Category: Business

The New Shortage: Ketchup Can’t Catch Up – WSJ

The pandemic turned restaurants into takeout specialists, boosting demand for the condiment; ‘Everyone out there is grabbing for ketchup’

Supply chain problems are reaching into a far corner of the business universe: Ketchup packets.

After enduring a year of closures, employee safety fears and start-stop openings, many American restaurants are now facing a nationwide ketchup shortage. Restaurants are trying to secure the tabletop staple after Covid-19 upended the condiment world order. Managers are using generic versions, pouring out bulk ketchup into individual cups and hitting the aisles of Costco for substitutes.

“We’ve been hunting high and low,” said Chris Fuselier, owner of Denver-based Blake Street Tavern, who has struggled to keep ketchup in stock for much of this year.

The pandemic turned many sit-down restaurants into takeout specialists, making individual ketchup packets the primary condiment currency for both national chains and mom-and-pop restaurants. Packet prices are up 13% since January 2020, and their market share has exploded at the expense of tabletop bottles, according to restaurant-business platform Plate IQ.

Source: The New Shortage: Ketchup Can’t Catch Up – WSJ

Live! Casino In Greensburg Among Companies Looking Fill Several Job Openings

Live! Casino in Greensburg is looking to hire dealers, cooks, and servers.

Casino officials plan to interview for positions that include table games dealers, guest services representatives, cage cashiers, environmental services attendants, security ambassadors, line and prep cooks, dishwashers, food servers, bartenders, restaurant hosts and cocktail servers.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. While walk-ins are welcomed, those interested in attending the job fair are encouraged to register online, where they can choose which time they will attend. The casino’s recruitment center is located on the first floor of the mall in the former Sears wing. Type tinyurl.com/up56ew into a web browser to register online.

OTHER COMPANIES ARE ALSO HIRING AT THE JOB FAIR ON MONDAY AT WESTMORELAND MALL IN GREENSBURG, PA.

Source: Live! Casino In Greensburg Among Companies Looking Fill Several Job Openings

GME Stock: Ryan Cohen’s Latest Move Is Giving GameStop Some Fuel | InvestorPlace

 

The past week has been a tenuous one for GameStop (NYSE:GME) stock. Its earnings report proved less than stellar, missing estimates. Talks of a stock offering came the same day, worrying investors of a dilution of Class A common stock. However, much has happened since that is giving the company new life and new hope.

GameStop Stock: Is The Tide Turning For GME Stock?

Source: Shutterstock

It started with a Roaring Kitty r/WallStreetBets post which rallied the GameStop troops. That momentum has only snowballed with news of the company’s change of guard.

GameStop told the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last night that eight of its board members will be resigning. Notable names in the industry like Reggie Fils-Aimé of Nintendo (OTCMKTS:NTDOY) fame and Activision’s (NASDAQ:ATVI) Kathy Vrabeck are among those stepping down.

Source: GME Stock: Ryan Cohen’s Latest Move Is Giving GameStop Some Fuel | InvestorPlace

Ever Given, a massive cargo ship, is still stuck in the Suez Canal

The Ever Given, which become lodged in the Suez Canal, is still stuck, halting traffic in one of the world’s busiest waterways.

  • The massive container ship that ran aground in the Suez Canal, halting traffic in one of the world’s busiest waterways, is still stuck.
  • The ship, called the Ever Given, became horizontally wedged in the waterway following heavy winds.
  • Nearly 19,000 ships passed through the canal during 2020, for an average of 51.5 per day, according to the Suez Canal Authority.
  • The massive container ship that ran aground in the Suez Canal, halting traffic in one of the world’s busiest waterways, is still stuck as tug boats continued to try to dislodge the ship on Thursday. A team of expert salvors from Smit Salvage have been called in to assist with the operation.

Source: Ever Given, a massive cargo ship, is still stuck in the Suez Canal

Jobs Feature: Who’s hiring in Pittsburgh? 

IT and Engineering

Argo AI has an opening for a Technical Director of Cyber Security to implement cybersecurity for development and cloud environments, bring next-generation capabilities to the company’s cybersecurity portfolio, document infrastructure security requirements, create report metrics and more.

Healthcare

The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health seeks a Client Service Manager for a client-facing role to deliver exceptional service and supervisory skills.

