Confidential Bulletin takes you to California's Central Valley for a conversation with two respected restaurant leaders whose decades of service have helped shape both their communities and the California Restaurant Association.

Host Kathie Griley sits down with Bob Farrar and Tom Ferdinani to discuss the evolution of the CRA's Fresno Chapter, the importance of advocacy, and why collaboration over competition has been one of the industry's greatest strengths. They share stories about navigating legislative change, building meaningful industry relationships, and resources that have helped restaurants thrive through decades of challenges.

The conversation highlights what makes the Central Valley restaurant community unique, from its deep agricultural roots to its commitment to serving local communities. Bob reflects on his recent induction into the Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards Hall of Fame, while both guests offer practical advice for the next generation of restaurateurs.

Whether you're a longtime operator or just starting out, this episode reminds us that the strongest restaurants are built on great hospitality, strong community connections, and a united voice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For more than 35 years, Selwyn Yosslowitz has seen how collaboration strengthens California's restaurant industry. In this episode of the Confidential Bulletin, he shares why he joined the California Restaurant Association, how the Los Angeles Chapter helped him navigate legal and operational challenges, and why building relationships with fellow operators has been one of the most valuable investments in his business. From advocacy and the CRA Legal Center to restaurant roundtables and local leadership, Selwyn explains why getting involved can make a meaningful difference for both your business and the industry.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

Thank you to the CRA San Diego Chapter for sharing some of their amazing footage for us to use!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your response to the CRA's Action Alert made an impact. Thanks to strong industry advocacy and your support, SB 690 has passed a major legislative milestone. In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney explains the significance of the Assembly committee vote, how SB 690 curbs abusive CIPA lawsuits over standard website practices, and why continued engagement matters. 

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 outlines critical risk areas employers must understand, including work permits required before the first shift, strict limits on working hours, and hazardous job restrictions. He also highlights common enforcement triggers, wage-and-hour pitfalls, and the importance of age-specific job descriptions and updated arbitration agreements.

Whether you’re hiring teens for the summer or planning year-round staffing, this episode provides practical guidance to help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/Respond  

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 hybrid concepts, grocery locations, and gas station restaurants could be impacted

• Why local city ordinances may still apply even if the state law doesn’t

If you operate in California, this is an important compliance conversation to watch.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 information to consumers. Learn more about the legal challenge and how SB 343 undermines recycling efforts and limits free speech, and what operators should be watching as the case moves forward. 

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 essential, how to respond to complaints, and what employers often get wrong when managing sensitive workplace issues. The conversation covers California’s protected categories, retaliation risks, training requirements, and how to build stronger policies to prevent costly legal exposure.

Whether you’re an operator, manager, or HR lead, this episode offers steps to protect your team, culture, and business.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 workplace.

The conversation covers:

• Recognizing signs of burnout and stress

• Understanding workplace accommodations and the interactive process

• What managers should and should not ask employees

• Documentation and compliance best practices

• Workplace violence prevention requirements in California

• Creating a supportive workplace culture that protects both employees and employers

Tune in for actionable guidance to help restaurant operators build healthier workplaces and reduce compliance risks.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.