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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

Have You Eaten Out Lately?

Americans spend 49 percent of their food budgets in restaurants, compared to 25 percent in 1955. The restaurant industry's growing fast, and it employs one out of every 12 private-sector workers. Los Angeles is one of the country's biggest markets for eating out.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Americans spend 49 percent of their food budgets in restaurants, compared to 25 percent in 1955. The restaurant industry's growing fast, and it employs one out of every 12 private-sector workers. Los Angeles is one of the country's biggest markets for eating out. But, despite the smiles of the waiters and maitre d's, it's a tough business with sometimes abusive labor conditions. KCRW's Saul Gonzalez speaks with restaurant owners and workers (Eric Padilla, Mariana Huerta, Diep Tran, Oscar Alemán) and Jot Condie of the California Restaurant Association.

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

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    Anna Scott

    Former KCRW Housing and Homelessness Reporter

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

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    Jot Condie

    California Restaurant Association

    News
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