Higher Education

The University of Pittsburgh is hiring a Major Gifts Officer to raise gifts at the $100,000-plus level and build a diverse and sustainable portfolio of fundraising prospects.

Governmental

The Quaker Valley Council of Governments seeks an Executive Director to work with 15 municipalities, as well as state and county officials, to establish regional priorities, identify efficiencies and meet the needs of citizens, businesses and civic organizations.

Nonprofit

The Frick Pittsburgh is looking for a Membership Manager to define and refine the Frick experience for members and increase the organization’s membership and individual donor bases.

Business and Finance

Amazon has an opening for an Area Manager to oversee safety, quality, productivity and customer delivery, mentor team members, develop plans that meet business objectives and more.

Citizens Bank seeks a Fraud Operations Senior Specialist to handle customer calls, perform analytical review of data and documentation, ensure compliance with policies, troubleshoot operational issues and more.

Marketing and Communications

Duquesne Light Company is hiring a Marketing Specialist to implement the marketing strategy and administration of programs, track marketing efforts, increase visibility in the marketplace and more.

Human Services

The Salvation Army Western PA Division seeks a Recovery Support Specialist to maintain a safe, orderly and therapeutic physical environment for residents, evaluate clients’ behavioral and emotional needs and work as part of a treatment team.

Advanced Manufacturing

Calgon Carbon Corporation is hiring a Mechanical Assembler I to perform general labor functions, load and unload trucks, operate tools, machinery and vehicles, assemble products, test units and more.

ZOLL Medical Corporation is looking for an Associate Quality Assurance Inspector to oversee inspection reports, operate measurement equipment and read manufacturing drawings, inspection instructions, diagrams schematics and engineering change notices.

Retail

Sheetz is hiring a Store Team Leader to serve as a hospitality ambassador, greet customers, prepare food and beverage items, complete customer transactions, receive and replenish supplies and products, and more.

Source: Who’s hiring in Pittsburgh? Amazon, Argo AI, Citizens Bank and more — 3/22/21

Pittsburgh-Area Business Owners Say They Cannot Fill Open Positions

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The coronavirus pandemic caused a massive wave of unemployment in the Pittsburgh region.

Now that the economy is coming back, employers face a new problem — not enough workers. KDKA investigator Andy Sheehan looks into why employers now can’t fill positions.

READ MORE:Pittsburgh Weather: Rain, Wind, And Snow All Possible

After a year of shutdowns and indoor dining restrictions, the lunchtime crowd at the Juniper Grill in Cranberry is picking up. The problem now is a shortage of cooks, bartenders and waitstaff to serve them.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Pat McDonnell with Atria’s Restaurants. “We have eight restaurants and we need employees at all eight restaurants.”

Employers throughout the region have the same lament. Now that the economy is springing back, they can’t find the workers to fill the positions.

“People call for interviews and they don’t show up for interviews,” said McDonnell. “We’ve gone every place we could go to advertise, to get the word out we are hiring. It’s just been very, very difficult.”

“The labor force is down. The people looking for work is down. I think a lot of folks have moved on,” said University of Pittsburgh researcher Chris Briem.

READ MORE:Pa. State House Passes Bike Lane Safety Bill

At the onset of the pandemic, the region lost 200,000 jobs but got all but 78,000 back over the last year. Now that many of those jobs are returning, about 50,000 people have left the workforce and, according to Briem, are no longer available.

“I think some of our workers have retired early,” said Briem. “I think a lot of our younger workers include students. I think there are tremendous issues with folks taking care of children or other folks at home not being able to jump back into the labor force.”

“It’s a challenge to get them back because of the increased money they get,” said Chief Operating Officer of St. Moritz Security Services Chris Hansen.

Source: Pittsburgh-Area Business Owners Say They Cannot Fill Open Positions

Bernie Sanders rips into Jeff Bezos: ‘You are worth $182 billion … why are you doing everything in your power to stop your workers’ from unionizing?

Bezos declined to testify at a hearing on income inequality, which included testimony from a pro-union Amazon worker in Alabama.

  • Bezos declined Sanders’ invitation to testify at a hearing, but the senator had harsh words for him.
  • Sanders criticized Amazon’s countering of a union drive in Alabama despite the CEO’s record wealth.
  • The hearing included testimony from a pro-union worker at Amazon’s Bessemer warehouse.
  • See more stories on Insider’s business page.

