Chew on this: What we're reading this week

Established casual-dining chain Applebee’s and up-and-coming Lyfe Kitchen made the list of the 10 most innovative food companies, according to Fast Company. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg suggested expanding his ban on large sweetened drinks to the entire state. And improper seafood labeling is under the microscope, while steakhouses realize how important corporate expense accounts are to their sales.

• Restaurants recognized for innovations. Applebee's and Lyfe Kitchen made Fast Company’s list of the top 10 most innovative companies in food. (Fast Company)

• What a minimum-wage hike could cost restaurants. The proposal would likely cause labor pains for foodservice companies if it becomes law. (Nation’s Restaurant News)

• Steakhouses still love expense accounts. Cutbacks in business T&E spending could slice into traffic or average revenue per guest. (Bloomberg Businessweek)

• Seafood mislabeling widespread. The most troubling segment for inaccurate seafood labeling is sushi, a study finds. (Huffington Post)

• Soda ban to expand? New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has proposed expanding a ban on large sweetened drinks to the entire state. (New York Post)