‘Not my time’: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ended speculation today about whether he will run for president in 2012, saying he will not. “Now is not my time,” Christie told reporters at the New Jersey Statehouse. His decision means that three months before primary voting is set to begin, the Republican race remains focused on two men: former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Christie was joined by Gov. Bobby Jindal in Baton Rouge last week for a private fundraiser at Rob Arkley’s home, according to someone present at the event. Read more about Christie’s decision not to run in the Newark, N.J.-based Star-Ledger here.
Across state lines: New Orleans-themed chain restaurant VooDoo BBQ & Grill says it is in negotiations with potential franchisees to start large multi-unit expansions in Florida and Texas and in the Northeast. Last month, VooDoo signed a deal with a Greenville, S.C., company to open eight restaurants in the Carolinas and plans to open another location on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. These expansions will at least triple the size of the chain and set the table for further expansion into markets outside the South, such as the Midwest and the Northeast. VooDoo opened its first location on New Orleans’ St. Charles Avenue in 2002. There are now 12 locations throughout south Louisiana, including three in Baton Rouge and one each in Zachary and Denham Springs.
Paid in full: Superior Bar & Grill in Shreveport has agreed to pay $83,569 in back wages to 43 current and former waiters, bussers and bartenders following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division that found violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The investigation found the company required employees to pay for “walk-outs” (customers who place orders but leave without paying) and incorrect customer orders, and it failed to pay employees for all hours worked—all of which resulted in wages falling below the federal minimum wage. Moreover, overtime hours were not paid and records were not maintained. Superior Bar & Grill, a full-service restaurant, cooperated with the investigation and has paid all back wages due.
