Food and Beverage
Who owns that restaurant? The answer can affect food safety in unexpected ways, researchers find
Chelsea Sherlock, Mississippi State University and Erik Markin, Mississippi State University

Imagine going on a road trip and passing several seemingly identical McDonald’s restaurants. Despite their uniform appearance, their ownership may vary widely: One might be run by a family, another by an individual entrepreneur, and others owned directly by the corporation.
This is possible because McDonald’s, like many other well-known fast-food restaurant chains, operates a under a franchise business model. Franchising allows companies to grow by licensing their brand to independent operators, who then manage day-to-day operations.
Ownership structure can significantly affect performance, profitability and other business outcomes, research shows. As professors who study family businesses, we were curious whether it could also be linked to health and safety outcomes.
We hypothesized that family-operated franchises would receive fewer health code violations compared with nonfamily-operated restaurants. Our reasoning was grounded in previous research showing that family-owned businesses often prioritize maintaining a strong reputation over short-term profits.
To test this, we analyzed health code violations at 1,492 quick-service restaurants across the southeastern U.S., categorizing them across three ownership types: family-owned, lone-founder and corporate-owned. We did this by analyzing public franchise disclosure documents and identifying whether one person, two or more members of the same family, or a parent company was listed as the owner.
The results surprised us. We found that family-owned franchises received more health code violations than both lone-founder and corporate-owned outlets. Family-owned franchises also had more frequent “critical” health code violations, like food contamination contributing to food poisoning.
In contrast, we found that corporate-owned franchises generally performed better in terms of health and safety.
Why would family-run businesses lag behind? We suspect it’s because company representatives visit corporate-run franchises more often, which ensures better compliance with health and safety standards. Lone-founder franchises also showed strong health code performance, possibly due to owners’ high level of personal investment and control.
While family-run franchises often excel at long-term goals – like preserving a family legacy and fostering community ties – our findings suggest they may struggle with day-to-day operational compliance pertaining to health and safety.
Why it matters
This study adds to the research on how different types of franchise ownership can influence performance outcomes – both financial and nonfinancial. It also offers several insights into why family-owned franchises might struggle with operational outcomes.
First, family-owned franchises may lack the frequent oversight that corporate-owned outlets receive, reducing their accountability for meeting health and safety standards.
Second, family-owned franchises may prioritize maintaining family harmony over strictly following rules set down by the head office. This can result in poor performance.
Finally, conflicts can arise when franchisees and franchisors have diverging goals. Research shows that family businesses often emphasize noneconomic goals like long-term reputation maintenance and less external monitoring, and thus generally have more conservative investment preferences. These tendencies run counter to the economic goals of most franchising parent companies.
Ultimately, our findings suggest that family franchisees may need to consider their effectiveness in managing a franchise outlet and for corporate franchisors to be mindful of the ownership form of their franchisees.
What still isn’t known
While our findings provide valuable insights, they are not without limitations. Our study focused on restaurants in a single region of the U.S., so it’s unclear how broadly the results can be applied. Future research should investigate whether these trends hold in other regions, countries and industries, such as retail franchises. Additionally, understanding how geographic distance between franchises and corporate offices influences monitoring could provide further insights.
The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
Chelsea Sherlock, Assistant Professor of Management, Mississippi State University and Erik Markin, Assistant Professor of Management, Mississippi State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Food and Beverage
Turn to a Cheesy Snack Hack

(Family Features) Bring some fun (and simplicity) back to snacking with these three-ingredient Cheesy Meatball Bombs. Baked to golden brown in just 10-15 minutes, they’re perfect for enjoying at home or sharing with a crowd. Discover more snack hacks at Culinary.net.

Cheesy Meatball Bombs
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4
- 1 puff pastry sheet
- 12 thawed meatballs
- 1 package (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- marinara sauce, for serving
- Buffalo sauce, for serving
- barbecue sauce, for serving
- Heat oven to 425 F.
- Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastry then cut into 12 squares.
- Place one meatball in each square with cheese. Close pastries around cheese and meatballs. For visible meatballs, leave hole on top of pastries. Place each ball in hole of muffin tin.
- Bake 10-15 minutes. Pastry should be golden brown. Remove from pan and serve with marinara, Buffalo and barbecue dipping sauces.
Tip: Recipe can be doubled or tripled, as needed.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
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Food and Beverage
Bring the Family Together with Baked Breakfast Pizzas

