Business

Massachusetts small businesses owners say they're still struggling financially more than two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, despite many receiving federal relief money.

Driving the news: More than half (53%) of small business owners said in a new poll they're bringing in less revenue now than before the pandemic.

Workers prefer to come into the office just once a week — a trend that's expanding as the hybrid work model goes mainstream, our Axios What's Next colleagues write.

By the numbers: Workplace occupancy data company Basking, which tracks workers' comings and goings, found 50% of workers globally who visited the office in the second quarter of 2022 did so only once a week.

Suffolk Construction owner John Fish sees an economy in flux, but he's bullish that Massachusetts can maintain its perch as a top economic state if it tackles its housing and transit problems.

State of play: Fish says one of the biggest liabilities for the state will be the MBTA, unless it can be kept in good repair.

DavidsTea quietly opened a pop-up shop earlier this month above the Lululemon in the Back Bay.

• The limited-time pop-up marks the tea brand's first return to the U.S. market since the pandemic prompted the Montréal-based company to close its brick-and-mortar stores, spokesperson Flory Silverman told Axios.

Massachusetts regulators want to hear from casinos, sports books and other companies looking to jump into the state's nascent sports betting industry.

Driving the news: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is accepting notices of intent through Aug. 31 from prospective license applicants.

The latest Boston area pricing data confirm what our shrinking bank account balances show: Housing, food and energy costs are still too damn high.

By the numbers: The inflation rate for everyday expenses jumped 7.5% between May 2021 and May 2022, according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) — the highest annual increase since November 1981.

Kelp, a Boston-based startup that uses data and AI to help corporations track and improve their reputations, has been acquired by London-based Signal AI, the companies announced today.

Why it matters: The deal will help Kelp provide deeper insights for its clients, the companies said.

The Mandarin Oriental is taking high-end massages to the next level with new CBD treatments.

What's happening: The luxury hotel chain launched four spa treatments at its Boston location in partnership with Cause + Medic, a Colorado-based hemp-derived CBD brand.