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

CALIFORNIA  ●  NATIONAL  ●  CRA  ●  EVENTS  ●  CHAPTERS

California

CRA Legal Center Webinar with Fisher Phillips. Sponsored by CRA's Cost Analysis Program.

UPCOMING WEBINAR
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

REGISTER NOW

CRA ADVOCACY AT WORK
“Cocktails To-Go” laws extended temporarily

Eligible licensees may continue exercising these privileges for three more years.
 
On September 30, 2026, Assembly Bill 2663 (Rogers, Chapter 829, Statutes of 2026) was signed into law. This bill extends the sunset date of laws enacted pursuant to SB 389 (Dodd, Chapter 657, Statutes of 2021), thereby continuing the operation of Business and Professions Code section 23401.5 until December 31, 2029.
 
These laws allow certain restaurant and alcohol manufacturer license types to sell distilled spirits in manufacturer-sealed containers (e.g. sealed cans or bottles) for off-site consumption as long as the order is picked up from the premises by the consumer and proper identification is displayed. They also authorize those licensees to sell for off-site consumption distilled spirits and single-serve wine that are not in manufacturer-sealed containers (e.g. a cocktail or a serving of wine) subject to various specified provisions, including but not limited to the following:
  1. The alcohol order may only be sold in conjunction with a bona fide meal;
  2. It must be picked up at the premises by the consumer who ordered it;
  3. Proper identification is provided; and
  4. The alcoholic beverage is packaged in a container having a secure lid or cap that is sealed in a manner designed to prevent consumption without the seal being broken, among other specified requirements.
  5. All other requirements specified in Business and Professions Code section 23401.5.
Prior to exercising the off-sale privileges of alcohol in nonmanufacturer-sealed containers, the licensee must notify ABC of their intent to do so. Eligible licensees may provide notice on the ABC website through this webpage.
 
Delivery of the alcoholic beverages authorized pursuant to these laws are expressly prohibited, whether by the licensee or by any third-party delivery service.
 
Visit ABC's website for more information on this subject, including FAQs.

Advertisement

Savings up to 5% with UHC

Employee health plans at your service

Before renewing your health plan, explore the flexible UnitedHealthcare options available to National Restaurant Association and California Restaurant Association members.

Cheers to potential savings of up to 5% being on the table.

REQUEST QUOTE

National

ANA_Virtual_Summit_LinkedIn_Square_1080x1080

FREE RESOURCE
What’s driving non-alcoholic drink sales

Only 54% of U.S. adults now drink alcohol (Gallup, 2026), and independent restaurants added 47% more NA drinks to their menus last year (SpotOn). The Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association is releasing its first industry report at a free virtual summit, Nov 17–18, 9 AM to noon PT, on LinkedIn Live.

  • Higher checks: Turn water-and-soda orders into premium drinks.
  • Better margins: NA cocktails sell at close to cocktail prices with no liquor cost or liability.
  • Ready for Dry January: The data arrives in time to plan January menus.
  • Practical for operators: Day 2 covers building NA drinks into restaurant and bar programs.
Everyone who registers gets the full report. Register here

National Restaurant Association logo

NRA SURVEY ● RESTAURANTS ONLY
2027 What's Hot Culinary Forecast

We invite you to share your expert insights in the National Restaurant Association's 2027 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, a trusted industry snapshot now in its 17th year. Your input helps spotlight the trends that will influence flavors, ingredients and innovations across the country.

As a thank you for participating, enter for your chance to win a ticket to the 2027 National Restaurant Association Show.

TAKE SURVEY

Advertisement

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

Too many tech vendors? Too many bills? Too much to keep track of?

Sandler Partners helps CRA members simplify technology, compare providers, and uncover potential savings, especially across multiple locations. With access to 200+ technology providers, they do the legwork for you.

LEARN MORE

CRA

Learn more about GT in SF

CRF UPDATE
Grateful Table makes its San Francisco debut!

