Topic: Crab Cakes

Observations at the Whole Foods flagship store in Austin, Texas, reveal changes in food preparation and portion sizes following the Amazon acquisition. Specifically, crab cakes are now reportedly pre-made and smaller in weight for the same price. The store's cafe culture is also noted as a popular "meat market" for dating, where individuals use the free Wi-Fi to work while socializing over wine.

The Maryland seafood industry is facing a 40% workforce shortage due to changes in the H-2B visa lottery system. Nearly half of the Eastern Shore's crab houses have no workers to pick meat, as they rely on seasonal labor from Mexico. The shift from a first-come-first-served system to a lottery has left many businesses without the necessary staff for the crabbing season.

Reports from Whole Foods suggest that shortages of crab cakes, nuts, and berries are linked to delays in H2B visas under the Trump administration's immigration policies. The lack of seasonal workers is reportedly impacting the availability of certain produce and prepared foods.