Recently, California implemented a significant increase in the minimum wage for fast food sector workers, raising it by $4 to $20 per hour. The decision has sparked both support and criticism, with some chains expressing concerns about potential price hikes and reduced operations in the state. However, it is essential to explore the larger picture and acknowledge the role of automation and the potential positive effects of higher wages on the industry.

Automation and the Reality of the Service Industry:
The implementation of automation and robotics in the fast food industry has been an ongoing trend, irrespective of minimum wage adjustments. Self-service kiosks, automated frying machines, and auto-refill technology are examples of these technological advancements that streamline processes within the “quick service restaurant” space. Experts suggest that while automation might replace some jobs, it is already being implemented as a means of coping with labor shortages and increasing productivity in the industry as a whole.

The Positive Effects of Higher Wages:
Contrary to popular belief, higher wages for fast food workers can actually benefit business owners. The industry still struggles to reach pre-pandemic employment levels, and raising wages can attract workers, especially in a competitive job market. This, in turn, may incentivize businesses to automate and use robotics more efficiently to offset labor shortages. By investing in technology and productivity improvements, businesses can enhance their overall operations while simultaneously providing a fair living wage to their employees.

California’s Unique Wage Law:
California’s minimum wage law not only raises the wages for fast food workers but also establishes a fast food council comprising representatives from the industry and workers. This council can annually increase wages in line with inflation or up to 3.5%, whichever is higher. Additionally, the council can address concerns like fast food worker safety and collaborate with existing state agencies in investigating issues such as wage theft. Such measures aim to create a balanced environment for both workers and businesses.

A Range of Realities and Misunderstandings:
While certain major media sources depict a mass exodus of fast food corporations from California or their resistance against the wage hike, the situation is not as dire as claimed. In-N-Out, a notable burger chain, has committed to maintaining prices and minimizing substantial increases to ensure customer satisfaction. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential difficulties the wage increase may indirectly impose on small chains, aspiring entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses, affecting their financial performance and future prospects. Importantly, the new state legislation solely applies to chains operating 60 or more locations nationwide.

The impact of California’s minimum wage law on the fast food industry remains to be seen. While employees are likely to benefit from improved pay and cost of living, concerns about potential negative effects on certain struggling chains exist. It is important to understand that automation and technology adoption in the industry are not solely driven by changes in the minimum wage. Furthermore, the portrayal of fast food corporations leaving California may be exaggerated. The overall impact will depend on how businesses adapt, innovate, and find a balance between operational needs and providing fair compensation to their employees.

Take a look at these articles regarding the recently implemented legislation on the minimum wage in California.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/11/business/california-minimum-wage-fast-food-kiosks/index.html

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/california-fast-food-workers-hail-wage-hike-franchise-owners-worried-2024-04-02/

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/pizza-chain-raises-prices-california-offset-new-minimum-wage-law

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2024-04-12/is-the-negative-effect-of-the-20-fast-food-minimum-wage-overblown

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced its partnership with TEKKEN 8, the latest installment of the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. Chipotle will give TEKKEN 8 players the opportunity to earn in-game currency through digital entrée purchases made on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com.

In addition to the in-game currency offer, Chipotle is launching a new digital menu item inspired by TEKKEN™ fans, featuring TEKKEN 8 as the title game for the 2024 Chipotle Challenger Series, and serving as the presenting partner of the 2024 Evolution Championship Series (Evo).

Rewarding TEKKEN Fans Through Real Food
Starting today, Chipotle will offer TEKKEN 8 players the opportunity to earn premium in-game currency when ordering through the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com and using the promo code EWGF623 while supplies last*. As a nod to the TEKKEN community, the code EWGF623 pays homage to the iconic “Electric Wind God Fist” move.

With every qualifying order placed, players will receive a code for 500 TEKKEN COINS while supplies last, allowing them to purchase various costumes and items in the official TEKKEN 8 in-game shop. Chipotle Rewards members can also redeem 250 points in the Chipotle Rewards Exchange to receive an additional code for 500 TEKKEN COINS**. Players can learn more about the TEKKEN 8 in-game currency offer by visiting: chipotle.com/TEKKEN8. 

Introducing: The TEKKEN 8 Battle Bowl
During the TEKKEN World Tour Finals in January, TEKKEN gave its followers on X the opportunity to vote for the ingredients that they think should be featured in the first official TEKKEN-inspired menu item at Chipotle. After more than 38,000 votes, TEKKEN fans chose the following burrito bowl order:

• Chicken, White Rice, Black Beans, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, Fajita Veggies, Cheese, and Guac.

