Bashas' remodels two Tucson grocery stores

Bashas’ remodels Swan, Sunrise stores

Bashas’ held celebrations this week after remodeling two of its grocery stores in Tucson: One at the corner of Sunrise and Kolb; the other at Camp Lowell and Swan.

Each store now has expanded product selections, including more organic and healthy options and more local produce; a revamped deli and bakery, including made-from-scratch items; a new Starbucks; a revamped floral/gift department; a full-service butcher shop with in-house ground beef grinding every day; and a full-service seafood counter, the Chandler-based grocery chain said in a news release.

ARIZONA

Phoenix cops oppose alcohol at Starbucks

PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council on Wednesday postponed a vote on whether to allow Starbucks to serve alcohol at four of the chain’s coffee shops in the city as police officials expressed opposition.

The department advised against approving the company’s liquor-license applications. The coffee giant is looking to serve wine and craft beer at several central Phoenix locations as part of its “Evenings” concept.

Starbucks applied for restaurant liquor licenses, but the Phoenix locations fail to meet the definition of a restaurant, according to police. That class of liquor license is less-restrictive and cheaper than others offered by the state.

Restaurants to pay workers denied OT

PHOENIX — Federal officials announced that three jointly owned Phoenix-area restaurants have agreed to pay $105,000 in overtime back wages and damages to 19 employees who worked at more than one of the eateries.

The U.S. Labor Department says Grassroots Kitchen and Tap restaurants in Phoenix and Scottsdale and Twisted Grove Parlor and Bar in Scottsdale failed to pay overtime when workers’ hours exceeded 40 in a work week.

According to the department, the employees worked more than 40 hours, but their hours at each restaurant were not combined when determining when overtime was due.

The $105,000 to be paid the workers includes nearly $53,000 in back wages and nearly $53,000 in damages.

The employers also will pay nearly $6,000 in penalties to the government.

Group purchases short-line railroad

SNOWFLAKE — A short-line railroad that has operated in Northeastern Arizona for nearly a century has been purchased in a deal that officials say removes the threat of closure.

Apache Railway announced it was purchased this week from a foundation by an ownership group led by Phoenix-based Aztec Land and Cattle Co. Ltd. The 98-year-old railroad operates 40 miles of track between Snowflake and Holbrook.

The purchase culminates an effort begun following the 2012 closure of a paper mill. A bankruptcy judge on Nov. 25 approved the $4.7 million sale of the railroad’s stock.