (SBA) Discussion  Later today, May 14 at 3:00 PM EDT, Small Business for America’s Future will sponsor an open discussion featuring U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Director Isabella Casillas Guzman and Bharat Ramamurti, the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council (NEC). The two will discuss the current state of the economy as well as the impact… Read More »

Upcoming DDIFO Webinar  Our next webinar presentation in the DDIFO Wednesday Webinar series will be held on Wednesday, May 26 beginning at 2:00 PM and it comes at a time when new requirement are being implemented. “Are You Prepared for the New Lease Accounting Standard?” will help prepare you for the implementation of the new accounting standard ASC… Read More » McD’s Raises Pay, Braces for Strike  SEIU-backed Fight for $15 is again organizing a strike amongst QSR workers – mostly McDonald’s employees – in 15 selected cities around the country for next Wednesday, timed to coincide with the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Again, SEIU is seeking to generate sufficient pressure on the Golden Arches to get the company to pay a… Read More » Life After Dunkin’  Well, there’s still more life after Dunkin’ to report this week as we took note that San Diego-based fast casual restaurant chain Qdoba Mexican Eats has hired former Dunkin’ employee Shawn Caric as its new Vice President of franchise development. Caric most recently served as the director of development for the Midwest region at Dunkin’… Read More »

May 14, 2021

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