The TEKKEN 8 Battle Bowl is available exclusively on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com for a limited time.

2024 Chipotle Challenger Series
Chipotle’s 2024 edition of its signature esports competition will be hosted in partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment and feature TEKKEN 8 as its title game. The 2024 Chipotle Challenger Series will be the first-ever branded tournament on the PlayStation^® Tournaments platform, and the Grand Finals event will be broadcast live on the PlayStation^® esports Twitch and YouTube channels on Saturday, May 4. 

All eligible competitors in the Chipotle Challenger Series will earn free chips & guac from Chipotle. The two (2) winners of the Chipotle Challengers Series Grand Finals will receive Free Chipotle for a Year, a trip to Evo 2024 in Las Vegas, a share of $20,000 USD cash prizing, and more.

Chipotle Challenger Series prizing is subject to eligibility and additional terms and conditions. Players can learn more about the 2024 Chipotle Challenger Series at https://playst.cc/chipotle-challenger-series. 

Evolution Championship Series (Evo) 2024 Presented By Chipotle
For the second consecutive year, Chipotle will serve as a presenting sponsor of the Evolution Championship Series (Evo) in Las Vegas. Building upon its success in 2023, Chipotle will have an on-site Community Lounge at the event and will fuel early bracket runs by providing free entrée cards to pool winners. The brand will also introduce “Chipotle Extra Match” segments during the live broadcast, reducing downtime for viewers and providing coverage opportunities for players who would not otherwise be featured on-broadcast.

“The amazing reception we received from the Fighting Game Community in 2023, notably Evo attendees cheering for our ads when they aired during the competition, has inspired us to double down on our investment in FGC,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer at Chipotle. “Gaming is a force shaping culture, so it’s imperative that we show up in the right way for this passionate community by providing real value and access to exclusive experiences.”

*AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Beginning on 4/8/24, up to the first 20,000 people who purchase a regular-priced entrée item through the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com using the promo code “EWGF623” at digital checkout will receive one (1) code (“Code”) redeemable for 500 TEKKEN Coins in TEKKEN 8. Codes are only redeemable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Promotion ends the earlier of 8/31/24 or when all Codes have been claimed. The Code will be delivered to the email address used to place the order and can be redeemed at chipotle-t8.com. Code is one-time use. Codes cannot be auctioned, bartered, or sold. You must have a valid copy of TEKKEN 8 and internet access to use the 500 TEKKEN Coins benefit. Not valid on orders in store or via third party delivery or ordering platforms. Limit: one (1) Code per transaction. U.S. only. 13+. Codes must be redeemed by 10/31/24. Additional restrictions may apply; void where prohibited. Use of Coins subject to TEKKEN 8’s terms and conditions. Chipotle, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents are not responsible for errors or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, computer, network, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the offer, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the offer, the processing of orders, the functionality of the Chipotle apps or websites, or in any offer-related materials. This offer is in no way administered, executed, or produced by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. or its affiliates. Chipotle reserves the right to cancel the offer at any time.

**From 4/8/2024 – 8/31/2024 or while supplies of up to 4,000 codes last, Chipotle Rewards members can redeem 250 Chipotle Rewards points in the Rewards Exchange to receive one (1) unique code (“Code”) redeemable for 500 TEKKEN Coins in TEKKEN 8. Codes are only redeemable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Code will be delivered to the email address associated with your Chipotle Rewards account and can be redeemed at chipotle-t8.com. You must have a valid copy of TEKKEN 8 and internet access to use the 500 TEKKEN Coins benefit. Must redeem by: 10/31/24. Subject to Chipotle Rewards terms and conditions. Limit: one (1) reward redemption per member. U.S. only. 13+. Additional restrictions may apply; void where prohibited. Use of Coins subject to TEKKEN 8’s terms and conditions. Chipotle, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents are not responsible for errors or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, computer, network, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the offer, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the offer, the processing of orders, the functionality of the Chipotle apps or websites, or in any offer-related materials. This offer is in no way administered, executed, or produced by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. or its affiliates. Chipotle reserves the right to cancel the offer at any time.

About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 3,400 restaurants as of December 31, 2023, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies 2024 list and Time Magazine’s Most Influential Companies. With over 115,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.

About Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., part of the Bandai Namco Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for major video game consoles, PC, online, and mobile platforms. The company is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN^®, GALAGA^®, TEKKEN^®, SOULCALIBUR^®, and ACE COMBAT^®, and publishing the critically acclaimed DARK SOULS™ series and the blockbuster title ELDEN RING™. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is also the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including GUNDAM™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE^®. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com. 

