5 things: New York prohibits unpaid meal fee lawsuits

In this edition of 5 Things, Food Management highlights five things you may have missed recently about developments affecting onsite dining.

Here’s your list for today:

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed new legislation into law that prohibits schools from filing lawsuits against parents for unpaid meal fees. The new legislation builds on his previously established No Student Goes Hungry Program.

Read more: New law prohibits schools from suing over unpaid meal fees

Bon Appétit Management Co. has launched Curated, an app-based ordering system that allows guests to order meals tailored to their specific dietary needs. Developed by Bon Appétit chefs and Registered Dietitians, Curated offers meals that meet the requirements of 12 different diets, including plant-forward, plant-based, high-protein/low-carb, and options for guests needing to avoid any of the major allergens or gluten.

Read more: Bon Appetit Introduces “Curated,” a New App-based Ordering System Offering Guests Wide Range of Dietary Options

Following similar moves by fellow major high-tech employers Apple and Google, Twitter has announced that it is closing its San Francisco and New York offices just two weeks after reopening them as virus cases surge. “After careful consideration of the CDC’s updated guidelines, and in light of current conditions, Twitter has made the decision to close our opened offices in New York and San Francisco as well as pause future office re-openings, effective immediately,” the company said.

Related:150 operators partner to create new best practices for industry

Read more: Twitter closes S.F. and New York offices as delta variant spreads

Compass Group is relaunching its U.S. corporate facilities management division as ESFM (Elevating Solutions in Facilities Management) with new operational programs designed to help clients “elevate” the workplace experience as building owners welcome employees back to the workplace. Programs to be offered by ESFM include concierge services, flexible workspaces and on-demand facility services. The relaunch will include expanded safety programming, the deployment of a proprietary cleaning certification program and a five-day management onboarding curriculum. The ESFM identity transition is expected to be complete by the end of 2021.

Read more: Compass Group Transforms Facilities Management Identity As Workplace Expectations Change

Related:5 things: Compass, Elior offer financial updates

United Airlines has announced that it is moving forward with plans to outsource its catering operations following a six-month review, similar to other airlines' strategies. United said it has selected three suppliers to operate the airline's five kitchens and oversee menu design and administration. United expects to initiate the transition in October - when federal payroll aid that prohibited airline job cuts expires - and be working with its new partners by mid-November.

Read more: United Airlines to outsource catering operations from October

Bonus: Foodservice menu trending: 21 ways to wow with bowls

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]