Source: Bernie Sanders rips into Jeff Bezos: ‘You are worth $182 billion … why are you doing everything in your power to stop your workers’ from unionizing?

Giant Eagle hiring 700 employees in Pittsburgh area

Giant Eagle is looking to fill more than 700 permanent full and part-time positions across the company’s Pittsburgh-area Giant Eagle and Market District supermarkets.

The company will conduct socially distant, in-person hiring events at host locations throughout the area March 15 to March 19. Candidates will meet with recruiters and have the opportunity for same-day job offers. All event participants will be required to wear a mask or other face covering.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.GiantEagle.com/OnTheSpotOffers for complete event detail, a full list of host locations and to explore open positions and submit their application in advance to expedite the in-person interview process.

Doughbar, a new pizza destination, to open on South Side | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

There are few foods that evoke as much passion as pizza: Ask a dozen people their favorite and you might get a dozen answers, and everyone has a fierce loyalty for their neighborhood pizza shop.

Matt Porco, Donnie Amman and Chris Clark can rattle off theirs without batting an eye — Casa Del Sole in Aspinwall, Don Campiti’s in Dormont and Napoli in Bridgeville, respectively. It’s a combination of that neighborhood nostalgia along with a career’s worth of experience at top restaurants in Pittsburgh and New York that they’ll bring to Doughbar Pizzeria & Rotisserie, slated to open March 17 at 1831 E. Carson St. on the South Side.

Though whole- or half-bird rotisserie chicken and wings will be on the menu, pizza is the star.

“When you look at Pittsburgh’s pizza historically, we have a neighborhood pizza culture. We are bridging the gap between that and a full-service restaurant with the experience we have, the ideas that we can present, and creating an environment that is a destination,” said Porco, executive chef and co-owner.

“We’re hoping that you can get a little bit of nostalgia,” Clark said. “We’re incorporating ideas from the pizzas we liked when we were young.”

“Our menu is going to be a riff on a neighborhood pizzeria,” Mr. Porco said.

The new pizza restaurant from Matt Porco, Donnie Amman and Chris Clark will open on March 17.

Source: Doughbar, a new pizza destination, to open on South Side | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Conneaut Lake Park | TribLIVE.com

CONNEAUT LAKE — A federal bankruptcy court judge has approved the sale of a century-old amusement park in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh-based U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Jeffrey Deller on Tuesday morning approved the sale of Conneaut Lake Park to Keldon Holdings LLC for a cash price of $1.2 million.

Source: Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Conneaut Lake Park | TribLIVE.com

‪#‎lapelsgreensburg‬ – Explore This Featured Business | Facebook

Lapels, A Fine Men’s Store · Lapels has been named the Best of the Best: Men’s Clothing Store in Westmoreland County. We are thrilled at thus amazing honor. Thanks to all who took the time to vote for us. A special thanks to everyone who has supported us during this challenging year. Your loyalty has meant the world to us. We are excited for 2021, when we hope things return to a more normal state. We will be here bringing the best in men’s fashions, accessories and gifts to the region as we have done over the past 18 years. #lapelsgreensburg #bestofthebest20

SHOP IN STYLE in Downtown Greensburg. Lapels is where you can find cool winter fashions for him. While you are downtown stop at

Artisans of Hands and Heart

and pick up a metal Greensburg sign from Acorn Metal Signs.

Source: (20+) ‪#‎lapelsgreensburg‬ – Explore | Facebook

Doughbar Pizzeria & Rotisserie to open on Pittsburgh’s South Side | TribLIVE.com

A shuttered Mexican restaurant on the South Side will soon be home to pizza and rotisserie chicken.

Doughbar Pizzeria & Rotisserie restaurant has taken over the space on East Carson Street, with a planned opening ona March 10.

The menu will feature 14- and 12-inch pizzas in New York style and pan options, rotisserie chicken served as whole or half bird with options for wings or tenders, stone-baked hoagies and a selection of starters, salads, sides and sauces.

It’s owned by former chefs at Downtown Pittsburgh’s Sienna Mercato and Emporio: A Meatball Joint, Matthew Porco of Franklin Park and Donnie Amman of Dormont. They teamed up with Chris Clark, general manager of Superior Motors in Braddock.

