As the dust from the “Republican Red Tide of 2014” settles, we’ve seen any number of analyses as to what the election results will mean for various constituencies when the 114th Congress takes its place at the beginning of the New Year. One item that seems high on everyone’s list is a possible return to…
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It may have never been terribly popular with the American public, but the Affordable Care Act is now less popular than it has ever been. According to a new Gallup poll released earlier this week, only 37 percent of the American public supports Obama Care, while a full 56 percent disapprove of the law. The…
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In more news that will likely further erode support for the Obama Care mandates, it was reported this week in the Baltimore Business Journal, that a number of health insurance plans offered in response to the mandates of the Affordable Care Act will not cover any services provided by some of the premier hospital facilities…
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Despite the minimum wage increases being approved on the ballot in every state where they were presented to the voters, it’s still being debated in some circles, and the outcome is not yet clear. A case in point is the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. Recall that a non-binding question was put…
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The state of Georgia not only believes that free has a value, it thinks free should be taxed as well. Believe it or not, we’re advised by a number of franchise owners in Georgia that the Peach State is demanding tax payments on promotion items even when those items are given away at no charge! …
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In neighboring Indiana, the state Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the state right to work law, dealing a blow to organized labor, which had strongly opposed the law when it was passed in 2012. Generally, Right to Work laws prohibit an employer from requiring union membership or requiring the payment of any monies (including union…
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The NPD Group has released its QSR traffic report for the 3rd quarter and reports that visit growth is up 5 percent in the coffee/doughnut/bagel category, one of the few bright spots in the report. Fast Casual traffic was up 8% while Mexican quick service was up 5 percent as well. On the flipside, the weakness…
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We noted that Tim Horton’s plans to increase the price of a cup of coffee at their Canadian locations next Wednesday by $.10 per cup. In addition, the chain also plans to increase the price for their breakfast sandwiches across all provinces except Ontario. There was no specific mention of increases in US stores. Speaking…
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Six Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners discussed issues of importance during the 2014 National Conference. View clips from that conversation below. Franchisee Conversation – Part 1 Franchisee Conversation – Part 2
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Speaking of minimum wage battles, Bloomberg reported this week that several airlines have challenged the actions of the Port of Seattle Commission last July when it enacted a minimum $15/hour wage for airport workers in the City of Sea-Tac, which completely encompasses the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In the case, known as the Air Transport Association…
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