Confidential Bulletin

Hosted by California Restaurant Association

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Sep 2026

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Welcome to Confidential Bulletin, the essential podcast for members of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and all professionals within California's vibrant restaurant and hospitality industry. Brought to you by the CRA, this monthly podcast series is your go-to resource for expert insights, advice, and discussions on our industry's most pressing issues today. Confidential Bulletin offers limitless conversations with various guest hosts and speakers, from the complexities of compliance and the latest in politics affecting our businesses to innovative trends and operational challenges. Our revolving experts bring valuable perspectives on the unique landscape we navigate in California's restaurant and hospitality sector. Whether you're looking for guidance on navigating regulations, curious about the future of dining in California, or interested in hearing from thought leaders shaping the industry, Confidential Bulletin has something for you. Each episode is crafted to matter deeply to you, addressing topics you care about and answering the questions you haven't even thought to ask. Why Listen? Diverse Expertise: Engage with various experts, from seasoned restaurateurs to industry innovators, legal advisors, and beyond. Relevant Topics: Stay ahead with discussions on compliance, politics, sustainability, technology, customer experience, and more. Community Focus: Join a community dedicated to supporting and advancing California's restaurant and hospitality industry. #CaliforniaRestaurants #HospitalityIndustry #CRA #RestaurantTrends #Compliance #Politics #Innovation #Podcast Join the Conversation: Don't miss an episode of Confidential Bulletin. Subscribe and be part of the conversation shaping the future of California's restaurant and hospitality industry. Visit our website: California Restaurant Association Tune in every month for engaging, insightful, and unexpected conversations. You never know who might be on or what topic we'll dive into next – but it will matter to you. ]]>

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58 recent

October 13, 20262 min

California's single-use packaging law, SB 54, is facing a legal challenge, and the CRA is helping lead the charge

The CRA and 20 other organizations are challenging key aspects of the state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, citing constitutional concerns, unclear compliance requirements, and potentially billions of dollars in costs. With a preliminary five-year program budget ranging from $9.4 billion to $17.2 billion, the stakes are enormous for many sectors of the California economy, including California's restaurant community. In this week's News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down what the legal challenge means for restaurants and why the CRA continues to push for clear, fair, and workable regulations. TODAY’S NYNTK EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS: https://www.calrest.org/directv 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 .

September 29, 20262 min

CRA Advocacy Delivers: Two Big Wins for California Restaurants

With the Governor’s September 30 bill-signing deadline approaching, CRA continues to advocate for all restaurants in a final batch of consequential legislation. This week, Courtney shares two big advocacy wins: the defeat of AB 2564, legislation that would have eroded your control over your pricing and discount campaigns and a major law change to protect restaurants by establishing guardrails around the timing of electronic payments to alcohol wholesalers. Plus, a look at what other pending legislation remains as the Governor nears the final deadline for legislative action. 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 .

September 15, 20262 min

Restaurant Team-Members Targeted for Restrictive Scheduling: What Operators Need to Know

The CRA continues to push back on costly restaurant proposals moving through the City of Los Angeles. In this week’s News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down proposed scheduling restrictions and employee training mandates, what happened at the latest City Council hearing, and why restaurant engagement remains critical as the details take shape. 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 .

September 2, 202635 min

Could California Eliminate Sales Tax on Restaurant Meals?

What would eliminating sales tax on restaurant meals mean for California’s restaurants, consumers, and communities? John Pimentel joins Confidential Bulletin to discuss the proposed California Food Tax Fairness Act, a ballot measure seeking to eliminate sales tax on all food, including restaurant meals. We discuss why he introduced the measure, the case for treating restaurant meals and groceries more equally under California’s tax system, the potential impact on restaurants and consumers, concerns about lost tax revenue, and the significant hurdles ahead as the initiative moves toward the ballot. Hear directly from Pimentel about the proposal and what California restaurant operators should know. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 1, 20262 min

California’s Legislative Deadline Is Here: What Restaurants Need to Know

The clock is ticking in Sacramento. As the California Legislature faces its midnight deadline, the CRA advocacy team works through the final hours to protect and strengthen California’s restaurant community. In this edition of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney shares the latest on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the growing coalition calling for changes to the program. She also provides updates on key legislation affecting restaurants, including alcohol to-go, restaurant reservations, building permits, and CIPA lawsuits. Stay informed on issues that could impact your restaurant and what comes next as CRA continues its advocacy into the fall and next legislative session. TODAY’S NYNTK EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS: https://www.calrest.org/directv 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 .

August 18, 20263 min

EPR Costs Are Coming: Tell Lawmakers to Hit Pause

California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program is moving forward and the newly released costs are staggering. With an estimated $2 billion in fees in the first year and $78 billion in compliance costs over five years, CRA is helping lead a multi-industry effort urging lawmakers to pause implementation and address serious concerns before businesses and consumers are left footing the bill. The legislative session ends August 31, so now is the time to make your voice heard. Use CRA’s VoterVoice Action Alert to send a pre-written message directly to your lawmakers and join our call for action. TAKE ACTION: https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/CRA/Campaigns/139222/Respond See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 5, 202618 min

One Industry, One Voice: Five Decades of Leadership in the Central Valley restaurant community

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 .

July 29, 202610 min

Why Community Matters: Selwyn Yosslowitz on the Power of the CRA Los Angeles Chapter

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 .

July 27, 20262 min

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. 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 .

July 14, 20262 min

CA Moves Closer to Ending CIPA Shakedown Lawsuits

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 .