CRA’s local coalition, Hospitality Santa Monica, partners with the Santa Monica Daily Press to host a panel, including Assemblymember Chavez Zbur and local leaders, on homelessness
The expert panel was the hospitality coalition’s first public event to open a dialogue about homelessness responses focused on what other cities have done to make progress and how the state and courts can be good partners. In attendance were other Santa Monica city council members, staff, concerned businesses, and residents. The local coalition organized by CRA continues to make a name for itself and grow in numbers. If any Santa Monica-based members want to join the coalition, visit: https://hospitalitysantamonica.com/
CRA discusses the minimum wage as it relates to automation with CNN
"Jot Condie, president and CEO of the California Restaurant Association, a trade group representing the state’s restaurant industry, said he’s aware that some restaurant operators have announced that they will either not expand, or are closing locations because of the minimum wage hike."
“From here on, what will drive the accelerated rate of technology use is necessity and not just that customers want it,” Condie said.
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Gift card cash out requirement: More than doubling?
SB 1272 would effectively convert gift cards into generic cash cards, causing businesses to provide cash for any request of $25 or less. This could result in you needing to keep much more cash on hand - which is a security risk in today's world. The CRA will ask you to contact your lawmakers in the coming weeks to help fight against SB 1272. Sabrina provides further details on what it could mean for your restaurant in this week's News You Need to Know.
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.
Ghost kitchens are disappearing, squeezed by demand and complaints
“Consumers are going out to eat at restaurants again and craving that relationship with the brands themselves,” said Dorothy Calba, a senior research analyst for food service at Euromonitor International. “Virtual brands just did not have that connection with consumers.”
After D.C. phased out tips, restaurant employee numbers went down and prices went up
“That’s consistent with the same type of analysis we did,” said David Macpherson, professor of economics at Trinity University. A decade ago, he studied the effects of requiring restaurants to cover more of their employees’ minimum wage instead of letting some of it be covered by tips.
“That lowered employment,” he said. “Either employees are going to get reduced, prices are going to go up, or profits are going to get reduced, one of those three things has to happen.” Or a combination of them.
The CRA has assembled a strong team of law firms to counsel our members.
Members get one call (not to exceed 15 minutes) of legal advice every month with one of our legal partners, a potential savings of up to $1,350 in legal fees annually.
ENHANCED MEMBER BENEFIT - CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT SHOW: Unlimited tickets are available for CRA members
Save the date! The show will be held at the LA Convention Center from August 25 to 27, 2024. Join thousands of professionals in the food service industry to stay ahead of the game with the latest trends, designs, and business education. Don’t miss this chance to network with peers and explore hundreds of vendors and suppliers.
Ticket registration opens in May, and as a CRA member, you will enjoy unlimited admission to the show. Remember to use your Member ID when signing up!
Receive a one-time statement credit when you sign up for a talech Standard ($250 one-time credit) or talech Premium ($400 one-time credit) software plan. Take advantage of monthly rental hardware options and competitive transaction pricing.
“I think it is important for any business to invite the younger generation to see what goes on behind the scenes,” said Galardi. “Everyone understands you go to a restaurant, you order food, you get food. But they don’t really understands everything that goes behind that and all of the elements of the restaurant business.
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to support tax relief for restaurants
The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act is gaining traction as it moves to the Senate, backed by strong bipartisan support in both the House tax committee and on the floor.
The bill will help restaurant operators manage other soaring costs like increased interest rates, food price inflation, and the repayment of pandemic-era loans.
LEGAL PARTNER RESOURCE: Labor Commissioner’s FAQ on Fast Food Minimum Wage
The new fast-food minimum wage took effect on April 1, 2024. At the end of March, California’s Labor Commissioner issued an FAQ regarding the new minimum wage. CRA legal partner Jackson Lewis reviews the critical aspects that the FAQs highlight for the new fast-food minimum wage statute.
Need more information? Check out the recently published Industry Insight: Preparing for AB 1228. CRA members, please log into the website to view this member-exclusive benefit.
