(Sacramento, CA) – The California Restaurant Association is pleased to announce that Theodore Balestreri, II, has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2019. 

Balestreri, a highly-respected business and community leader in Monterey, leads the Cannery Row Management Co., a family-owned business that was started by his father more than 50 years ago and has grown to employ 400 people in the Monterey Bay area. His wide-ranging career in the hospitality industry has included roles in foodservice operations, hotel-restaurant management and manufacturing of kitchen products. 

Today, as Executive Vice President of Hospitality Operations and Community Relations, Balestreri oversees a diverse mix of properties, including The Inns of Monterey, a collection of boutique hotels, The Sardine Factory restaurant, and Estéban Restaurant and foodservice-based retail. 

“Ted is the model California business person – someone who shows dedication daily not just to his own family business, but to the world around him through his longtime involvement in many community organizations,” said Jot Condie, president and CEO of the California Restaurant Association. “We’re thrilled that the CRA’s membership can benefit from having someone as tireless and passionate as Ted lead us.” 

Balestreri has served as a board member and as Vice-Chair of the CRA Board. He also is a past Chairman of the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRAF), which helps drive culinary arts programs at California high schools and raises funds for hospitality workers who find themselves facing unexpected personal hardship. 

“This is a time of dramatic change in the restaurant business,” Balestreri said. “A mountain of new public policy, along with the impact of tech, third-party delivery, and other trends are presenting real challenges for restaurants. I’m pleased to be leading the CRA at a dynamic time, when our task is to help define what this industry will look like in the years to come.” 

Balestreri is the past Chairman of the Monterey County Hospitality Association and has served as President of the Monterey Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Advisory 

Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, Montage Health Foundation, and The Foundation of Cal State University, Monterey Bay. 

Balestreri graduated Monterey Peninsula College and continued his education, studying business at California State University, Monterey Bay. His term as Chair of the Board will last through August 31, 2019. 

The CRA’s immediate past Chair is Lorraine Salazar of Sal’s Mexican Restaurants in Fresno. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 18, 2019 

CONTACT 
Sharokina Shams, California Restaurant Association 
sshams@calrest.org 916-431-2749