Confidential Bulletin

Summer hiring is ramping up across California’s restaurant industry, but employing minors involves unique compliance responsibilities employers must not overlook. In this episode of  Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin , Jackie Gutierrez from the California Restaurant Association is joined by Alden Parker from Fisher Phillips to break down key legal considerations for hiring minors. Alden ou...

In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney explains why SB 690 is a critical bill for California restaurants. Learn how it would help stop abusive CIPA lawsuits targeting businesses over routine website activity and how you can support the CRA's advocacy efforts by responding to the latest Action Alert.  Take Action:  https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/CRA/Campaigns/138361/Res...

California’s SB 1053 plastic bag ban is causing confusion in the restaurant industry but does it apply to restaurants? In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez talks with Alden Parker of Fisher Phillips to break down: • Which businesses are covered under SB 1053 • Why most traditional restaurants may be exempt • The “gray areas” operators need to watch for • How hy...

In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney shares an update on the SB 343 lawsuit and the recent court hearing on our request for a preliminary injunction. SB 343 would limit when packaging and products can be labeled as "recyclable" in California, even if they are in fact recyclable. The lawsuit challenges the law, arguing that it restricts businesses from providing truthful informati...

In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez of the California Restaurant Association is joined by legal experts Bruno Katz and John Guarino from Wilson Elser to break down one of the most critical risk areas facing restaurants today: harassment and discrimination claims in the workplace. They share practical guidance on how claims develop, why documentation is essenti...

Mental health challenges and workplace burnout are becoming more common across the restaurant industry, especially in high-stress front and back-of-house environments. In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez is joined by Bruno Katz and John Guarino of Wilson Elser to discuss practical strategies and legal considerations for supporting employee mental health in the...

Courtney is back with the CRA News You Need to Know. Today’s update covers the June 1 SB 54 deadline and what restaurants must know about California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The big question:  Could your restaurant be considered a “producer” under the law? While many restaurants that use standard supplier-provided food service ware may not be subject to...

California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations are now in effect and directly impact virtually every industry, including restaurants. Courtney summarizes the objectives of the regulation, how to determine if your business qualifies as a “producer,” the next key compliance deadline, and the CRA’s ongoing efforts to address costly and conflicting regulations affecting neighborhood r...

In this episode of News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down three bills aimed at reducing delays and easing operations for restaurants: AB 2418: Sets firm timelines for permit reviews and inspections AB 1915: Allows self-certification for routine equipment replacements AB 1740: Sets new precedent for regulatory flexibility in “Coastal Zones” These reforms are part of the CRA’s continued ad...

The Legislature is active, and restaurants are a primary focus. In this edition of  News You Need to Know , Courtney reviews key legislative updates affecting operators, including alcohol-to-go, new menu labeling requirements, misplaced liability for neighborhood restaurants, and efforts to combat against reservation piracy. Watch to learn what is advancing, what is at risk, and how thes...

In part two of this discussion, we explore the critical role of online reviews, digital presence, and operational strategies in driving restaurant revenue and reputation. Experts Lisa Landsman from Google and Joel Seidenberg from Locl  share practical tips on managing reviews, engaging with customers, and optimizing digital profiles to stay competitive. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Digita...

In this episode of News You Need to Know, Courtney explains Assembly Bill 1245 and what it means for California restaurants. This proposed law aims to stop third-party platforms from selling unauthorized reservations, which is a growing problem that can cause lost revenue, no-shows, and unhappy diners. Find out how this bill might affect your business and how the California Restaurant Association...

This episode explores how restaurants can leverage digital presence, especially Google Business Profiles, to attract more diners and improve visibility. Experts Lisa Landsman from Google and Joel Seidenberg from Locl share practical tips on optimizing online listings, managing reviews, and understanding search intent. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Online Presence for Restaurants 13:04 Understan...

News You Need to Know is welcoming a new host to the team. Join Courtney Carlmark as she shares the latest updates impacting California’s restaurant industry. In this episode, Courtney highlights our recent Capitol Hill meetings, where restaurant advocates spoke directly with policymakers about key operator issues. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped amplify the restaurant industry’s...

On Ask CRA, Laura Pierson-Scheinberg and Kimya St. Pierre of Jackson Lewis P.C. discuss political expression in the workplace. Learn how federal and California laws impact employee speech, social media posts, and employer response. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On another Ask CRA, Laura Pierson-Scheinberg and Alan Acosta of Jackson Lewis P.C. will break down California’s new SB 294 Workplace Know Your Rights Act. Learn who must comply, key notice requirements, deadlines, and practical steps employers can take now to avoid penalties. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-i...

Recorded on 1/21, prior to Mayor Matt Mahan's announcement of his candidacy for Governor. In this episode, host Jot Condie engages with three prominent California political journalists: Marisa Lagos, Melanie Mason, and Nikki Laurenzo. The panel discusses the current political landscape in California, focusing on Governor Gavin Newsom's legacy and the crowded field of candidates vying for the gover...

In this episode of the On the Fly, host Jot Condie engages with three prominent California political journalists: Marisa Lagos, Melanie Mason, and Nikki Laurenzo. This is just a teaser of the great conversation coming next week, as these three journalists lay out the field to replace Gavin Newsome as Governor & just what his legacy in California will look like. Don’t miss it! See Privacy Polic...

In Part Two of our discussion, Jot Condie and guests Jennifer Barrera (CalChamber), Brian Maas (California New Car Dealers Association), and Dave Puglia (Western Growers) delve into Governor Newsom's final year in office, examining his shifting role amidst California's affordability crisis and its implications for businesses and the next generation of leaders. The conversation covers the governor’...

In Part One of this special two-part episode, host Jot Condie (California Restaurant Association) sits down with three leaders representing the auto, agriculture, and statewide business communities: Jennifer Barrera, California Chamber of Commerce Brian Maas, California New Car Dealers Association Dave Puglia, Western Growers Together, they break down the real-world pressures shaping California’s...

Join us for a captivating episode of the CRA’s Confidential Bulletin podcast as Jot Condie sits down with Matt Sutton, CRA's Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities posed by a wave of new lawmakers in the California legislature. From building relationships to effectively communicating the distinct needs of the restaurant indu...

Get a sneak peek of this episode of the CRA’s Confidential Bulletin podcast, where Jot Condie speaks with Matt Sutton, CRA's Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy. They discuss the impact of a new class of lawmakers in California and the unique opportunities and challenges that come with it. Hear how relationship building and communication are key to advocating for the res...

Legal Partner Vance Piggot, Shareholder at Kronick Law Firm, joins Megan Gamble with the CRA to answer questions on Prop. 65 changes. Don’t get caught off-guard! New Prop. 65 claims have been rolling in throughout the state. CRA members can download a printable sign at  www.calrest.org/store  and contact our Legal Center help line at  helpline@calrest.org  to make sure they are...

Join co-hosts and CRA Board Members Joseph Pitruzzelli (Wurstkuche) and Ben Shahvar (Buttercup Restaurants) at the California Restaurant Show where they have lively conversations and give insights on what's going on in the industry with other restaurateurs, employment lawyers, and vendors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do...

Alycia Harshfield (CRF President) sits down with Fred Glick (Karl Strauss) to talk about his unique take as incoming Chair of both the California Restaurant Association and Foundation. The duo returns to the Confidential Bulletin with a primer on how the Foundation and Association work in tandem to support the goal of a healthy restaurant industry and community in California.  See Privacy Pol...