Serving up the latest California Restaurant News. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
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The Source | Serving up the latest California restaurant news

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California

Bipartisan proposals to eliminate sales tax on restaurant meals

CRA responded to separate proposals from Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and Democratic Board of Equalization candidate John Pimentel to eliminate California’s sales tax on prepared food. CRA’s October 01 statement highlighted the potential to lower costs for diners and support restaurants facing declining customer traffic: “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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CA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION
The Grateful Table raises $228,000 for Restaurants Care

What a night! The Grateful Table brought our restaurant community together for an unforgettable evening of Italian food, wine, Negronis, live music and plenty of heart. Together, we raised $228,000 for Restaurants Care, providing a safety net for food and beverage workers facing unexpected hardship. Guests also heard from Restaurants Care grant recipient Samantha, celebrated 2026 Heart of Hospitality Award recipient Brad Metzger, and enjoyed an incredible lineup of chefs and culinary partners. Thank you to everyone who made this night so special!

SEE PHOTOS AND HIGHLIGHTS

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LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT
Employer checklist for October 2026

CRA Legal Center partner Fisher Phillips reviews the top 10 workplace compliance items you should tackle in October 2026, based on the latest labor and employment law updates.

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Have questions? CRA members get one call (not to exceed 15 minutes) of legal advice every month!

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CRA Tech Check: Learn how Sandler Partners can help you.

Could your restaurant be
overpaying for phones, internet
or communications?

CRA members can get a FREE technology and communications assessment to uncover potential savings and smarter solutions for their business. No cost. No obligation. Just an opportunity to see where you could save.

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National

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NRA SURVEY
Restaurant Business Conditions - 2026

The National Restaurant Association is collecting information about current business conditions in the restaurant industry. Please be assured that all information provided is anonymous and strictly confidential. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete. Please submit a completed survey by October 31.

TAKE SURVEY

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DoorDash overhauls operating system for restaurants to deepen consumer relationships

"The delivery giant is tying together customer data from a variety of ordering channels in a move it says can increase sales and frequency."

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Savings start with rebates up to $3,000 / oven

Efficient Equipment. Real Savings.

Help keep your business running smoothly and sustainably. Take advantage of energy-efficient natural gas equipment rebates from SoCalGas, including up to $3,000 on qualifying ovens and a variety of foodservice equipment.

APPLY NOW

Webinars

Register for the CRA Legal Center webinar with Jackson Lewis. Sponsored by Sandler Partners.

UPCOMING
CRA Legal Center Webinar with Jackson Lewis: When Employment Ends, Legal Risk May Not

October 20, 2026 ● 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

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Register for the Fisher Phillips Legal Center Webinar.

UPCOMING
CRA Legal Center Webinar with Fisher Phillips: Key 2027 Legislative and Law Updates for the Restaurant Industry

December 09, 2026 ● 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

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Ignoring employee issues doesn't make them go away. Learn more about Light Gabler.

Upcoming Events

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OCT 13

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Fisher Phillips CA Hospitality Webinar Series: Unfair Scheduling in a City Near You: Predictive Scheduling

MORE INFO

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OCT 20

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

CRA Legal Center Webinar with Jackson Lewis: When Employment Ends, Legal Risk May Not

MORE INFO

REGISTER NOW

NOV 2

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Modesto: ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification

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DEC 09

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

CRA Legal Center Webinar with Fisher Phillips: Key 2027 Legislative and Law Updates for the Restaurant Industry

MORE INFO

REGISTER NOW

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Your Pharmacy Discount Card

National Restaurant Association Optum Perks cards are accepted at thousands of pharmacies nationwide, from the large chains to the local pharmacy around the corner.

No membership, no fees, just savings.

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Chapters & Networking

FRESNO  ●  LOS ANGELES  ●  ORANGE  ●  SACRAMENTO  ●  SAN DIEGO

Fresno Chapter

Join the Fresno Chapter on Social Media

If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!

Facebook
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Los Angeles Chapter

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LA CRA Chapter New Member Breakfast

NOV 17, 2026 ● 10:00 AM - NOON

Marmalade Cafe - El Segundo

LEARN MORE

Looking for a way to get more involved with local restaurant leaders? Consider joining the Los Angeles chapter of the CRA Board of Directors. Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org if you would like more information.

Looking to get more exposure in this area of the state? Consider sponsoring an upcoming event. Sponsorships start at $250! Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org for more information.

Join the Los Angeles Chapter on Social Media

If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

Orange County Chapter

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End of the Year Networking Mixer

OCT 28, 2026 ● 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

LEARN MORE

Looking for a way to get more involved with local restaurant leaders? Consider joining the Orange County chapter of the CRA Board of Directors. Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org if you would like more information.

Looking to get more exposure in this area of the state? Consider sponsoring an upcoming event. Sponsorships start at $250! Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org for more information.

Join the Orange County Chapter on Social Media

If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

Sacramento Chapter

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How Restaurants Lose Employment Lawsuits: 5 Mistakes That Make Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Smile

OCT 13, 2026 ● 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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REGISTER NOW

Looking for a way to get more involved with local restaurant leaders? Consider joining the Sacramento chapter of the CRA Board of Directors. Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org if you would like more information.

Join the Sacramento Chapter on Social Media

If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

San Diego Chapter

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Membership Mixer at Draft Republic

NOV 04, 2026 ● 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Draft Republic - Carlsbad

LEARN MORE

Join the San Diego Chapter on Social Media

If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!

Facebook
Instagram
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is to be the definitive voice of the California foodservice industry.

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While all information released by the California Restaurant Association (CRA) is intended to provide accurate information on the subject covered, the CRA does not provide legal advice and any information provided by the CRA shall not constitute legal advice. You are encouraged to consult your attorney, accountant, or other appropriate professional, as needed.

 

Confidentiality note:

This electronic message transmission contains information from the California Restaurant Association which may be confidential or privileged. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above.  If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited.

 

If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone at 800.765.4842.