CRA ON THE GROUND Navigating the Future of California Restaurants
"California Restaurant Association Hosted Panel Discussion with Leaders from Chumash Casino, Whiskey ‘N Rye and ‘Que, The Cheesecake Factory, and Acme Hospitality."
In a California beach town where businesses last decades, a wave of new restaurants is coming
Many of the food businesses that dot Carmel-by-the-Sea’s quaint streets have endured for decades. A flurry of new restaurants is coming to Carmel, an unusually high rate of openings for the picturesque seaside town, once a Bohemian artists’ enclave that’s become a vacation destination for celebrities and the well-to-do.
PARTNER CONTENT Which payment methods cost you the most?
As economic margins tighten, a growing number of businesses are shifting their mindset from cost avoidance to cost recovery. They’re finding compliant, customer-sensitive ways to offset operational costs directly. This month, Elavon by U.S. Bank explains ways to protect profitability without overhauling pricing or disrupting the customer experience.
Now through September, EHS Recruiting Company is reopening our legacy partner rates. Bring proven restaurant leadership to your team while reducing your upfront recruiting costs. Great leaders drive results—and for a limited time, finding yours costs less.
Access includes Medicare Advantage, dental, vision, life, and specialized plans like accident and critical illness coverage. Licensed HealthMarkets agents offer personalized guidance to support your team’s health and wellness. Explore your options and help keep you, your family, and your team covered.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: California Restaurant Show 2026
The California Restaurant Show is almost here! Join us August 23–25 at the Anaheim Convention Center for three days of education, culinary inspiration, industry connections, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate CRA’s 120th anniversary. Here are a few things you won’t want to miss.
📍 MAKE CRA BOOTH #651 YOUR HOME BASE
Come see the California Restaurant Association at Booth #651 throughout the show! CRA members: Stop by to say hello and pick up an exclusive member gift while supplies last.
📌 PIN & PLAY - CELEBRATING 120 YEARS
Help us bring California’s restaurant community to life! Stop by Booth #651 and pin your restaurant on CRA’s interactive California map as we showcase the incredible reach of the industry CRA has proudly served for 120 years. While you’re there, enter our daily Pin & Play giveaway. We’ll have a new prize each day, so make CRA Booth #651 part of your daily show routine!
🎓 CRA’S EDUCATION PICKS
There’s a packed education lineup at this year’s show. Here are some sessions we think should be on your calendar:
Join Chef Nelson German, Executive Chef and Owner of Oakland’s acclaimed Sobre Mesa and alaMar Dominican Kitchen & Bar, as he brings his culinary perspective and vibrant flavors to the show floor.
Stop Overpaying on Your Non-Food & Non-Labor Expenses!
1:00–1:45 PM | Educational Theater 1001
Food and labor get plenty of attention — but what about everything else? CRA Marketplace Partner Schooley Mitchell will explore often-overlooked expenses like merchant processing, supplies, linens, waste, gas, and telecom and share strategies operators can use to uncover potential savings.
🎁 BONUS: We’ll be giving away a special basket at the conclusion of this session. You must be present to win!
Disneyland Resort Pastry Sous Chef Stephanie Yee takes the stage to demonstrate her pastry skills — and attendees will get a taste, too!
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
CRA Legal Center Live
11:00–11:45 AM | Educational Theater 1055
California restaurant law never stands still. Join attorneys from CRA’s Legal Center for a live discussion of the legal and compliance issues restaurant operators need to have on their radar.
Our panel brings together experts representing Fisher Phillips, Zaller Law Group, Wilson Elser, Berliner Cohen, and Kronick.
🎁 Stick around! We’ll also be giving away a special Legal Center Live basket. You must be present to win.
Tyler Florence Fireside Chat and Steak Frites Culinary Demo
Don’t miss one of the biggest events of the show! Celebrated restaurateur, author, and Food Network host Tyler Florence takes the stage for a fireside chat and Steak Frites culinary demonstration.
📚 THEN HEAD TO CRA BOOTH #651! Following the session, join us at the CRA booth for a special Tyler Florence book signing.
Be the Show: How Restaurant Operators Turn Attention Into Revenue
2:00–2:45 PM | Educational Theater 1001
Today’s restaurant operators have more opportunities than ever to become their own media brands. Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ/Cali BBQ Media and Maria Zhang of Palona will explore how storytelling, video, podcasts, and social media can turn attention into demand, repeat customers, and real business results.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Chef Shawn Osbey’s Southern Nigiri Culinary Demo
11:00–11:45 AM | Culinary Innovation Theater, Booth 500
Chef Shawn Osbey brings his unique culinary perspective to the stage with Southern Nigiri - combining familiar Southern traditions with unexpected ingredients and techniques.
Five Simple Ways to Increase Restaurant Profitability Without Increasing Sales
11:00–11:45 AM | Educational Theater 1001
More sales aren't always the only path to greater profitability. Douglas Marschke, CEO of Underdogs Restaurant Group, shares practical ways operators can improve profitability by identifying opportunities already hidden within their businesses.
❤️ THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR 120-YEAR CELEBRATION SPECIAL
Our 120th anniversary is about celebrating the restaurants, partners and people who have made CRA what it is today.
A special thank you to the generous restaurants and partners helping us celebrate by contributing to our California Restaurant Show giveaways:
Specialty Restaurants Corporation – Orange Hill Restaurant
Kai Gourmet
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Farmer Boys
Jazz Kitchen
Your support helps make our 120th celebration even more memorable for California’s restaurant community.
We can’t wait to see you in Anaheim. Don’t forget: Booth #651!
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
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
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
San Diego CRA All Member Meeting SEP 03, 2026 ● 8:30 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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