California’s quick-service liability bill would hurt local owners, + breakfast service helps restaurant recovery

The Source April 11, 2023

Tue, Apr. 11, 2023

California

The mission of the California Restaurant Association is to be the definitive voice of the California foodservice industry.

COMMENTARY: How California’s fast food liability bill could undermine local ownership

“As a franchisee, acting as both the owner and operator of my local restaurants is key to our restaurants’ success. I maintain control over operating decisions including hiring, employee wages, scheduling, benefits and workplace standards.” — Jay Hazari, a McDonald’s franchisee in Sacramento and the Central Valley.

Jay Hazari and many other franchisees oppose Assembly Bill 1228, which is also strongly opposed by the CRA. It would make corporations jointly liable for employment law violations by franchisees, a move that would essentially treat franchisees as middle managers rather than owners of their own businesses.

City of LA improves outdoor dining proposal

The CRA, along with our members and their guests, reacted strongly to a highly restrictive proposal on outdoor dining in Los Angeles, prompting city staff to go back to work and produce a much-improved ordinance. The new version drops strict limits on how many private parking spaces can be used for outdoor dining and eases rules for continuing alcohol service in these areas. Still, more improvement is needed. LA restaurants should stay engaged on this issue.

Cal/OSHA Moves Forward with Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard

This may be a good time for employers to review Cal/OSHA’s proposal for an indoor heat illness prevention standard. Staff at Cal/OSHA began working on a standard five years ago and have just published a draft. At the CRA, we sent members much information about this process, but there are more steps yet before the proposal becomes final.

A Safety-Net for Food and Beverage Workers

Car accidents happen. Cancer happens. Natural disasters happen. And when they do, Restaurants Care is there to provide stability and hope to food and beverage workers affected.

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National

Morning meal a major factor in foodservice industry recovery

“The morning meal growth is a clear sign of what consumers are looking for when using foodservice,” says David Portalatin, a food industry advisor for Circana. “Moving forward, enticing consumers with convenience, whether portability, ordering ease or speed, appears to be where the demand currently is in the foodservice industry.”

Inflation is squeezing some seniors – so they’re coming out of retirement to work as hosts and cashiers

Older team members may be better in customer-facing roles.

“[They] tend to be more dependable, displaying higher levels of punctuality, lower absenteeism, and less inclination toward job hopping,” Silvija Martincevic, CEO of Deputy, which makes scheduling software, told USA Today.

Limited-time offer! Get a $600 statement credit when you open a new payment processing account!

Make accepting payments the easiest part of your day! As a California Restaurant Association member, we are offering an exclusive $600 statement credit offer* when you open and activate a new payment processing account by April 30, 2023!

*See landing page for terms and conditions.

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Workers’ Compensation 101: Benefits, Typical Costs, & More

Need a quick primer on the basics of workers’ comp?

Find out what coverage will do for you, what it might cost, and how to get it through a trusted provider.

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CRA News

Imperial Dade Q&A from the CRA — a short read

This short Q&A showcases how CRA member Imperial Dade is impacting the restaurant industry today.

News You Need to Know: Friendly and unfriendly bills: they are all being considered this week

California lawmakers must consider a flurry of bills this week that include several proposals the CRA opposes. Sabrina tells us about them in this week’s video, along with the CRA-sponsored and supported bills that include efforts to eliminate the red tape and cost linked to alcohol permits and food prep in outdoor areas; a proposal to allow cocktails into the mix of drinks that can be delivered from a restaurant; and a proposal to allow local areas to create outdoor “entertainment zones.” What is an entertainment zone and how would it help restaurants? Watch Sabrina’s video to learn more.

Watch now

The CRA launches dedicated social media sites for local chapters

Thanks to our active and engaged members, the CRA’s social media sites have grown and reached more and more followers over the years. By popular demand, we’re now expanding our social presence to sites dedicated to the many activities of our local chapters, where members can connect, network, and help come up with solutions to local challenges. If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, be sure to follow us and drop a like!

CRA Los Angeles:
Facebook Instagram

CRA Sacramento:
Facebook Instagram

CRA Orange County:
Facebook Instagram

CRA San Diego County:
Facebook Instagram

CRA Fresno:
Facebook Instagram

Coast to Coast

All restaurant operators are invited to attend the Imperial Dade Innovations Expo, May 10, 2023 at the Pasadena Convention Center. See the latest in foodservice and cleaning supplies. Details and online registration are available on the Expo website and there is no fee to attend.