FAQ

What is the CRA all about?

Founded in 1906, the California Restaurants Association has become one of the strongest advocates for the restaurant industry in the country. The CRA exists to help restaurateurs navigate the sometimes treacherous waters that are the hospitality industry. Serving a broad and diverse membership, the CRA works to maintain its status as the most inclusive and powerful voice of restaurant operators in the state.

How do I join the CRA?

Complete the membership application process online now, or print out and mail an application to the California Restaurant Association, 621 Capitol Mall, Suite 2000, Sacramento, CA 95814. If you need support, simply give us a call at 800.765.4842 and we’ll be happy to help.

What are the benefits of CRA membership?

CRA members have access to a host of valuable benefits, services and products to enhance their businesses and careers, as well as discounts to many services restaurants need most. In addition, joining the CRA is akin to hiring a staff of powerful and well-trained advocates working every day to protect restaurants in California. Becoming a member ensures you’ll be informed of the new and potential laws and regulations facing the industry first.

How do I connect with my local chapter?

After you’ve joined the CRA, your membership representative and chapter will be displayed on your personal account page in the Member Area. Learn more about your chapter on its webpage.

How are my CRA dues spent?

The first 1 percent of member dues is allocated to the CRA Educational Foundation – with nearly 11.5 percent of CRA’s total annual operating budget dedicated to the cause. In 2010, more than 55 percent of dues went directly to legislative advocacy efforts at the local and state levels. Approximately 9.13 percent of dues are dedicated to communications and outreach, as the CRA works to keep the industry informed. And 3.67 percent  of dues is dedicated to chapter initiatives at the community level. A minimal amount of member dues is spent on administration costs, with the CRA tapping into supplementary revenue opportunities through partnerships and advertising.

How are policy decisions made at the CRA?

The CRA takes its role as an industry advocate very seriously. Our Government Affairs and Public Policy team tracks thousands of state bills and local efforts each year to stop harmful legislation and promote laws that will have positive implications for the industry. Before taking action, the CRA talks to members about the issues facing them and ways potential laws could affect operations, and hosts annual Lobby Day events and Public Policy Forums to garner meaningful member input. The CRA’s Board of Directors meets four times a year and sets most of the policy priorities for the organization. 

Where can I find information about the CRA’s position on legislative issues?

The CRA takes official positions on a variety of issues after a lot of analysis and gathering input from members across the state. Explore the Advocacy section to learn more about the CRA’s positions on the issues facing the industry.

Where can I find information about the restaurant industry?

One of the CRA’s top priorities is to ensure our members are informed. Check your e-mail inbox each Thursday when The Source newsletter is delivered. The Source is packed with the week’s top industry, business and political headlines, along with important information about CRA, CRAF and chapter events. Also, be sure to follow the CRA’s news portal, The Restaurant Standard, and social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for regular updates and breaking news. Have a suggestion for ways we can improve our communication? Let us know what’s on your mind at marketing@calrest.org.

What are the CRA’s advertising rates and policies?

With an average 40,000 page views per month, Calrest.org is visited daily by restaurant operators and other industry professionals, vendors and service providers, students, teachers and California legislators, as well as the general public. The CRA also distributes a weekly e-newsletter and a variety of locally focused publications and materials. For more information, review the CRA media kit or contact advertising@calrest.org.