Before he began advocating for higher taxes for the poor and middle class, 2012 GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain headed up the National Restaurant Association. Sure, that group may have worked hand in hand to further the interests of the tobacco lobby, but at least Cain didn't do anything actually illegal, just morally reprehensible. But today, Politico reveals that the trade group was forced to settle two different complaints against Cain for "inappropriate behavior." Sounds like someone needs an electric fence around their groin. more ›

Obesity remains a huge problem in America—especially with one third of our our nation's children being classified as overweight or obese—but a number of large restaurant chains are now teaming up to do something about it. Of course, let's not go overboard: they're teaming up to cover themselves in case the government ever gets too worried about our nation's girth. To that end, more than a dozen chains, including Au Bon Pain, Burger King, Chili's, Denny's, Friendly's, IHOP and Outback Steakhouse, have created a "Kids LiveWell" initiative that aims to bring healthier fare to kids trays. more ›

The company that founded Chuck E. Cheese, which famously replaced lazy live musicians with ruthlessly efficient animatronic animals, now has their sights trained right on your server. According to this breathlessly excited vision of the future, soon “a new trend will be found at your favorite restaurants”! [Emphasis added.] Computerized touch screen ordering at your table is destined to radically marginalize the entire restaurant service industry, liberating diners from the bondage of inattentive service and tedious chit-chat with the help. Best of all, you don’t have to tip a touch screen! Oh, and there’s games, too! And ads! more ›

As more restaurants are being closed as the city's health department tries to improve its inspection procedures, questions remain. more ›