72% of California voters support reforming California’s lawsuit-first PAGA system
“A new survey released today by the Fix PAGA coalition reveals that 72 percent of California voters support the state legislature reforming the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) to provide state regulators with increased authority to enforce employee labor complaints, while still allowing workers to bring claims through litigation if regulators cannot resolve satisfactorily.”
“What’s more, after a simulated campaign with voters hearing equal support and opposition arguments, 64 percent of voters continue to support the proposal.”
Rubio’s says it’s closing 48 locations in California due to rising state business costs
“Jot Condie, president and CEO of the California Restaurant Association, told ABC10 that Rubio's closings are an early glimpse into what California consumers could expect if the statewide $18 minimum wage ballot measure is approved by voters in November.”
“Daily headlines have chronicled job losses, reduced working hours, restaurant closures and higher prices for California’s inflation-weary consumers as a direct result of this minimum wage hike,” Condie said. “Feedback from our members suggests this has become a breaking point for many small restaurant businesses.”
CONFIDENTIAL BULLETIN EPISODE 3: It’s not just California: Hospitality politics in other states
A podcast-on-podcast conversation with Jot Condie, CRA president + CEO, and podcast hosts, Joe Kefauver and Franklin Coley who are partners at Aligned Public Strategies out of Florida. They manage public affairs efforts in other parts of the country for the restaurant and hospitality industry and have fantastic insight into the intersection of hospitality and politics. The hosts give their perspective on the tip credit fight happening in Ohio and Massachusetts, labor activities, and the FAST Act spreading to other states.
Discover something new at the west coast event showcasing the art and science of foodservice. This year’s event includes the new Pizza Summit Tomorrow Pavilion.
CRA members receive unlimited free registrations – take advantage of your member benefit and register today!
Why restaurants are so loud, and what science says we can do about it
“Sietsema began recording and publishing decibel levels in his reviews in 2008 in response to reader feedback. More than a decade later, the problem persists. Noise was the most cited complaint in Zagat’s last Dining Trends Survey in 2018, and it continues to dominate the conversation in online restaurant reviews. Sietsema says behind tipping, a quiet restaurant is the most requested piece of advice in his weekly live chat sessions.”
Is fast food now a luxury? Most Americans think so
“Nearly 80% of Americans now consider fast food a “luxury,” according to a survey released last week by Lending Tree. Seventy- eight percent of respondents said yes when asked, ‘Fast food has gotten more expensive, and I now view it as a luxury.’”
“The view is most acute by people who make less money or who have kids, according to the survey.”
You can save up to $3,000 instantly on energy-efficient foodservice equipment when you purchase from participating dealers. You’ll find a full list of eligible equipment AND participating dealers near you. Skip the paperwork and save instantly on your foodservice equipment.
CRA MEMBER BENEFIT: Wage Track – April 2024 update!
Since our January 2024 report, median wage trends in the restaurant and food service industry are up across the board with minimal exceptions. With the April 1 implementation of the Fast Act, we anticipated significant wage growth particularly in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment. Indeed, QSR wages experienced significant growth, with Fast Food Crew Member wages increasing by 13% statewide. In the Full-Service segment, wages also saw an upward trend. Job postings for Kitchen staff saw a median wage increase of 2.6%, Front-of-House staff saw a 1.6% rise, and Management experienced a 1% increase.
Independent restaurants and commercial caterers are invited to apply for $5,000 to build resilience – technology upgrades, equipment upgrades, employee training/retention, and unforeseen hardship.
A SPECIAL INVITE: Industry tasting for Belgian Beer Week, USA
CRA Board member Joseph Pitruzzelli of Wurstküche invites you to an Industry Tasting & Mixer during Belgian Beer Week. Come if you’re free. There will be some amazing beers and great people behind them. From 12 - 2 PM, it will be industry only, then it's ticketed to the public. Password is: bbw24
This plush penthouse escape—open since 1965—reached new heights after a dramatic redesign. Thanks to a freshly added lounge, diners have better access to its skyline views.
Dragonfly Golf Club 43369 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93636
SPONSORSHIPS & TICKETS COMING SOON
Los Angeles Chapter
🔎 Permanent Al Fresco Program for City of Los Angeles WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Permanent Al Fresco Program for the City of Los Angeles went into effect on January 31, 2024. Under the permanent program, all temporary permits under the COVID-19 emergency order will no longer be valid after July 31, 2024. If you wish to continue offering al fresco dining at your restaurant, you must apply for a permit under the permanent program.
The City of Los Angeles will be hosting a series of monthly Webinars to answer any questions and provide additional guidance to all restaurant business owners. You can find permanent Al Fresco application information and webinar info here and find the webinar schedule below (subject to change).
JUN. 5, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Al Fresco in the Coastal Zone | REGISTER
🚗 Los Angeles County Third-Party Delivery Platform Ordinance
During the COVID Pandemic, L.A. County enacted an emergency Ordinance that capped delivery fees for Third-Party Delivery Services at 20% of the order total.
The County officially ended its local COVID emergency declaration on March 31, 2023, and is recommending an update to the existing COVID-19 emergency language in the County Code that would remove the 20% cap on delivery and service fees and adjust to a 15% cap on delivery. In addition, it will also allow restaurants to opt into additional services at their own discretion. This ordinance will only impact the unincorporated parts of the county. The Department of Economic Opportunity is asking for feedback on the proposed changes to the existing Ordinance and kindly ask that you fill out the brief 5-minute survey. You can fill out the survey here.
💵 Los Angeles County Business Interruption Fund
In an effort to bolster local businesses, Los Angeles County just launched the Entertainment Business Interruption Fund, a $4.1 million grant program aimed to serve businesses that were impacted by the Hollywood strikes and the pandemic.
The Department of Economic Opportunity is now taking applications to provide relief to prop houses, florists, caterers, and other small and micro businesses that need a helping hand to rebuild.
The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will provide grants of $10,000 for businesses with less than $1 million in revenue and $25,000 for businesses with revenue between $1 million and $3 million. To qualify, businesses must make at least 70% of their revenue from the entertainment industry. New applications will be accepted starting June 3 through June 7, 2024 at 5 PM PT. Click here to learn more and apply today.
SEATS ARE FILLING FAST. REGISTER NOW! LA Restaurants Leadership Roundtable: New Restaurant Growth in California and on a National Level Keeping a Concept Relevant During Turbulent Times Discussion lead by John Tallichet Specialty Restaurants Corporation JUN 24 ● 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Marmalade Cafe – El Segundo 2014 Park Pl # C4, El Segundo, CA 90245
Honoring the life of Beverly Ann Mascari of Anthony's Seafood Group Beverly, age 82, of San Diego, California, passed away on Monday, April 29th, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Philip Mascari, and family. Beverly was a long-time CRA member and served on the CRA State Board and on the local San Diego Chapter. Her love and passion for the restaurant community will be greatly missed.
San Diego Chapter: 39th Annual Gold Medallion Awards JUN 25 ● 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Town and Country Resort Hotel 500 Hotel Cir N., San Diego, CA 92108
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