ICYMI NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW CRA takes legal action against CA's Packaging Law (SB 54)
California's single-use packaging law, SB 54, is facing a legal challenge, and the CRA is helping lead the charge. The CRA and 20 other organizations are challenging key aspects of the state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, citing constitutional concerns, unclear compliance requirements, and potentially billions of dollars in costs. With a preliminary five-year program budget ranging from $9.4 billion to $17.2 billion, the stakes are enormous for many sectors of the California economy, including California's restaurant community.
CRA FEATURED Legendary LA restaurant sounds alarm over future on struggling street as electric bill soars by $10K
"California’s energy inflation is compressing margins even more and forcing hard decisions on menu pricing, staffing, and investment in modern, high-efficiency kitchen equipment,” said Jot Condie, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Restaurant Association.
Savings start with rebates! Upgrade to energy-efficient natural gas equipment with qualifying rebates from SoCalGas, including a variety of foodservice equipment.
How 4 restaurant brands hit big development milestones this fall
For many brands, 2026 has been a year of retrenchment; strained consumer demand and high real estate and operating costs have driven a surge in closures and bankruptcies. But not every chain has been so grievously afflicted. Here are four of the biggest development milestones in restaurants from the last quarter.
Foodservice operators are introducing a variety of holiday-themed menu items in anticipation of Halloween. Here are some of the spooky seasonal innovations.
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT California Court of Appeal clarifies employer liability for supervisor harassment
"On October 5, 2026, the California Court of Appeal issued its opinion in Doe v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., B344642. The Court addressed when an employer may be held strictly liable under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) for sexual harassment committed by a supervisor."
Have questions? CRA members get one call (not to exceed 15 minutes) of legal advice every month!
CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION EVENT Join Restaurants Care for a San Francisco kind of night!
On October 23, join Restaurants Care at EPIC Steak for waterfront views, delicious bites, martinis and meaningful connections with San Francisco’s restaurant community. Plus, take home a personalized shot glass engraved just for you! Tickets are $100 and every dollar supports Restaurants Care and the restaurant workers who make the city special.
CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION ProStart schools get Toast POS
Toast.org, in partnership with the California Restaurant Foundation, launched a pilot program to bring real world restaurant technology into ProStart classes. Five high schools were selected to receive a bundle of Toast products and training modules. Students in the program will receive a Toast certificate, a major addition to their resumes. This is ProStart at its best: bringing the classroom and the restaurant industry together to create a strong and skilled restaurant workforce.
Join beverage professionals from across the industry for three days of education, tasting, discovery, and connection at SommCon San Diego. Explore new ideas, deepen your expertise, and connect with the people shaping today’s beverage industry – including the new Profitability Bootcamp, focused on the business skills behind successful beverage programs.
CRA members can save up to $100 on their conference pass with code CRA2026.
Before serving up another year of benefits, take a fresh look at your options. As a CRA member, you can access flexible UnitedHealthcare plan options with cost saving opportunities.
Potential savings of up to 5% could be on the table.
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!
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!
Sacramento Chapter
CRA Sacramento x Ronald McDonald House - Tour & Learn
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!
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.
%20(1).jpg?upscale=true&width=220&upscale=true&name=02-Paylocity-Logo-horizontal%20(002)%20(1).jpg){kind=logo}
.jpg?upscale=true&width=120&upscale=true&name=BMI_Logo_Box_HIres%20(1).jpg){kind=logo}
