Welcome to Deep Dish, your weekly summary of food and entertainment news. Last week, our topic was the re-release of Martha Stewart’s inaugural cookbook.
The battle for unionization at Starbucks has been extensive and daunting. Bon Appétit has reported on strikes that occurred in 2023 as well as the intense union conflicts from the previous year. Currently, employees are threatening to go on strike once more—this time for Red Cup Day, a significant revenue opportunity for the company. This strike follows just months after Starbucks experienced major layoffs and numerous store closings. When will this union struggle come to a conclusion? Only time can provide the answer.
This week has also brought forth a new revelation in the realm of food criticism: Former Bon Appétit restaurant editor Elazar Sontag has assumed the role of food critic at The Washington Post, succeeding Tom Sietsema’s 25-year duration. Your beloved comfort food spot is now offering merchandise—could this signal something negative? And to top it off, Padma is making her return! Or perhaps she never truly departed?
Red Cup Day at Starbucks is a staple that signifies the onset of the festive season for enthusiasts of the giant coffee franchise. The concept is straightforward: Order a seasonal drink, receive a festive, reusable red cup in return. This day drives significant foot traffic and serves as a marketing boost for the brand. The Starbucks union has strategically selected Red Cup Day for their strike this Thursday, objecting to supposedly unlawful labor methods and a delayed union agreement, the most recent draft of which is said to be awaiting management’s response, according to the union.
As reported by ABC News, more than 600 days have elapsed “since Starbucks and the union established a mutual commitment to finalize an agreement,” which is significantly longer than typical union discussions. “If Starbucks continues to obstruct a fair contract and persist in union suppression, they’ll witness their operations come to a standstill,” stated Michelle Eisen, spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United and a barista with 15 years of experience, in a press release. “We’re disheartened that Workers United, which represents just about 4% of our colleagues, has opted to authorize a strike rather than returning to negotiations,” Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson commented in a statement to Bon Appétit. “We are ready to engage in talks whenever they choose to return.”
The Starbucks strike is part of a growing trend among unionized coffee shops, as Bon Appétit recently highlighted. Starbucks’ initiatives have catalyzed and set the foundation for similar efforts by smaller establishments. “People witness us challenging this gigantic employer,” remarked Noah Dixon, a Starbucks employee from Philadelphia, in conversation with Bon Appétit. “They are seeing our success.” —Li Goldstein, associate newsletter editor
If you’ve ever yearned for a discreet, stylish way to indicate to others your fondness for Cava’s Mediterranean-style bowl lunches, you’re in luck. The company announced on Thursday that it is unveiling a merchandise line—including a hot harissa baby tee and hats emblazoned with “Feta”—in collaboration with a select group of food influencers.
