CRA-sponsored bill could save expanded outdoor dining
Tue, Mar. 21, 2023
California
The mission of the California Restaurant Association is to be the definitive voice of the California foodservice industry.
A new California bill could save outdoor dining as we know it
A CRA-sponsored bill aims to extend the current, streamlined permitting processes for expanded outdoor dining areas, including the ability to serve alcoholic drinks on expanded restaurant patios. The bill was authored by Assembly member Jesse Gabriel, (D-Woodland Hills) and comes as multiple cities – including Los Angeles – are considering reverting to the unwieldy pre-pandemic rules that made it difficult and expensive to secure such permits.
Watch our 2-minute video about Assembly member Gabriel’s bill.
A major metro area just declared war on gas appliances – but not stoves
Air quality regulators in the San Francisco Bay Area have approved a de facto ban on gas-powered furnaces and water heaters, but have not targeted gas stoves. An ongoing national discussion about the future of gas-burning appliances has become divisive, with Democrats and Republicans lining up on opposite sides.
Savor the diverse foods of San Diego’s food scene during Restaurant Week
The CRA’s San Diego County chapter is getting ready for Restaurant Week, which kicks off this weekend and promises special, fixed pricing for menu items from a wide variety of restaurants. The event benefits Feeding San Diego, which provides meals to people facing hunger.
Never lose customers to missed calls again! Send callers to online actions automatically.
Automate your phone and offer a self-serve menu to text callers. Increase online orders without the need for extra staff, automatically handle general questions without tying up staff, focus on dine-in guests, and more!
National
Consumer Spending is Challenged by High Inflation as Retail Sales Fall
“Sales at restaurants and bars – the only service-sector category in the report — fell 2.2.% in February, the most in over a year.” — Bloomberg.
The Most Insane Ad for a Restaurant Server I’ve Ever Seen
A restaurateur’s ad for a server went viral when she listed some of the things she didn’t want in an employee. And, what workplace manager can’t relate?
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.
Know a food service worker in need?
Restaurants Care can help.
Relief grants are up to $2,500 and paid directly to the worker in need. Online applications are available in English or Spanish.
CRA News
Easy Ice Q&A from the CRA — a short read
This short Q&A showcases how CRA member Easy Ice is impacting the restaurant industry today.
News You Need to Know: CRA-sponsored bill would extend ability to serve alcohol on expanded patios
Without any action this year by the state legislature, your low-cost, no red-tape ability to serve alcoholic drinks in your expanded outdoor dining area will end next February. That’s because the relief we fought for during the pandemic was temporary. Now, we are reintroducing this conversation in the legislature through a new bill, AB 1217, authored by Assembly member Jesse Gabriel, (D-Woodland Hills). The bill would extend the time period that this relief is available to restaurants, so that you can keep serving your guests fully in expanded outdoor spaces.
San Diego High School Hospitality Conference brought together 450 students and industry professionals
The annual event is designed for students who are currently enrolled in hospitality and culinary programs. Students from 12 high schools explored various career paths and interacted with top industry professionals during tours of hotels and restaurants.
Special thanks to San Diego Gas & Electric as none of this could be accomplished without their generous support! And, a big thank you to our members for taking part in the event!
Imogen Erickson – CA ProStart Educator of the Year
Chef Erickson has proven to be an exceptionally innovative culinary teacher. She makes subjects come alive, teaches vital life skills, and provides a safe space for her students.
CRA Legal Partner Content – Zaller Law Group: Exploring the Legal Requirements for Electronic Timekeeping Systems in California
Do employers need to have a computerized timekeeping system to comply with their requirements under California law? Surprisingly (or maybe not so – depending on your views on how slow the law is in adapting to technological advances), the Labor Code does not address this issue right on point.
Event Calendar
MAR 22
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
CRA Marketplace Partner Webinar with Workstream: Level up your hiring in 2023, the top 8 ways to hire hourly workers
MAR 27
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Sacramento Chapter: Pre-Game Networking Mixer – Kings Game
APR 03
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
So. San Francisco: ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Training & Proctored Exam (IN-PERSON)
APR 12
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
CRA Legal Center Webinar with Zaller Law: Understanding Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees Under California Law
CHECK OUT OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS AND REGISTER HERE
