California Restaurant Association

Inaugural Rock ’n Restaurants event a success

Nearly 500 people gathered April 10 at the historic Crest Theatre for the CRA’s inaugural Rock ’n Restaurants reception, culminating in a lively concert by Collective Soul lead singer Ed Roland and Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra. The concert was co-presented by Broadcast Music Inc. The event raised $25,000 for the CRA IPAC.

Earlier in the day, more than 100 restaurant operators convened for CRA Lobby Day 2012. Before heading to the Capitol to meet with Legislators, the group spent time discussing the top issues facing the restaurant industry in California, including AB 1439 (Alejo), a minimum wage indexing bill being considered by the Legislature.

"The industry is better off having lawmakers consider minimum wage increases periodically than putting it on an upward elevator," senior legislative director Matt Sutton said. "Restaurants give jobs to people reentering the economy, so now it is imperative that the Legislature does no harm."

California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the restaurant operators, giving insight to his ideas for reigniting a spirit of entrepreneurship and growth in California.

"This has always been a state of dreamers and innovators," Newsom said. "You come out West to start something, but we've been resting on our laurels. There are still amazing things happening in this state — we know how to do it, it's just a question of scale."