The legal landscape has changed. Here's what it means for you
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has changed how legal protections from association-led lawsuits apply to California restaurants. In this special edition of News You Need to Know, Courtney explains what the ruling means, why CRA's courtroom advocacy is more important than ever, and how membership helps protect your business during legal challenges. Watch now to understand what has changed and why it matters.
CRA IN THE NEWS: LOS ANGELES TIMES As L.A.’s sidewalk vendors cut corners, restaurants pay the price
The CRA continues to elevate the voice of California's restaurant industry in the public conversation. In a recent Los Angeles Times op-ed, CRA President & CEO Jot Condie explores challenges facing brick-and-mortar restaurants and calls for a fair, consistent regulatory framework that supports entrepreneurship while ensuring all food businesses follow the same standards for public health, safety, labor, and taxation. The piece highlights the importance of creating a level playing field for every restaurant owner.
Earlier in the month, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors killed a pilot program that would have allowed 66 microenterprise home kitchens (MEHKOs) to operate without proper health, safety, and labor considerations.
The California Restaurant Association's Fresno Chapter and Government Affairs team raised numerous questions regarding the operational requirements and implications of such a program and pointed to the County's inability to provide adequate answers to those questions related to food safety, labor & employment, environmental impacts, permits, taxes, and inspections as the primary reason for its opposition.
While this represents a positive outcome for scrutiny of these programs and associated food safety risks, as well as parity for the larger food service community, this same issue continues to be considered by other jurisdictions and the CRA will continue to oppose anything that compromises food safety and sets a double standard for the restaurant community - one of the largest sources of local sales tax revenue for each of these jurisdictions.
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OPINION Chicago should have one base wage for all restaurant workers, not a two-tier system
"The Tribune recently reported that Chicago’s minimum wage is rising to $17.05 at the start of this month. Tipped workers will receive only a modest increase after the City Council froze planned raises in the tipped minimum wage. That delay matters. But the bigger issue isn’t just the timing of an increase — it’s whether Chicago should keep a two-tier wage system at all."
The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring back the Taste of Anaheim on Friday, Aug. 7, from 5–9 p.m. in the heart of Downtown Anaheim's Center Street Promenade.
CRA members win EPR enforcement relief in U.S District Court: Why membership is more important than ever
This month, Judge Hayes of the United States District Court in the Southern California District preliminarily enjoined the Attorney General and trial lawyers from enforcing provisions of SB 343, a major component of the state’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. But only CRA member restaurants benefit for now. In the past, CRA court injunction wins acted as a shield for every California restaurant, with non-members reaping the benefits too. That’s no longer the case.
Historically, federal judges often issue nationwide or statewide injunctions, pausing a law for everyone while its legality was debated. Under the current precedent established by CASA, injunctive relief applies to the actual plaintiffs in the lawsuit and their specific members on the association roster. The law remains enforceable against everyone else.
Given our frequent advocacy in the courts, membership in CRA is no longer only a conversation about industry solidarity and engagement; it’s now also a business decision regarding risk management.
Two years ago, our Fisher Phillips Flash Survey found that nearly half of employers had stopped testing applicants for cannabis. Has that trend continued, reversed, or leveled off? Take this short survey that digs into where employers stand today on cannabis testing in the pre-hire process.
Did you know? Only one California city made the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab’s list of the most entrepreneurial cities in the nation. Fresno came in sixth place on the top 10 list.
Los Angeles Chapter
Taste of Anaheim Returns to Showcase Orange County's Culinary Community
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!
Orange County Chapter
Taste of Anaheim Returns to Showcase Orange County's Culinary Community
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!
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!
San Diego Chapter
How Owners are Using AI to Make Money, Not Just Save it AUG 06, 2026 ● 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
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.
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