No raise for California’s minimum wage workers. Voters reject Prop. 32
The Associated Press called Prop 32 on Tuesday after two weeks of ballot counting. Nearly 51% of voters said “no” in a rejection that opponents on Monday called “historic.” With widespread voter frustration over inflation this election, the measure was doomed after business groups pushed back by showing the wage hike would drive restaurant and grocery price increases. Prop. 32’s fate could signal how liberal California’s electorate remains on economic policies as the cost of living continues rising.
This is California's favorite fast-food joint. Hint: It's not In-N-Out
McDonald's tops the list as the most popular fast-food restaurant in the state, according to a report by BetCalifornia.com. Following closely behind is Taco Bell, with In-N-Out Burger in the third spot, followed by Jack in the Box.All these chains first started in California, which is considered the "birthplace of fast food".
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT Granting FMLA Leave for clinical trials: Five key points from the DOL’s new guidance for employers
On November 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division issued an opinion letter stating that employees are entitled to use Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when participating in clinical trials. CRA Legal Center partner Jackson Lewis highlights the key takeaways from this new guidance.
Have questions? CRA members get one call (not to exceed 15 minutes) of legal advice monthly from one of our legal partners. Learn more.
You don’t have to struggle to make it in the restaurant business. You can create the restaurant of your dreams, be profitable, pay your vendors, your staff, yourself, and savor the joys of hospitality, without the stress and uncertainty.
Bar owners and Alders oppose Chicago’s alcohol tax hike proposal
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has proposed raising taxes on beer, liquor, and wine sales between 34 to 36 percent per gallon, but leaders from Chicago’s bar and restaurant industry argue those tax hikes are untenable while business owners are still struggling with rising costs inflicted upon them since the pandemic. The Illinois Retail Merchants Association, the Hospitality Business Association of Chicago, and about half a dozen bar and restaurant owners rallied against the increase at the press conference.
How restaurants are working to kick their energy habit
Restaurants burn through more energy per square foot than any other type of commercial real estate, according to data from Energy Star. The average dining establishment uses 5 to 7 times more energy per square foot than other commercial buildings. At high-volume fast-food places, that multiple jumps to 10. A look at the 10 largest chains in the U.S. found that all of them have fairly robust plans to reduce emissions and energy use in their supply chains and packaging as well as in their stores themselves, including buying energy-efficient equipment and HVAC systems, investing in solar power, installing smart thermostats and switching to LED lights.
CRA MEMBER BENEFIT 1 complimentary badge to the 2025 National Restaurant Show ● May 17-20, 2025
Are you trying to find your promotional code to access your complimentary CRA/NRA dual member badge? All information about the code will be sent to you via email. Please remember to check your junk mail or other similar folders. Additionally, you can find more information in this helpful Attendee FAQ.
If you need further assistance, please contact NRA’s Badge Registration Customer Service at 864.699.6435 or email restaurant@maritz.com.
Gift Card Market provides your restaurant with an instant, hassle-free digital gift card program. Gift cards are delivered seamlessly via text or email. Attract more customers, drive traffic to your website, and boost sales – all on one platform.
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.
Many of you have expressed worries about the limited choices and increased business insurance costs. The CRA aims to develop a solution for our restaurant members, such as commercial property and casualty insurance. However, we need your help to gather the necessary data to create this program. This is not a solicitation of insurance products or services but an opportunity to collaborate in building a better insurance program for California restaurants. You can fill out the form or request your broker complete the information.
Your information will remain private and only be shared with the parties involved in developing this program. This program is intended to be distributed through your current agent or broker, ensuring your existing relationships remain intact.
GOOGLE BUSINESS RESOURCE Best practices for getting Google reviews
Google reviews offer valuable insights and help your business shine. They appear next to your Business Profile in Maps and Search. Review these top tips from Google for best practices on how to encourage reviews from your customers.
OC BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT A menu item that started as a joke propelled California chain's incredible rise
“She made a burrito with my dad, and he’s all, ‘You just put everything in the garbage can in a burrito,’ because it basically has everything on the menu,” Javier Vasquez, CEO of Miguel’s Jr. and son of Mike Vasquez, told SFGATE. “It looks like garbage. That’s why they called it the Garbage Burrito. My dad wasn’t a marketing guru. He just thought it’d be funny.”
The Al Fresco application deadline has been extended to December 31st. If you currently offer outdoor dining under a temporary Al Fresco authorization, please apply as soon as possible. Learn more on Al Fresco’s dedicated website.
