Support lags for Prop 32, California’s latest minimum wage proposal
California’s Proposition 32 would raise the statewide hourly minimum wage from $16 to $18, if approved by voters this month. While wage increases usually have widespread support in California, a recent poll from the Public Policy Institute of California shows 54% of likely voters say they’ll reject the measure.
Robots can make your fries, salads and guacamole. Is this the future of fast food?
Restaurant chains have been experimenting with robots in the kitchen for years. But, while several companies including White Castle, Sweetgreen and Chipotle are currently testing out ways to automate food prep, circuits and software haven’t yet taken over. For some businesses, early results are promising. Los Angeles-based fast-casual restaurant Sweetgreen has been testing what the company calls its “Infinite Kitchen” that uses machines to dispense and mix salad ingredients that humans then put the finishing touches on. Two locations that piloted the technology, including one in Huntington Beach, saw improvements in order accuracy and staff turnover, while average sales were 10% higher.
Discover how your restaurants can lower energy usage with new, high-efficiency equipment—HVAC, LED lighting, refrigeration controls, and more. Get a free energy audit and join 6,500+ businesses partnering with Budderfly to reduce costs and improve operations.
How AI Innovations are driving modern restaurant experiences
Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking up industries across the board, and restaurants and food service are no exception. From personalized menu recommendations to streamlined kitchen operations, AI makes dining more efficient and enjoyable by embracing what customers crave and empowering staff with resources and information. According to the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Technology Landscape Report 2024, 60% of restaurant operators plan to invest in advanced technologies to enhance the customer experience, 55% to increase productivity or efficiency in the service area, and 52% in the kitchen.
Restaurateur and Staff Voice their Strong Opposition against Passing Question 5
If passed, Massachusetts’s Question 5 would raise the minimum wage for tipped employees incrementally over a period of five years from $6.75 an hour to the state’s regular minimum wage of $15 an hour by 2029. A local business owner argues that raising the minimum wage as proposed would put the burden on restaurants and dining establishments would in turn likely have to raise menu prices or even lay off some staff members to cover the new cost incurred.
As an employer and a foodservice operator, you are legally required to post several notices informing your employees of their rights. The All-On-One labor law poster displays the mandatory State and Federal labor laws plus the required OSHA posting.
FIT DAY SUCCESS: Thousands of teens prepare for first jobs & paychecks
In October, the California Restaurant Foundation sent over 200 volunteers into high schools across the state as part of FIT Day presented by Wells Fargo. Volunteers helped thousands of students get ready for their first jobs by conducting mock interviews, teaching soft skills, and offering financial tips on managing their first paychecks. Check out the highlights and photos.
LEGAL CENTER PARTNER RESOURCE Navigating political discourse in California workplaces: 5 key considerations for employers ahead of the 2024 election
Political discussions in the workplace may become a hot topic, and California employers are considering how best to regulate this sensitive issue. CRA Legal Center partner Zaller Law Group breaks down five essential points California employers should keep in mind when managing political discourse in the workplace.
MARKETPLACE PARTNER RESOURCE Order those gift cards now to be ready for the holiday rush
Gift cards are expected to account for a significant portion of consumers’ holiday spending, reflecting the industry's growth in recent years. This is the ideal time to restock your inventory of gift cards. Our partner, U.S. Bank | Elavon, emphasizes the importance of preparing early for the holiday season.
MARKETPLACE PARTNER RESOURCE Employee benefits trends for 2024: What does the future of employee benefits look like?
The new year is a great opportunity to assess how your business retains and engages its employees. Trends in employee benefits can provide insight into workers' needs and guide your decisions regarding benefits enrollment to better meet those needs. CRA Marketplace partner Paychex explores the emerging trends in employee benefits and offers recommendations for how employers can respond effectively.
Open enrollment is upon us, and Optum Perks can help employees with an affordable solution to prescription costs as we head into the new year. Save with Optum Perks, it’s easy to use!
Optum Perks is a free prescription card that can help you save on your medications.
