Los Angeles is burning. Here’s how the city’s restaurants are stepping up to help
Restaurants and chefs across every level of dining are donating food and services to feed displaced Angelenos and service workers. Some restaurants and bars have flipped their dining rooms into donation centers. Dozens and dozens of L.A.-area chefs and restaurants are announcing free meals for first responders, evacuees and others affected by the region’s fires this week. Some restaurants, now closed due to the emergency, are clearing fridges full of produce, meat and dairy meant for regular business, hoping to put otherwise wasted food to good use. Others are volunteering their kitchens for communal efforts. Some are accepting monetary donations in order to buy ingredients to make and donate meals to evacuation centers.
Another California fast food wage increase would ‘cripple’ restaurants, owners warn
More than 625 California fast food restaurant owners are warning the state’s new Fast Food Council that hiking their industry’s minimum wage above the $20 hourly rate imposed last year would “cripple thousands of small business owners” already struggling to stay afloat. According to a survey by EPI of 182 California fast food operators, 98 percent reported raising their menu prices, 89 percent reported cutting employee hours, 73 percent reported limiting the ability of employees to pick up extra shifts or work overtime, and 70 percent reported reducing staff or consolidating positions. Sixty-seven percent of respondents reported that the $20 wage mandate would cost them at least $100,000 per location.
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Today Restaurants Care opened a $200,000 disaster fund to kick-start direct assistance to food and beverage workers who have lost their homes, jobs, and stability in the LA Fires. Grants of up to $1,500 are available to help with critical needs like housing, food, and clothing as workers begin to recover from this crisis. Grants are awarded based on need and available funds.
If you or someone you know in the restaurant industry urgently need support, please apply today.
Our CRA Marketplace partner, Teladoc, offers free, non-emergency healthcare for those impacted by the LA Fires. Board-certified doctors can help with conditions like colds, flu, and other health issues. Prescriptions, if needed, are sent to a pharmacy of your choice.
Food and Relief to fire evacuees and first responders
The restaurant community is coming together to help friends and families impacted by the LA fires. They're serving delicious meals to those who need them most, spreading warmth and care during this difficult time.
If you offer meals to evacuees and/or first responders, please contact Madison Nagle-Frizzi at madison@calrest.org.
Shoes for Hospitality workers impacted by the LA fires
Daniel Shemtob, an LA restaurateur and the founder of Snibbs Shoes, is donating hundreds of pairs of shoes to hospitality workers impacted by the recent fires in Los Angeles. To receive a free pair, please fill out the form below.
Please take a moment to explore a list of valuable resources gathered by the CRA. These resources are here to support and uplift our community during this time.
Small Business Administration(assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds)
Door Dash Disaster Relief Fund(local restaurants can apply for relief through their fund, which provides grants to small businesses that natural disasters have impacted)
CalChamber Resources(a comprehensive list of resources including emergency assistance, financial support, legal and employment guidance and more)
Ca.Gov(a list of resources for those impacted by the fires and more)
California Volunteers(providing resources and volunteer opportunities to help those in need)
Restaurants Care can only keep awarding grants as long as they have funding. Your donation can make a direct impact, helping food and beverage workers recover from this unimaginable disaster.
If we all do our part—by applying, sharing, or donating—we can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
Spread the Word: Toolkit to Support LA Fire Recovery
Restaurants Care has created a Toolkit to Support the LA Firesto make it easy for you to get involved. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to mobilize support, including:
Log into the CRA website to access your discounts today! If you need help, don't hesitate to contact Macy Fitch at mfitch@calrest.org.
CRA
CRA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT EHS Recruiting Company Q&A from the CRA — a short read
Get to know CRA Allied Member EHS Recruiting Company - their mission is to connect qualified and energetic candidates directly with you, giving you back the time to focus on growing your business and achieving your goals!
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT Nearly half of all hospitality worker fatalities in 2023 were caused By workplace violence: 10 steps you can take to address workplace dangers
Recently released statistics revealed that over 250 workers in the hospitality industry were killed on the job in the most recent reporting year, demonstrating once again that employers need to take safety seriously. According to the December 19 government release, the leading cause of workplace fatalities among restaurant and lodging workers was violent acts, accounting for close to 50% of all deaths. CRA Legal Center Partner Fisher Phillips dives deeper into the numbers and gives employers 10 steps to help avoid workplace violence.
Do you have questions? CRA members receive one call (not exceeding 15 minutes) of legal advice monthly from one of our legal partners. Learn more.
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.
