FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2024
Contact: Megan Gamble ▪ 916.832.1884 ▪ mgamble@calrest.org

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Restaurant Association (CRA) proudly announces that effective September 1, 2024, Joe O’Donnell will lead the association as Chairman of the Board.

O’Donnell has served on the CRA board for more than twenty years, assuming the role of Vice Chair last year, and has been an invaluable asset to moving the association forward.

Since he emigrated from Ireland nearly 40 years ago, O’Donnell has worked his way up in the restaurant industry starting from a busboy to reaching his current role of President of Urban Plates.

“I am honored to take up the mantle of Chairman to continue the great progress CRA has made for California restaurants,” said Joe O’Donnell. “While we had major legislative successes this year, the industry will continue to confront many policy challenges, and I am committed to being a leader that unites us to achieve a better business environment.”

O’Donnell was the Chief Operating Officer of Urban Plates for six years before becoming President in 2021. Prior to that, he spent 18 years in leadership roles with Ruth’s Chris Steak House, including Vice President of Operations for the Western U.S.

“I’ve worked closely with Joe over the years as a board member and am excited to see him bring his depth of knowledge and leadership style to the role of Chairman,” said Jot Condie, CRA President + CEO. “Our industry faces an uphill policy battle at both the state and local levels, and our board is in capable hands to guide us in the right direction.”

During his tenure with Ruth’s Chris, O’Donnell was extensively involved in all phases of operations including culinary, project management, special leadership training, team development, and new restaurant openings in addition to leading their award-winning Beverage program and overseeing a team of Regional Vice Presidents.

O’Donnell moved from New York to San Diego and worked in several local independent restaurants in the early stages of his career, including Harbor House, Kenny’s Steak House, and Reidy O’Neil’s where he started his management career in 1991.

Outside of his work, O’Donnell spends time fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is heavily involved in the charity arm of the Irish Outreach Center which supports underprivileged families in the San Diego community.

Joe O’Donnell replaces outgoing Chairman of the CRA Board, Richard Frank, whose term expires on August 31. Serving as Board leaders alongside O’Donnell will be First Vice Chair Fred Glick and Second Vice Chair Ray Villaman.

About the CRA: The California Restaurant Association provides ultimate access to the resources and support that neighborhood restaurants need to lead thriving businesses while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. California is home to eating and drinking places that ring up more than $100 billion in sales and employ nearly 1.4 million workers, making restaurants an indisputable driving force in the state’s economy.