California Restaurant Association

While the state legislature once again considers a statewide minimum wage proposal (AB 10 D- Alejo), local communities up and down the state continue to debate the issue of local minimum wage hikes and labor activists continue to push the issue with local government elected officials and candidates.

PROPOSAL WOULD PILE ON NEW EMPLOYER MANDATES AND PENALTIES TO REQUIREMENTS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

More than a dozen major industry have joined forces to oppose AB 880, a bill by Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), which will mandate a new state health care program that would force new penalties on employers with 500 or more employees in an effort to close what the author calls the “Wal-Mart Loophole.”

SOME SIGNIFICANT PROPOSALS CONTINUE TO HANG IN THE BALANCE

The California legislative process is in full swing and quickly approaching a number of deadlines that will determine the fate of more than 2,400 bills in both the Assembly and Senate.  By the end of May, measures introduced in their respective houses will either move forward or become two-year bills, which are ineligible for more consideration this year. Several bills that could affect the restaurant association have been delayed, and the California Restaurant Association (CRA) will pick up monitoring those in the next session. 

For the third year, Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D-Watsonville) has proposed a bill to raise California’s minimum wage – but in 2013 he may have the momentum necessary to push the legislation through to reality.

Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, a cooking show now beginning its third season on the Food Network, is searching for dynamic restaurants looking to hold a contest for a  executive chef.

Students from 43 states compete for $1.4 million in scholarships at 12th annual competition in baltimore

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced the winners of its 12th annual National ProStart Invitational, which took place in Baltimore, Md., April 19-22. More than 350 top ProStart students from 43 states, territories and Department of Defense bases, competed for their share of $1.4 million in scholarships by demonstrating their mastery of restaurant leadership skills -- culinary and management -- in a fast-paced competition.

Celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan has booked a stop at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart Invitational while touring the country to promote her new culinary book. The James Beard award-winning chef and judge of the Food Network’s hit TV show “Chopped,” will also visit three California ProStart schools as part of her tour, hosting competitions for ProStart students.