California’s up and down budget, + LA aims for reasonable outdoor dining rules
Tue, Jun. 13, 2023
California
The mission of the California Restaurant Association is to be the definitive voice of the California foodservice industry.
LA Council OKs music, alcohol sales under al fresco dining plan
A city ordinance that will set new, post-pandemic rules for outdoor dining on restaurants’ private property has improved significantly over the last few months. The proposal won’t be final until it’s approved by the full City Council, but a council committee last week approved the latest version, which does not limit outdoor dining in the unreasonable ways the proposal did when it was first written. The revamped proposal is thanks to CRA members who vocally spoke up for their restaurants and their guests.
California’s budget whiplash: From a record-setting surplus to a massive shortfall in one year
The significant surplus in California’s budget over the last two years appears to have been an impact of unique economic conditions during the pandemic. For several reasons, the state now has a budget shortfall.
A proposed bill that could disrupt the franchise fast food business model in California
AB 1228, which is strongly opposed by the CRA, pits franchisor against franchisee and creates new liabilities for franchisors that will ultimately leave franchisees with much less autonomy over their own businesses.
Diane Powers’ Award-Winning Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants
Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad, Casa Guadalajara in Old Town and Casa de Pico in La Mesa capture the warmth and romance of traditional Mexican haciendas, complete with lavish dining rooms, enchanting lighting and lush landscaping. Enjoy an extensive selection of delicious, award-winning regional recipes that emphasize flavor and freshness.
National
Help us tackle sky-high credit card swipe fees costing restaurants billions a year
Consumers don’t know it, but restaurants pay exorbitant credit card swipe fees on every credit card transaction. Meanwhile, just two companies control 80% of the credit card processing market. With just a few clicks, you can help us build support for the much-needed Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), which our partners at the National Restaurant Association have worked hard to champion. It could save the nation’s restaurants about $11 billion per year.
National Restaurant Association: Alcohol to-go is here to stay
Younger consumers are driving demand for alcohol to-go. That helped restaurants during the pandemic and continues to help them boost razor-thin profit margins.
Save up to $3,000 per unit on high-efficiency equipment
You can save up to $3,000 instantly on energy-efficient foodservice equipment when you purchase from participating dealers. You’ll find a full list of eligible equipment AND participating dealers near you. Skip the paperwork and save instantly on your foodservice equipment.
SDCM is a rapidly growing company which spans 8 concepts, each with a distinct culinary voice, style and identity. Our concepts include the following nationally acclaimed establishments: Waverly, Kettner Exchange, FIREHOUSE, Camino Riviera, Vin de Syrah, The Grass Skirt, Captain’s Quarters & Devils Dozen.
CRA News
180+ Independent Restaurants Receive $5,000 Grant From California Restaurant Foundation’s Resilience Fund
The California Restaurant Foundation awarded 184 grants to independent restaurants in the third year of its Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. With the incredible backing of SoCalGas, the PG&E Corporation Foundation, and San Diego Gas and Electric, it is their largest initiative to date in terms of overall funding, individual grant sizes, and grant categories.
RELATED: Smokin J’s BBQ in Poway among restaurants awarded $5,000 grants for upgrades
CRA member Artifact at Mingei, a globally inspired restaurant, nestled within the iconic Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, has just earned its well-deserved spot in the prestigious California Michelin Guide!
Updated Industry Insight: Employment of minors
For employers in the hospitality industry, it’s crucial to know the laws around hiring and employing minors. We’ll outline these regulations to assist with informed decision-making.
CRA members get exclusive access to these resources. Please log in to view the Industry Insight by CRA Legal partner Jackson Lewis.
Reminder: CRA Members receive 15 minutes of free legal advice per month. To schedule a call with one of our legal partners, please call 800.765.4842 ext. 2743 or email helpline@calrest.org.
Member Benefit: Where the foodservice industry gathers for product sourcing, education and inspiration
Register today for the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and be set to join your peers to experience the hottest menu trends, state-of-the-art design and decor, and the best in business education – all while sourcing and sampling from hundreds of vendors.
CRA Members receive one free WFHE admission badge for every $100 in dues paid!
Take advantage of advance pricing & save
Interested in being part of the show? Discover more about exhibiting at WFHE.
Payment solutions for every palate
Serve up more business for your restaurant with a payments partner you can trust.
Committed to honesty, integrity and quality since 1932
Hamilton Meats specializes in responsibly-farmed proteins, including all-natural antibiotic-free beef with no added hormones, and antibiotic-free poultry.
Event Calendar
JUN 21
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
CRA Legal Center Webinar
with Wilson Elser LLP: Tips on
Tipping and Service Charges
JUN 26
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
So. San Francisco:
ServSafe® Food Protection Manager
Training & Proctored Exam
(IN-PERSON)
CHECK OUT OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS AND REGISTER HERE