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

RESTAURANT ALERT
On October 13th, the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) released an updated Program Plan for SB 54, the Extended Producer Responsibility Act

This updated plan comes after CAA requested stakeholder feedback on its initial plan, which was published on May 1 of this year. The CRA provided extensive feedback on the key issues present in the original publication.

As a reminder, this plan outlines how the CAA will implement many of SB 54's requirements, including the development of fee schedules, submission of exemption and exclusion applications, and how it will meet the state's ambitious recycling/ reuse goals.

Please review this updated program plan, as it will help determine your potential updated obligations (if any) and possible impact on your operations under SB 54.

You can find the updated program plan here: Oct 13, 2026 CAA SB 54 Program Plan Update

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LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT
Reminder for California employers: Post Time-Off-For-Voting Notice by October 24

With Election Day fast approaching, California employers have a key compliance task to address before November 3 – you must post a notice informing employees of their paid-time-off-to-vote rights by October 24.

RELATED: Do your employees get time off to vote? A state-by-state guide for the 2026 midterms

READ NOW

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

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What happens when your restaurant’s internet goes down?

Your POS, payments, online orders, and more depend on staying connected. CRA members can get a FREE technology assessment through Sandler Partners to identify gaps, backup options, and potential savings. No fee. No obligation.

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National

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NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION SURVEY
2027 What's Hot Culinary Forecast

The National Restaurant Association invites you to share your expert insights in our 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.

Enter for your chance to win a ticket to the 2027 National Restaurant Association Show.

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Trump tariffs on Canada spark latest lawsuit over trade powers

"The president’s tariffs, set at 50 percent, applied to a small yet shifting set of Canadian imports, including some alcoholic beverages, dairy products, hockey sticks, paper goods and more."

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SommCon Returns to San Diego November 3–5 - Save $100 with code CRA2026

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.

CRA members can save up to $100 on their conference pass with code CRA2026.

REGISTER NOW

CRA

CRA ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Loyalty Rewards Programs and Customized Discounts Protected

The CRA and industry partners secured a WIN that would have restricted a restaurateur's ability to control popular loyalty rewards programs and targeted discount campaigns that guests love and expect!

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CRA ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Forced Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Adoption Defeated

AB 2315 (Arambula) would have forced local governments into a program that many had already decided NOT to join. The CRA objects to efforts to force local jurisdictions into the MEKHO program- particularly because the underlying MEKHO program lacks adequate food safety, environmental, and labor protections.

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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

Upcoming Events

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OCT 28

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

CRA OC Chapter: End of the Year Networking Mixer

MORE INFO

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NOV 2

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Modesto: ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification

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NOV 5

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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

MORE INFO

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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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Savings up to 5% with UHC

Quality health benefits,
served with savings

Put health plans on the menu. California Restaurant Association member-only benefits and cost-saving opportunities from UnitedHealthcare.

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

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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!

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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

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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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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

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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
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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.