Restaurants cope with break-ins in SoCal, + a major retailer’s departure in S.F.

The Source May 9, 2023

Tue, May 09, 2023

California

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

Column: Pioneering taqueria weathers rash of break-ins: ‘You feel helpless, useless’

A beloved Anaheim taqueria has become the latest victim of restaurant burglaries in Southern California. Two weeks ago, 10 restaurants in Glendale were burglarized in one day. More recently, Lucy’s Drive-In in Mid-City was held up by armed men. Earlier this year, Home State in Sherman Oaks said it would no longer accept cash after suffering many break-ins.

Nordstrom to close both Downtown San Francisco stores

The news that Nordstrom is leaving Downtown San Francisco has left smaller merchants and restaurants wondering if they can survive much longer in this part of the city.

“The planned closure of Nordstrom underscores the deteriorating situation in downtown San Francisco,” said a mall spokesperson.

Opinion: Restaurants are a critical piece of San Diego’s economy, and they need your support

It’s hard to imagine an industry more connected to the community than restaurants. In addition to being gathering places for families and friends, and offering employment to first-time job seekers, restaurants generate hundreds of millions in tax dollars for local services. So writes the CRA’s San Diego County Chapter President, Jon Weber.

Above and Beyond is Just One of the Places We Deliver

At Shamrock Foods, we strive to go beyond delivery, paying special attention at every step, ensuring we always provide the highest quality.

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National

5 reasons to be at the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show

Who doesn’t need solutions to today’s employee recruitment and retention challenges? Or, a look at the many new tech platforms transforming restaurant operations? You can find all that and more at this year’s NRA Show in Chicago, which is less than two weeks away.

IRS must improve voluntary tip reporting program

Our partners at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) have developed recommendations for changes to the IRS’s voluntary tip reporting program. The IRS is aiming to combine three programs into one, which would be called the Service Industry Tip Compliance Agreement (SITCA.)

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.

Apply online in English or Spanish.

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San Diego’s Only Non-Smoking Casino

Featuring the friendliest staff, incredible dining, the most exciting gaming floor, Barona is the ultimate VIP casino experience!

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CRA News

Visit California Says Tourism is Bouncing Back

The state’s tourism leaders say California’s tourism industry is on the cusp of achieving an accelerated recovery as visitors from around the world return to rediscover the Golden State. Projections now show visitor spending will exceed 2019 levels in 2023.

News You Need to Know: California tries again to regulate paper receipts

A bill aiming to reduce the use of paper receipts by mandating electronic options is back in the State Legislature. Assembly member Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, has reintroduced this idea, which failed in the legislature the first time it was considered. His bill would mandate that you offer your guests the option of an electronic receipt. It would also severely restrict commercial speech, prohibiting things like coupons and loyalty program information from being printed on a receipt.

The CRA and many other organizations oppose this bill and have offered solutions to address one of the stated reasons why it was introduced.

Watch now

Updated Form: CA Employer New Hire Checklist for Restaurants and other Food Service Employers

Hiring a new employee is an exciting time for you and your team. Please download the checklist for a list of documents you must provide the employee and what documents you should keep as the business.

CRA members get exclusive access to these resources. Please log in to view the form by CRA Legal partner Fisher Phillips.

Download now

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.

CA ProStart Students Place 3rd at National Competition

ProStart students from San Dimas High School in LA County placed 3rd at the National ProStart Student Invitational in Washington, D.C.! Their winning restaurant concept they pitched? “ChEAT Day” with the slogan “because you deserve it”. Menu items include “the whole dang pizza” and “the fries you’ve been craving”. Thank you to the iconic hospitality brands The Habit Burger Grill, Wienerschnitzel, BJ’s Restaurants, and SAVOR for making this transformative experience possible.

For photos and highlights, click here.

Partner Content: Free Mental Health Resources and Communities from Healthy Hospitality

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our partners at Healthy Hospitality have created this free resource to share with your employees. Just download and share; it is that easy.

Remember to check out more health and wellness solutions at healthy-hospitality.org.

Download now

Reminder: CRA Members can access competitive primary health insurance, telehealth, mental health, and prescription discount programs.

Schedule a Specialty Produce Experience Tour

Specialty Produce is a family owned and operated food service provider located in San Diego, CA. A premium supplier for more than thirty years. We offer free tours to help your chefs plan their seasonal menus.

Thank you for being a sponsor of the 38th Annual Gold Medallion!