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.
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Election trends, legislative shifts & key updates for restaurants
Election results highlight voter concerns about rising costs, with California rejecting an annual minimum wage increase (Prop 32) for the first time in a nearly 10-year run. Local tax measures saw mixed outcomes and recalls indicating voter frustrations. Republicans gained ground in the legislature, while a new session begins December 2. The CRA is actively engaging with lawmakers to advocate for neighborhood restaurants. Plus, prepare for the January 1 ban on polystyrene foodware due to unmet recycling targets. Stay informed with these essential updates in this week's News You Need to Know!
Restaurant owner turned startup founder launches free AI tool to help California small businesses meet critical federal deadline
Having experienced the complexities of business compliance firsthand as a San Francisco restaurant operator, Patterson led the development of Palm's new AI-powered BOI Filing Assistant, launching today as a free service for California businesses. The Corporate Transparency Act, effective January 1, 2024, requires nearly every small business in California to file beneficial ownership information (BOI) with the federal government. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to $500 per day and potential criminal charges.
Voters deliver mixed verdicts on increasing minimum wage, but support paid sick leave
Voters in two red states agreed to increase their minimum wage in steps to $15 an hour and to require employers to give workers paid sick time, and a third red state also approved sick leave. But a proposed $18-an-hour base wage in California failed, as did initiatives in two states to change the hourly rate for workers who earn tips.
A judge in the Texas Eastern District Court has struck down the Department of Labor’s final overtime pay rule, which would have expanded overtime pay incrementally to $58,656 in 2025. The Biden-era overtime rule was set to affect nearly 4 million U.S. salaried workers and was already raised to $44,000 per year when it went into effect on July 1.
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.
CRA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NewtonX Q&A: Empowering the restaurant industry
Learn how NewtonX supports restaurant owners with data-driven insights that guide decision-making—and gives restaurant professionals ways to earn and influence.
CA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION Showcase your brand at the CA ProStart Cup!
Make a lasting impact and connect with the future of the restaurant industry at the CA ProStart Cup on February 24-25 in Los Angeles. This exciting competition brings together hundreds of talented ProStart students from across the state to The Proud Bird in Los Angeles, where they’ll pitch restaurant concepts, prepare three-course meals, and network with leaders from over 30 brands. With ways to get involved starting at $500, you’ll directly support CRF’s mission and students. Be part of this high-energy, inspiring event! Contact Erin Mascho at emascho@calrest.org.
MARKETPLACE PARTNER CONTENT Scale your restaurant the right way
Expanding to a new location can be daunting — but with the right roadmap, it doesn’t have to be. CRA Marketplace partner Square surveyed 325 restaurant owners who recently scaled their business to uncover their biggest challenges and the strategies that worked best. Get actionable insights on location selection, financing, technology, and more in their playbook.
Did you know? Eligible Square sellers can get up to $5,000 in free hardware. Learn more.
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT Five interview practices every California employer should know
California employers must navigate a complex landscape when interviewing potential employees to ensure their practices are compliant and effective. CRA Legal partner Zaller Law Group reviews the five essential practices to consider.
Have questions? CRA members get one call (not to exceed 15 minutes) of legal advice every month from one of our legal partners. Learn more.
CA law requires that any business with 5 or more employees provide two hours of sexual harassment and abusive conduct prevention training for all supervisors and one hour of training for nonsupervisory employees.
Express your appreciation for your employees by equipping them with the essential tools to advance their careers. CRA's Restaurant Employee Development training serves as an excellent refresher for your experienced team and lays a solid foundation for those just starting in the industry.
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.
