May 20, 2024

The future of dining

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Fast casual sit-down chains are struggling to stay relevant while scalper bots nab reservations at popular restaurants — and generate big profits.

Segments From this episode

Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Now that the Dali has moved, will business in the Port of Baltimore return to normal?

by Stephanie Hughes

May 20, 2024

The Coast Guard expects to allow the same size and kinds of cargo ships to come into the port that were able to prior to the bridge collapse.

Trans American's Baltimore warehouse is nearly empty.

Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace

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As Red Lobster files for bankruptcy, changing tastes take a toll on its casual-dining competitors

by Daniel Ackerman

May 20, 2024

The sector hasn't really recovered from the pandemic closures of their dining rooms, when "they lost their core business model."

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Texans brace for high electric bills as temperatures rise

by Elizabeth Trovall

May 21, 2024

In Houston, the energy capital of the world, low prices are not a given. Experts would like to see more capacity and more conservation.

To manage her electricity bills, Robin Wright said she uses air conditioning sparingly. Many Texans are trying to adapt to summertime heat spikes.

Elizabeth Trovall/Marketplace

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The restaurant reservation resale game is on the rise in New York City

by Kristin Schwab and Sarah Leeson

May 20, 2024

Ivy Leaguers and industry insiders are grabbing appointments for trendy places and selling them on the online secondary market.

How much would you spend to nab the perfect table at the perfect time at the perfect restaurant?

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Safety net home insurance plans are becoming the only option for many in disaster-prone states

by Scott Rodd

May 20, 2024

As private insurance companies retreat in states hit by climate-fueled disasters, safety net insurance plans are left to fill the gap.

At his two-acre property in San Diego County, Paul Felber gotten rid of much of the flammable vegetation bordering his home and spent more than $60,000 to harden it against wildfire. But home insurance companies weren’t impressed. In the last five years, the Felbers were dropped by two different companies.

Scott Rodd/KPBS

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Good business has allowed this retailer to raise wages for everyone.

by Sofia Terenzio

“When we moved our shop in 2023 to this new marketplace, our sales just increased with us moving there,” said Ashley Morken, owner of Unglued in Fargo, North Dakota. “And so that’s really allowed us to increase some of the wages that our crew has.”

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Music from the episode

"Chicago Falcon" The Budos Band

"Como Me Quieres" Khruangbin

"Natural Green" Blazo

"Chameleon" Emancipator, 9 Theory

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Assistant Producer

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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