Restaurant leaders and friends gathered at EPIC Steak for an evening celebrating and supporting Restaurants Care, a relief fund for food and beverage workers. The elevated evening featured fresh oysters, martinis, custom-engraved glasses, and dazzling views of the Bay Bridge. A special thank you to our host committee and CRA board members: Steve Sarver (Ladle and Leaf), Marianne Castello (Scoma’s San Francisco), and Brian Walsh and Pete Sittnick (EPIC Steak and Waterbar), for helping make this night so special. And thank you to the San Francisco community for such a warm welcome!

SEE PHOTOS

Register for the Fisher Phillips and Foodini Hospitality Series webinar

LEGAL PARTNER WEBINAR
Menu Matters: Navigating California, Virginia & New York’s New Allergen Disclosure Mandates with Fisher Phillips & Foodini

November 30, 2026 ● 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

California’s SB 68, effective July 1, 2026, requires restaurant chains with 20+ locations nationwide to disclose all nine major food allergens on menus and menu boards. Virginia has since gone further. Effective September 10, 2026, updated Virginia Food Regulations require all food establishments, including food trucks and temporary vendors, to provide written disclosures of the nine major allergens. These disclosures may appear on menus, in separate handouts, or through QR codes. New York is following suit. Agriculture & Markets Law § 199-G (effective November 12, 2026) mandates allergen labeling on all prepackaged food, while Public Health Law § 1356 already requires allergy notices on menus, including online ordering platforms. Fisher Phillips Partner Alden Parker and Foodini Founder & CEO Dylan McDonnell break down all three states’ requirements and deliver practical, multi-state compliance strategies for restaurant owners and operators.

REGISTER NOW

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

ESL for Food Workers

FREE RESOURCE
ESL for food workers

Foothill College is offering a tuition-free online course starting in January, designed specifically for English learners in the food service industry: NCEL 470: ESL for Food Workers. Please share this opportunity with your staff, clients, or community members.

 

Contact & Registration: Call 408.745.8025 or email foothillesl@fhda.edu

 

Course Details:
  • Course: NCEL 470 – ESL for Food Workers
  • Cost: Tuition FREE
  • Dates: January 4 – March 26, 2027
  • Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
  • Location: Online via Zoom
  • Level: Basic to low-intermediate level
  • Curriculum Focus: Kitchen vocabulary, food preparation conversation, food safety, sanitation, and food storage language
DOWNLOAD ENGLISH FLYER
DOWNLOAD SPANISH FLYER

Advertisement

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

Upcoming Events

VIEW MORE EVENTS

NOV 5

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wilson Elser: California at Work: Key Employment Law Developments in 2026

MORE INFO

REGISTER NOW

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

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Sponsor Partners

DirecTV for Business National Accounts
DoorDash logo

Marketplace Partners

employers_logo_blu-tagline_trimmed
CRA Cost Analysis Powered By Schooley Mitchelle
Sandler Partners logo
Locl logo
Owner.com logo
foodini-logo-180x180
employee-metrics-logo-horizontal-color-1024x138-5
ServSafe National Restaurant Association
Restaurant Employee Development Training logo
UHC®_Lockup_blu_RGB
healthiest you
Optum Perks logo
Paychex Logo
02-Paylocity-Logo-horizontal (002) (1)
Square logo
Elavon by U.S. Bank
BMI_Logo_Box_HIres (1)
Adesso logo
California Restaurant Show
nra-national-restaurant-show-logo

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
Instagram
LinkedIn

Los Angeles Chapter

Mexico-Chile wine and tewuila Nov 9th LA

Chile-Mexico Mixer: Chilean Wines & Pisco Meet Mexican Tequila & Mezcal

NOV 09, 2026 ● 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

DAMA Fashion District

LEARN MORE

Marmalade Cafe - El Segundo, CA

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

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

CRA_SAC_RMH_11.12.26-02

CRA Sacramento x Ronald McDonald House - Tour & Learn

NOV 12, 2026 ● 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Ronald McDonald House

LEARN MORE

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

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
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
X
YouTube
LinkedIn
CRA Logo

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

Copyright (C) 2026. All rights reserved.

Advertise with us | Become a member

California Restaurant Association, 621 Capitol Mall, Ste 2000, Sacramento, CA 95814, 800.765.4842

Unsubscribe Manage preferences

 

-----

 

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.