Joe, the 13-year-old NYC café chain, has received what is speculated to be a large investment from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. Joe was an early advocate of the third-wave coffee movement and has been roasting their own coffee in Red Hook since 2013. Keep an eye out for Joe to begin expanding to new locations shortly.

You can read more about the investment here.

Starting October 1^st Starbucks employees will be offered six weeks maternity leave at 100% pay. New mothers will also be given the option of up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave if they so choose. Starbucks was already offered six weeks of maternity leave, but only at 67% of pay. Additionally, Starbucks is offering 12 weeks unpaid leave to “non-birth parents.” This move comes amidst much discussion on the impact of rising labor costs in the hospitality industry. Only time will tell what kind of competitive advantage this increase in benefits might give to Starbucks.
You can read more about the decision here.