California Restaurant Association and Berkeley settle gas ban lawsuit: Berkeley will not enforce its ban
As an update to The CRA’s 9th Circuit victory over piecemeal local natural gas bans in CRA vs City of Berkeley, the city has agreed to settle with CRA based on the unanimous 9th Circuit ruling; this marks the end of this litigation. In a settlement filed with the court, Berkeley agreed not to enforce its gas ban ordinance as the City Council takes steps to repeal it.
CRA’s Foundation partners with CSU to promote college access
College access is in the DNA of our Foundation. Did you know? Our Foundation was founded in 1981 as a scholarship fund. We are partnering with the California State University system to increase access to their 15 campuses that offer a hospitality degree! Follow us on Instagram this week for tips on scholarships, campus life, and more.
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW What is the newly established Fast Food Council?
Last year, AB 1228 was signed into law, which established the Fast Food Council. The Council has regulatory authority over various restaurant concepts, such as fast-casual and quick-serve, as well as franchise and non-franchise models. It has regulatory power over counter-service restaurants that have over 60 locations nationwide. The Council's goal is to set minimum working condition standards. Sabrina shares more information in this week's News You Need to Know.
Bay Area fast food chains continue layoffs ahead of minimum wage increase
Curbed store hours, reduced staff, and other expense optimizing measures continue as the April 1 fast food minimum wage implementation date approaches.
WARN Act issues to navigate for the restaurant industry
As restaurants consider avenues to combat rising costs, CRA Legal partner Jackson Lewis highlights the WARN Act as something to be aware of before laying off staff. “The California WARN Act is unique in that it could apply to smaller restaurants. The California WARN Act applies to ‘covered establishments,’ which is any restaurant that has had at least 75 full-time, part-time, or temporary employees in the past 12 months.”
Spice up your restaurant's operations with Push! We’re serving up HR, payroll, time tracking, and scheduling in one easy-to-use platform. Let us be your secret ingredient for success, grow and scale your business with integrated employee management!
Seattle may walk back wage hike for delivery drivers
The City of Seattle is reconsidering a large wage increase for third-party delivery drivers; the large minimum wage increase has decreased the earnings these drivers take home. “Drivers are now seeing fewer offers, longer gaps between trips, and lower tips. As a result, most are earning 25% to 30% less than Seattle’s regular minimum wage before tips.”
Tip Tax Credit by Adesso, a program focused on restaurants and hospitality to help businesses like yours recover tax credits through recorded employee tips. If your business has a tipping record, you may be eligible for a credit refund!
CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION Announcing the 2024 Restaurants Care Champions!
Meet the companies that have made an annual commitment to support food and beverage workers in crisis. They provide hope and financial stability to those in our community facing life's toughest challenges. Know of a foodservice worker in need? Refer them to Restaurants Care for up to $2,500 in relief aid.
IN YOUR INBOX - CRA MEMBER SURVEY Help the CRA Board determine policy priorities
Attention all CRA members! Thank you to everyone who has already submitted the survey. We appreciate you sharing your opinions with us and look forward to bringing the information to our Board. For those who have not taken the survey, there is still time! It will only take 5-8 minutes to complete. Your opinion is vital to us as members of this association, and it will help inform the CRA Board of Directors in updating the association’s policy priorities for the next two years.
MARKETPLACE PARTNER RESOURCE Let your customers know you accept digital payments
In recent years, contactless digital payments have become a preferred way for most customers to pay. CRA Marketplace partner US Bank | Elavon reviews the importance of offering different ways to pay and provides quick links to complimentary business signage.
MARKETPLACE PARTNER RESOURCE The labor shortage hiring crisis: Why it’s happening & how to overcome it
With the labor shortage, companies are having a hard time finding people to fill positions, successfully onboarding new hires, and retaining current employees. While the hiring crisis may stem from multiple factors, businesses need to ensure they have the staff to keep their doors open. CRA Marketplace partner Paychex provides tips on managing hiring struggles and finding the right employees.