Faced with a $30 minimum wage, hotel investors start looking outside L.A.
The Los Angeles City Council is voting today, Wednesday, 5/14, on a hospitality worker wage hike to $30 by 2028 along with a healthcare payment of $8.35 per hour. One hotel that has signed an agreement with the 2028 Olympics committee to offer a room block is backing out of their planned and approved expansion to build a new tower if the City Council passes the wage proposal.
Downtown-based Rotender is among the latest local companies to dabble in food and beverage space automation.
“It’s really important that the hospitality industry is known for creating memorable experiences, and you’re never (going to) substitute that social interaction from one team member or your server or your bartender with a robot,” Joe O’Donnell, Chairman of the CRA Board and President of Urban Plates, said. “That’s the core essence of the hospitality industry, is creating memories around great food, great ambiances.”
CRA BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Giving Back to the community - Dulan’s on Crenshaw
Dulan’s on Crenshaw is a family business founded by Greg Dulan's parents, Adolph and Mary. They opened a small hamburger stand in 1975 in the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles. After attending college, Greg returned to LA and opened Dulan’s on Crenshaw, a soul food restaurant, in 1992. Today, the restaurant has become a beloved neighborhood staple. In 2024, they partnered with CRA Marketplace partner DoorDash to better serve their growing community, which resulted in a 25% increase.
Dulan’s on Crenshaw has provided over 30,000 meals to those affected by the LA wildfires, continuing their support long after the media coverage ended. DoorDash is proud to support partners like Dulan’s on Crenshaw, who consistently show up for their communities, meal after meal.
NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION Take the Restaurant Operations Survey
The NRA hopes to get your input to help update its restaurant operations survey, which generates key industry metrics, such as profit margins and food/labor cost ratios. Survey participants will receive a free electronic copy of the Restaurant Operations Data Abstract—valued at $200—which contains this important financial data to help operators measure their operations' performance against industry averages. The survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. Please submit a completed survey by May 31.
CRA MARKETPLACE PARTNER DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Was your restaurant impacted by a recent disaster like the Midwest and Southeast storms earlier this month or the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires? The DoorDash Restaurant Relief Fund, in partnership with Alice Connects, can help you recover. Get up to $10,000 to rebuild your business and get back on your feet.
CRA MARKETPLACE PARTNER + CRF Award winning BMI songwriter helps raise funds for LA fire relief
The California Restaurant Foundation and BMI teamed up to co-host , Grateful at the Greek, a celebration of resilience, community, and compassion. The evening raised critical funds for Restaurants Care, providing lifeline grants to restaurant workers recovering from disaster. From the incredible food and heartfelt stories to the unforgettable live performance by Nash Overstreet of Hot Chelle Rae, it was a magical night at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
CRA members can save up to 20% off their music licensing fees. LEARN MORE
CRA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT How Red Chickz founder went from dishwasher to national brand builder
Congratulations to Shawn Lalehzarian, the President of the CRA LA Chapter and the Founder of Red Chickz. From Dishwasher to National Brand Builder: Lalehzarian immigrated to the U.S. from Iran without knowing English. He began his journey in the dish pit and has remained in the restaurant industry ever since. Today, he leads Red Chickz, which boasts over 1 million followers on TikTok, multiple locations, and a growing franchise system.
CRA LEGAL CENTER PARTNER CONTENT An employer’s 5-step guide to supporting employees during mental health awareness month and year-round
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, presenting a valuable opportunity to reflect on the well-being of your workforce. Recent statistics indicate that employees across various industries are increasingly facing stress, burnout, and depression in the workplace. CRA Legal Center partner Fisher Phillips offers a five-step guide to support your employees—not only during May but throughout the entire year.