Bring the Family Together with Baked Breakfast Pizzas
(Family Features) If you feel like it’s a struggle to get the entire family together for a meal, it might be time to put fun back on the menu. A little creativity and a few favorite ingredients are all it takes to bring back family mealtime and spend precious moments at the table.
These Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas are a perfect way to start a weekend morning, offering a delicious invitation to loved ones to join you in the kitchen. Equal parts sweet, savory and nutritious, you can enjoy seeing smiles on their faces while feeling good about what you’re serving them.
Providing just the right touch of sweetness are North Carolina Sweetpotatoes, one of the most versatile vegetables in the produce department. They’re easy to add to a variety of recipes – even breakfast pizza – to enhance flavor and nutrition. Try them on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled, slow-cooked or air-fried for quick and easy options that are a breeze in the kitchen.
Spelled as one word to avoid confusion with the white potato (a distinctly different species), sweetpotatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease. In fact, they’re even considered a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association. As a natural sweetener, they give recipes that sweet flavor you crave without the added sugar.
Whether they become your favorite oft-used ingredient or you stock up on the abundant veggie, sweetpotatoes also boast a long shelf-life – up to 4 weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – meaning you can buy in bulk without worrying about waste.
Find more ways to cook with sweetpotatoes by visiting ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 4
- 4 medium North Carolina sweetpotatoes (about 2 pounds), divided
- 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, olive oil, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- all-purpose flour, for rolling out dough
- 1 pound whole-wheat pizza dough at room temperature, divided into four equal portions (4 ounces each)
- 1 cup freshly shredded Gouda cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup diced chives
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Place 1 pound sweetpotatoes directly on rack and bake until soft, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 minutes. Peel and puree flesh until smooth; reserve 1 cup.
- Increase oven heat to 450 F. Peel remaining sweetpotatoes and dice into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss 2 cups diced sweetpotatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and salt and pepper, to taste; place in even layer on baking sheet. Roast until softened but not crisp, 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. Remove from oven.
- Lightly flour clean, flat work surface. Roll each ball of dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness (about 7 inches diameter).
- With remaining oil, lightly coat rimless baking sheet. Transfer rolled out dough to baking sheet.
- Spread pureed sweetpotato over surface of each dough round, about 1/4 cup each, leaving about 1/2-inch border. Top each with 1/4 cup shredded Gouda. Add 1/2 cup roasted sweetpotato cubes, leaving open space in center of pizzas.
- Carefully crack one egg into center of each pizza; bake 15 minutes until crusts are golden brown on bottom, cheese is melted and egg whites are fully set. Carefully remove pizzas from oven.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top each pizza with 1 tablespoon diced chives.
SOURCE:
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
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Foodie News
Coastal Mississippi’s Exciting Evolution: New Restaurants, Attractions, and Experiences for 2025!

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Get ready to pack your bags because Coastal Mississippi is about to unleash a vibrant array of new restaurants, attractions, and developments that are set to redefine your beach getaway. With the promise of over ten fabulous new destinations sprouting up along the picturesque coast, and the thrilling news of recent James Beard nominations for local chefs, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for this beloved region.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
First and foremost, let’s talk about the culinary scene. Coastal Mississippi is well-known for its delectable dishes, and this year, it’s raising the bar even higher. Local chefs Austin and Tresse Sumrall from White Pillars in Biloxi have earned a nomination for Best Chef: South, making waves with their farm-to-table créative cuisine. If that’s not enough, Vestige in downtown Ocean Springs, run by Chefs Alex Perry and Kumi Omori, is nominated for Outstanding Hospitality—another testament to the top-notch dining experiences around here.
Discover New Dining Gems
Prepare your taste buds for the exciting new eateries making their debut across Coastal Mississippi:
- Barracuda Taco Stand in Bay St. Louis offers irresistible tacos served with fresh tortillas and a margarita garden ideal for al fresco dining.
- The District Coffee Company in Pascagoula has quickly become a local favorite, combining great brews with a charming, dog-friendly atmosphere.
- At The Garage at Cash Alley, located in downtown Ocean Springs, you’ll find an energetic throwback vibe, serving up delightful street eats like loaded nachos and scrumptious desserts.
- For a cozy evening, head over to Oak & Vine for exquisite whiskey and wine pairings in a friendly local setting.
And for those who fancy a little something different, Catch 110 boasts a coast-inspired menu complete with a stunning patio perfect for sipping cocktails while enjoying the picturesque views. Not to mention the modern cocktail lounge, Magnolia Room, serving unforgettable tapas alongside classic drinks, making it a must-visit!
Fun for Everyone
Coastal Mississippi isn’t just about indulgent dining—it’s also creating spaces for everyone to enjoy. The Inclusion Playground at Town Commons in Gautier is a groundbreaking 10,800 sq. ft. playground designed for children of all abilities, ensuring every family can find joy together.
Are you feeling sporty? The Picklr, an indoor pickleball facility in Biloxi, is a great new spot for both seasoned players and novices to sharpen their skills while bonding with fellow enthusiasts.
Accommodations with a Twist
After a day of adventure, where will you rest? Enter The Hotel Vela, a boutique hotel created by our James Beard-nominated chefs, which offers not just a place to stay but an experience filled with culinary delights and luxurious comfort. Pair your stay with evenings at the onsite Siren Social Club, known for its unique menu of European flavors.
Embrace the Outdoors
Don’t miss the picturesque Harrison County Sand Beach, newly equipped with accessible Mobi-mats, allowing everyone to truly enjoy our stunning beaches. Plus, the beloved Depot District in Bay St. Louis continues to charm visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, now featuring a new Back Yard Beer Garden.
Convenient Connections
Travelers rejoice! Coastal Mississippi has recently partnered with Breeze Airways to offer affordable nonstop flights from Gulfport-Biloxi to Orlando. This service opens the doors to not only connecting new travelers to our vibrant coast but also sets the stage for even more adventures!
The Future Looks Bright
As Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism, beautifully puts it, “We’re excited to kickoff 2025 with an exciting array of fun and delicious new offerings.” Whether you are a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, Coastal Mississippi is shaping up to be a destination that truly has it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and start planning your trip to Coastal Mississippi for an unforgettable experience in 2025. For more information on all the new developments and unique experiences awaiting you along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit CoastalMississippi.com.
Here’s to new adventures, tasty bites, and sun-soaked memories along the breathtaking coast!

About Coastal Mississippi: Coastal Mississippi is the organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports, and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi. Visit CoastalMississippi.com to learn more.
Source: Coastal Mississippi
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
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