CRA's Podcast, Confidential Bulletin, Launches New "Ask CRA" Mini Episodes
It's an 8-minute listen! The first episode answers your questions about following federal immigration laws with CRA legal partner Vance Piggot from Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard.
Subscribe to Confidential Bulletin today so you don't miss an episode.
Long Beach has an inaugural taco week, with a deeper motivation for restaurants to take part
“Close to 40% of restaurants are still weighed down by debt incurred during the pandemic. Those bills are coming due soon and that’s why you see a lot of restaurant closures now because they just can’t make it work. It’s going to take a decade for the industry to really recover,” explained Jot Condie, CEO of the California Restaurant Association.
‘Business is tough,’ California fast-food franchise owner says
AB 1225 has forced jobs to be cut, hours to be limited, and increased prices at quick service restaurants in California following the implementation of the $20 minimum wage. Watch one franchisee discuss the impacts on his small business.
With the support of 1,000 colleagues nationwide, I represent employers in a full range of workplace litigation, from PAGA actions to discrimination claims.
With you at every step, I make your challenges my own.
US consumer confidence plummets to Covid-era low as trade war stokes anxiety
According to a recent Conference Board survey, consumers' confidence fell to its lowest since May 2020. They are worried about the tariff impacts and a looming recession. The number of consumers planning to dine out more dropped the most in April.
CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION California places 1st at National Culinary Competition!
California ProStart students shined bright at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore! San Dimas High School claimed 1st place in the culinary competition—a historic win, marking California’s first national culinary title in 14 years. Orange County School of the Arts also brought home 3rd place in the restaurant entrepreneurship competition. These students showcased remarkable talent, creativity, and determination. Follow @CalRestFoundation on Instagram for more highlights and behind-the-scenes moments!
NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION Take the Restaurant Operations Survey
The NRA hopes to get your input to help update its restaurant operations survey, which generates key industry metrics, such as profit margins and food/labor cost ratios. Survey participants will receive a free electronic copy of the Restaurant Operations Data Abstract—valued at $200—which contains this important financial data to help operators measure their operations' performance against industry averages.
CRA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 55 years of resilience and community
Meet Paul Lee Berkman, a true Valley boy born in LA on April 14, 1949. Growing up in Hollywood, he mingled with legends like Cicely Tyson and attended a party at Sonny and Cher’s home. His hospitality journey began as a teen, highlighted by an encounter with Truman Capote that earned him a $100 reward! In 1970, he launched Rutabegorz in Fullerton, turning it from a cozy coffeehouse into a local favorite. Here’s to Paul and his legacy of bringing people together through food and community!
Stay compliant. Stay protected. CRA's updated online Sexual Harassment Prevention Course makes it easier than ever for employees to complete their training with interactive content.
ICYMI: NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW The CRA supports bills to lower costs for neighborhood restaurants
CRA members have spoken; skyrocketing costs are killing you. So, the CRA government affairs team is actively supporting key bills to help ease the burden on neighborhood restaurants. This week, Sara dives into positive legislation our team is working on to get them across the finish line. These bills would help ease costs for:
Businesses impacted by the LA wildfires,
Quick serve and fast casual restaurants struggling under the new $20 minimum wage,
Certain small businesses targeted by shakedown ADA lawsuits,
CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION Celebrating our 2025 Restaurants Care Champions!
We’re proud to recognize the 2025 Restaurants Care Champions—companies that have made an annual commitment to support California’s food and beverage workers in crisis. Their generosity brings hope and stability to those facing life’s toughest moments. The need for Restaurants Care continues to grow. The fund has already provided financial assistance to 963 families since the start of the year. Join us in celebrating these exceptional partners who show up when it matters most!
LEGAL CENTER PARTNER RESOURCE California court confirms written meal break waivers are valid—what employers need to know
Zaller Law Group covers a crucial new court decision that offers clarity and relief for California employers navigating the state’s complex meal period rules.
