FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 01, 2026
Contact: Haiden Emmett ▪ 916.431.2729 ▪ hemmett@calrest.org

(October 01, 2026) SACRAMENTO, CA – Jot Condie, President and CEO of the California Restaurant Association, issued the following statement regarding proposals from Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and Democratic Board of Equalization candidate John Pimentel to eliminate California’s sales tax on restaurant food:

“It is notable that two candidates for statewide constitutional office from opposing parties, in separate and uncoordinated announcements, have reached the same conclusion: California’s sales tax on prepared food burdens consumers.

“As households across California face difficult choices due to persistent inflation, eliminating the sales tax on restaurant meals would offer immediate, direct relief to millions of diners each day.

“Our industry continues to face significant challenges. High inflation has led to a noticeable decline in customer traffic, and neighborhood restaurants are working to keep menu prices affordable for local families. Reducing this tax would lower the overall cost of dining out, encourage consumers to return, and help stabilize the small businesses that support California’s communities.

“While the California Restaurant Association has not yet formally analyzed these specific tax measures, basic economics suggest that if it benefits California consumers, it will also benefit California restaurants.”

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About the California Restaurant Association: Founded in 1906, the California Restaurant Association provides comprehensive support and advocacy for California’s restaurant industry, representing thousands of owners, operators, and industry professionals statewide.