TEKKEN™8 & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Press Release ©Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill

Simplify dinnertime with convenient recipes and digital tools

(Family Features) While meals savored with loved ones are intended to produce smiles and shared moments, the process of grocery shopping, planning and cooking has become a chore for many families. Take the first step toward bringing back the joy and magic of making your favorite foods with tools that do the work for you.

For example, the all-in-one Albertsons Meal Plans and Recipes tool allows you to focus on what you want to eat rather than what you need to buy as it empowers everyday home cooks to plan, shop and prepare personalized recipes based on dietary preferences, allergies or family likes and dislikes. The app features a library of 9,000 exclusive recipes created by professional chefs (with new recipes added each month) and includes tasty dishes such as Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch; Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara; and Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip.

The free digital tool also includes an artificial intelligence-powered “Scan Your Own Recipe” feature that allows you to snap a photo with your phone of grandma’s handwritten, not-so-secret recipe and transforms it into a digital version saved in the app. Recipes are instantly turned into shoppable ingredients and added to your cart for quick, convenient checkout. Now, you can turn all of your recipes into a digital library for quick and easy access in one place. No more flipping through cookbooks or recipe cards searching for your favorites.

Designed to provide culinary inspiration throughout the week while saving time and money, the app also features a budget tracker and hands-free cooking mode with a step-by-step timer.

“The Albertsons Meal Plans tool is the ultimate life hack,” said Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital customer experience for Albertsons Cos. “This all-in-one app makes it simple for anyone to plan, shop and prepare inspiring recipes from anywhere – whether it is an old family favorite, a best-seller from a favorite food blogger or one of our 9,000 delicious recipes. Best of all, it’s completely free to use on our grocery app and website.”

The tool is available on the store apps and websites across the Albertsons Cos. banner of stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.

Find more information and a seemingly endless collection of recipes at Albertsons.com.

Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 green bell peppers
• 2 yellow bell peppers
• 1 lime
• 1 medium red onion
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds raw, peeled shrimp, fresh or frozen
• 5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2cup ranch dressing
• 12 small flour tortillas

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.
2. Wash and dry green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers and lime.
3. Trim, seed and slice bell peppers lengthwise into thin strips; transfer to large baking sheet.
4. Peel, halve and slice onion lengthwise into thin pieces; add to baking sheet with bell peppers.
5. Drizzle veggies with oil, toss to combine and spread in even layer. Bake until veggies have softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
6. If using frozen shrimp, place them in colander and run under cold water to thaw slightly. Place shrimp on clean towel or paper towels and pat dry.
7. Remove baking sheet from oven. Arrange shrimp over veggies then sprinkle with 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and salt; toss to combine and spread in even layer.
8. Bake until veggies are tender and shrimp are cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.
9. Cut lime into wedges.
10. In small bowl, stir ranch dressing and remaining Cajun seasoning.
11. Warm tortillas in skillet, oven or microwave, if desired.
12. Divide tortillas between plates and fill with shrimp and veggies; drizzle with spicy ranch and serve with squeeze of lime.

Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 bags (10 ounces each) cauliflower florets
• 18 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 8 fluid ounces heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 packages (5 ounces each) baby spinach

1. Fill large pot halfway with hot water, cover and bring to boil. Uncover then add cauliflower, tortellini and salt; stir for a few seconds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes, or cook according to package instructions.
2. In separate large pot over medium heat, stir marinara sauce, cream, basil and black pepper to combine and bring sauce to simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Wash and dry spinach.
4. When sauce has thickened, add spinach to pot in handfuls, waiting for spinach to wilt slightly before adding next handful. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
5. When cauliflower and tortellini are done, drain and add to pot with creamy marinara sauce; stir to combine.
6. To serve, divide pasta between plates or bowls.

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 pounds green beans
• 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Coat baking sheet with 2 teaspoons oil.
2. In medium bowl, stir mayo, garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to combine.
3. In separate medium bowl, stir Parmesan, breadcrumbs and paprika to combine.
4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and slice into 3/4-inch tenders. Add to bowl with mayo mixture and toss to coat.
5. Working in batches, dredge tenders in breadcrumb coating, pressing to adhere. Transfer to baking sheet.
6. Bake until tenders start to turn golden, about 10 minutes.
7. On clean cutting board, wash, dry and trim green beans. Set aside.
8. When chicken is golden, flip and bake until cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven.
9. Preheat large skillet over medium-high heat.
10. Add remaining oil and swirl to coat bottom. Add green beans and remaining salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
11. Divide chicken tenders and green beans between plates. Serve with dressing for dipping.

SOURCE:
Albertsons