Minnesota's more than 9,000 restaurants, eateries and cafes were hit hard by the Great Recession. During difficult economic times, our customers choose between paying the weekly grocery bill and taking the family out for breakfast or dinner. That means that fewer steaks, pancakes and chicken dinners are served, and that fewer tips are left on the tables. Even as the economy recovers, the restaurant industry's economic health remains uncertain at best. The price of beef, poultry, vegetables and dairy continue to rise sharply. The cost of food now accounts for more than 40 percent of the price of each meal. This economic uncertainty makes it hard for...