FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2025
Contact: Megan Gamble ▪ 916.832.1884 ▪ mgamble@calrest.org

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Restaurant Association (CRA) proudly announces that Fred Glick, Brewpub Chieftain at Karl Strauss Brewing Company, has been named Chair of the CRA State Board, effective September 1, 2025. 

Glick steps into the role after serving as Vice Chair and years of dedicated board service. A proven leader in the hospitality sector, Glick brings more than 35 years of experience leading celebrated restaurant and brewery brands across the country. 

Since January 2024, Glick has served as Brewpub Chieftain at Karl Strauss Brewing Company, overseeing the company’s acclaimed Southern California brewpubs. His focus on pairing award-winning craft beer with elevated pub fare, cultivating strong company culture, and delivering exceptional guest experiences has been instrumental in the company’s continued growth. 

“It is an honor to become Chair of both the CRA and the California Restaurant Foundation this year,” said Glick. “California’s restaurants are facing unprecedented financial challenges, and I look forward to working alongside our board and members to drive policy solutions and promote a vibrant, resilient hospitality community.” 

Glick joined Karl Strauss in 2013, expanding its brewpub footprint and helping secure multiple spots on Restaurant Business Magazine’s Future 50 list. Prior to that, he led expansion efforts at Phil’s BBQ, served as President of Amergent Hospitality Group, and held executive leadership roles at OMG Hospitality Group and a multi-state Hooters franchise, which he helped grow from inception to 17 locations and $70 million in annual revenue. 

“Fred has been an incredible asset to the CRA board,” said Jot Condie, President + CEO of the California Restaurant Association. “He brings vision, creativity, and a people-first mindset to everything he does. At a time when many restaurateurs are struggling just to stay open, our board will be led by someone who understands the challenges firsthand and has the passion to drive meaningful change.” 

Glick began his hospitality career as a busser and drummer at a family-owned dinner theater in Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania. After earning his B.S. in Business Administration from Lehigh University in 1986, he launched a decades-long journey through operations, brand building, and organizational leadership. 

As incoming Chair of both the CRA State Board and the California Restaurant Foundation, Glick will champion workforce development, employee relief initiatives, and industry scholarship programs — all aimed at supporting the people powering California’s $100 billion restaurant economy. 

Glick lives in Oceanside, California, with his wife Felicia, and is deeply rooted in faith, family, and community service. He shares daily life with his son Tyler, daughter-in-law Kassidy, and granddaughter Eleanor, along with his son Aaron. On Sundays, you’ll often find him behind a drum kit at his Lutheran church, or lending his time and resources to local causes. 

Glick succeeds outgoing CRA Board Chair Joe O’Donnell, whose term concludes August 31. Joining Glick in CRA board leadership are First Vice Chair Ray Villaman and Second Vice Chair Joseph Pitruzzelli. 

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About the CRA: The California Restaurant Association provides ultimate access to the resources and support that neighborhood restaurants need to lead thriving businesses while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. California is home to eating and drinking places that ring up more than $100 billion in sales and employ nearly 1.4 million workers, making restaurants an indisputable driving force in the state’s economy.