Blue Williams is pleased to highlight that Marcia Edwards, a partner in the firm’s Houston office, was recently featured in QSR Magazine in a comprehensive interview titled Ask a Lawyer: The New Rules of Restaurant Risk. The feature explores the evolving world of premises liability within the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant industries, positioning Edwards as a leading voice on legal trends that are reshaping how operators approach safety, training, and claims prevention.
The QSR Magazine article examines the shifting expectations placed on restaurants as consumer habits change and business models adapt. In the interview, Edwards explains that the legal environment surrounding premises liability has grown more complex due to a combination of increased customer traffic, heightened awareness of safety protocols, and the rapid expansion of digital ordering. These changes have altered the way customers move through restaurant spaces, which in turn has created new challenges for operators who must manage risk in a more dynamic environment.
Edwards discusses how restaurants are seeing a broader range of claims involving slip and fall incidents, customer movement patterns, parking lot safety concerns, and issues related to third-party delivery interactions. According to Edwards, operators must take a more intentional approach when evaluating how guests experience the restaurant environment. She explains that, as dining patterns continue to evolve, brands are expected to demonstrate consistency in their safety practices and strong documentation when incidents occur.
Throughout the interview, Edwards provides practical insight that helps restaurant operators understand how to improve risk management. She highlights the importance of regular inspection procedures and consistent staff training that emphasizes awareness of flooring conditions, lighting, layout, and other factors that affect customer movement. She also addresses the growing need for restaurants to reevaluate the safety of areas that extend beyond the dining room such as parking lots and exterior walkways. These areas play a critical role in shaping both the customer experience and the potential for liability.
Edwards also stresses the value of thorough incident reporting and documentation. Courts and insurance carriers increasingly expect operators to have clear records that show the timing and frequency of inspections as well as the actions taken by employees in response to hazards. Effective documentation not only assists in defending claims but also helps operators identify patterns that may lead to improvements in overall safety.
Her interview with QSR Magazine reflects her extensive experience representing national restaurant brands, franchisees, and operators across the hospitality and retail sectors. Edwards’ legal work focuses on premises liability defense, security and safety litigation, transportation issues, and complex commercial disputes. She is widely recognized for her ability to interpret industry trends and translate them into practical legal strategies that help clients reduce exposure and improve operational readiness.
This recognition by QSR Magazine underscores Blue Williams’ commitment to providing clients with insights that address real-world challenges. As the landscape of restaurant operations continues to shift, the firm remains focused on delivering guidance that supports safety improvements and strengthens its clients’ risk management programs.
Readers can access the full QSR Magazine interview at the following link:
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/ask-a-lawyer-the-new-rules-of-restaurant-risk/
For more information about Blue Williams and its work within the hospitality and retail industries, please visit www.bluewilliams.com.