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New York City's hangry rat problem has big stakes

Sep 8, 2022
Rats have burrowed their way into the heart of an economic and political fight worth many tens of millions of dollars.
A dead rat lies on the ground, hunted down by dogs of Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society in lower Manhattan last year. Rat sightings have increased in New York City since the start of the pandemic.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Now reopened after pandemic shutdown, popular L.A. restaurant manages through "unprecedented times"

Aug 31, 2022
Here's Looking at You is up and running again — but the restaurant industry has changed a lot since the Before Times.
Lien Ta (left), co-owner of Here's Looking at You, speaks with "Marketplace" host Kai Ryssdal. "What every restaurant is seeking is consistent business," she says. "And we have that right now."
Anais Amin/Marketplace

Online review extortion scheme targets the restaurant industry at an unsteady time

Aug 10, 2022
Scammers give restaurants bogus one-star reviews, and demand payment to stop.
Brian Williams is the general manager at Terrapin, a restaurant in Virginia Beach. He said he tries not to read restaurant reviews too often and addresses any questions that come up about once a month.
Paul Bibeau

For this Detroit restauranteur, business is still "day to day"

May 18, 2022
For Lester Gouvia, chef-owner of Norma G's Detroit, business in the pandemic economy has been a "rollercoaster."
"We do have some good days, we do still have some bad days," says Lester Gouvia, chef-owner of Norma G's Detroit, a Caribbean restaurant.
Courtesy Lester Gouvia

Food businesses across the UK pivot again as crowds return to restaurants, shops

Apr 21, 2022
Food delivery operations were activated as eateries and grocery stores emptied. But with restrictions lifted, those changes are fading.
Diners eating outdoors at a London restaurant in April 2021. With lockdowns over and pandemic anxiety easing, many Brits are returning to pre-pandemic habits.
Rob Pinney/Getty Images

Russian businesses in the U.S. face a tough road as the war escalates

Mar 3, 2022
"Because there’s Russian in the name, they think they’re supporting an evil, when we’re not," said one restaurant owner.
People walk by a Russian restaurant in Brooklyn. Russian restaurants in the U.S. have faced poor reviews and canceled reservations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

"We've taken the licks, and we've gotten back up," Baltimore cafe owner says

Feb 14, 2022
Terence Dickson says his Terra Cafe stands for "Black awesome." After 12 years in business and many scars, "we're gonna keep it going."
Terence Dickson, owner of Terra Cafe in Baltimore, says he's been dealing with higher food costs, labor costs and supply shortages.
Courtesy Terra Cafe

For public good, not for profit.

As omicron cancels festivals and other events, businesses that support them are reeling

Jan 6, 2022
The Sundance Film Festival, for example, just canceled in-person events two weeks before they were set to begin.
People pass a banner for the 2022 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday. The festival canceled its in-person program, a blow to local restaurants, bars and hotels.
George Frey via Getty Images

Make money versus stay healthy: That's the New Year's Eve choice for bars, restaurants

Dec 30, 2021
Omicron is dashing hopes for a return to normal after last year's subdued celebrations.
A closed restaurant in New York during last year's holiday season. As omicron spreads, restaurants are weighing whether to remain open for New Year's — normally one of their most profitable times.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

UK government aids battered hospitality businesses, but is it enough?

Dec 30, 2021
Hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs suffered in December, normally a strong season, due to the pandemic and may need more help.
Bars and restaurants in London were fairly quiet during the normally festive end of December, largely because the coronavirus kept people at home.
Chris J. Ratcliffe via Getty Images