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Source: Doughbar Pizzeria & Rotisserie to open on Pittsburgh’s South Side | TribLIVE.com

Levin Furniture reopens stores in McMurray, Robinson; soon Mt. Pleasant | TribLIVE.com

Jeff Federoff had just been laid off from his job at Levin Furniture & Mattress. The new ownership had gone bankrupt — and then the pandemic hit.

“I open my mail and there is a letter and a check from Robert Levin,” said Federoff, a 20-year employee from Canonsburg, as he stood inside the reopened Levin store on Wednesday in McMurray. “Robert is the best boss you could ever work for. He is so gracious and employees are blessed to work for him.”

Source: Levin Furniture reopens stores in McMurray, Robinson; soon Mt. Pleasant | TribLIVE.com

Community Bank closing six branches, four in the Pittsburgh metro area – WPXI

PITTSBURGH — Community Bank, retail arm of CB Financial Services Inc., on Tuesday said it plans to consolidate six branches.

Four are located within the 10-county Pittsburgh metro where Community Bank ranks No. 17 by deposit market share. It is targeting June 30 for the closures.

They are:

Monongahela to be consolidated into Rostraver

Perryopolis to be consolidated into Uniontown and Rostraver

Pioneer to be consolidated into Waynesburg

Southpointe to be consolidated into McMurray

Source: Local bank closing six branches, four in the Pittsburgh metro, and here’s where

Biden orders supply chain review for 4 industries – POLITICO

President Joe Biden will sign an executive order on Wednesday to review the global supply chains used by four key industries in an effort to avoid the shortages in medical equipment, semiconductors and other goods seen as critical during the pandemic.

China reliance targeted: Biden’s order will institute 100-day reviews of the global producers and shippers for: computer chips used in consumer products; large-capacity batteries for electric vehicles; pharmaceuticals and their active ingredients; and critical minerals used in electronics.

The reviews will seek to determine whether U.S. firms in these sectors are relying too much on foreign suppliers, particularly those in China, a senior administration official told reporters. They will also consider other vulnerabilities, like extreme weather and environmental factors.“

Clearly we are looking at the risks posed by dependence on competitor nations, but that is only one of a range of risks we are looking at,” the administration official said.

The order will also direct yearlong reviews for six sectors: defense, public health, information technology, transportation, energy and food production.

Source: Biden orders supply chain review for 4 industries – POLITICO

GameStop CFO resigns following Reddit stock trading mania | Fox Business

Following weeks of headline-grabbing attention from a social media-fueled stock trading frenzy, GameStop announced Tuesday its Chief Financial Officer Jim Bell will resign from his role effective March 26.

A reason for Bell’s resignation was not immediately clear. In an SEC filing on Tuesday, GameStop said Bell’s resignation was “not because of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices, including accounting principles and practices.”

Source: GameStop CFO resigns following Reddit stock trading mania | Fox Business

Singapore vending machines now dispense salmon, crab and even cacti – BBC News

The city state has a dizzying array of vending machines, dispensing everything from cacti to pizza.

The reasons vending entrepreneurs are trying out new products are as varied as the businesses themselves.

Manish Kumar, the managing director of Norwegian Salmon, says machines offer him his own retail space. That means his frozen products aren’t placed next to fresh salmon, which is more popular here.

Mervin Tham, one of the three founders of EasyMeat, whose machines sell the Wagyu beef, thinks the variety is expanding because the barriers to entry are fairly low.

“It’s a low effort way of testing a product, especially if you’re starting a business of your own. And generally there’s some interest towards the automated retail culture that you see overseas, like in Japan,” he says.

Source: Singapore vending machines now dispense salmon, crab and even cacti – BBC News

2 stores close at Westmoreland Mall; prom and formal wear store opens | TribLIVE.com

Westmoreland Mall officials confirmed that Littman Jewelers shuttered this month, and a women’s clothing store is set to close.

Littman, a national jewelry chain, was located on the first floor across from the former Sears wing and the wing that now houses Live! Casino Pittsburgh. Christopher & Banks, on the first floor near JCPenney, also is set to close, according to signage posted at the store.

Source: 2 stores close at Westmoreland Mall; prom and formal wear store opens | TribLIVE.com