Mr. Blake and his brother, S. Prestley Blake, opened the first Friendly ice cream shop in 1935. The store became an East Coast staple with an expanded menu and hundreds of locations. Source: NYT > Business – Daniel E. Slotnik
Mario Batali Faces Criminal Charge in 2017 Encounter at Boston Restaurant
The celebrity chef faces a criminal assault charge related to an allegation that he groped and kissed a woman. His lawyer said he denies the allegation. Source: NYT > Business – JACEY FORTIN
Jamie Oliver’s U.K. Restaurants Declare Bankruptcy
About 1,300 jobs are at risk as administrators take control of the indebted business. The celebrity chef said he was deeply saddened. Source: NYT > Business – AMIE TSANG
American Express to Buy Resy, a Restaurant Booking Service
The deal is the card giant’s latest effort to expand into the hospitality industry, giving it the country’s biggest privately held option for reserving tables. Source: NYT > Business – MICHAEL J. de la MERCED
Esca’s Chef Buys the Restaurant He Opened With Mario Batali
The chef, Dave Pasternack, says the business suffered from the Batali scandal, but plans to revamp the theater district fixture. Source: NYT > Business – JULIA MOSKIN
As Mainstays Depart, Charleston Asks Where Its Restaurant Scene Is Headed
Hominy Grill has closed. Sean Brock is gone. Tourism and prices are booming. What does all that portend for this influential food city? Source: NYT > Business – KIM SEVERSON