Every April, the restaurant industry’s heaviest hitters gather in one place to hash out where the business is headed. This year is no different. The Restaurant Leadership Conference returns April 19-22, 2026, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona—and if you run a restaurant, you should be paying attention, […]
Small Business Expo Comes to Washington D.C. This April
The Small Business Expo is coming to Washington D.C. on April 8, 2026. It will be held at the Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C., from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST As a small business owner and veteran of the restaurant industry, Gayle Smith Gay sees this event as a […]
Why Casual Dining is Winning the Restaurant Value War
The restaurant industry in early 2026 is witnessing a fascinating shift in how we define a “good deal.” For years, the choice was between quick, affordable fast food or a more expensive, sit-down experience. However, recent data shows that the price gap between these two worlds has narrowed significantly, creating a new “maturation” of menu […]
NYC Moves to Cut Costly Fines Facing Small Businesses
New York City is taking action to reduce the financial strain many small businesses face from fines and administrative penalties. In mid-January, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order directing city agencies to review and reduce fines that place ongoing pressure on local business owners. According to an official announcement from the city, the order […]
Canadian Small Businesses Feel the Impact of U.S. Tariff Changes
A recent shift in U.S. trade policy is creating new challenges for Canadian small businesses that rely on cross-border sales. With the end of the U.S. $800 de minimis shipping exemption, low-value packages sent from Canada to American customers are no longer entering the country duty-free. For many small exporters, this change means higher costs, […]