Restaurant Stories by District
Restaurant Stories by District Content
Serving the Community
As part of our advocacy, CRA educates California legislators about the important role local restaurants play in their communities.
Restaurants are the heart of their communities. When new policies and regulations are presented, it’s important for lawmakers to understand the impact on those business owners who serve their constituents. Restaurants operate on razor-thin profit margins, so every dollar counts when they are facing rising costs to stay in business in California.
Restaurants are about more than just the food on your plate; they drive local economies and offer a safe place for community, culture, diversity, and family.
The California Restaurant Association proudly advocates for restaurants of all sizes. When policies will affect them, it’s our mission to help them stay ahead of new laws and regulations so they can continue to focus on their staff, nourish their guests, and, of course, provide amazing food and experiences.
More Than Just Statistics – We Invest in Lives
When you look beyond the numbers, restaurants have local benefits that help those in their communities
We’re diverse
60% of restaurants are owned by women and people of color
We’re hiring
Restaurants sustain nearly 1.4 million jobs in California, many are first-time workers and those that need second chances
We’re supporting local programs
Local restaurants generate an estimated $8 billion in local tax revenues annually that go towards schools, libraries, infrastructure, public safety, and emergency services
Showcasing Voices of the Community
Everyone has a favorite local restaurant. Lawmakers do too. Often lawmakers will educate us about their favorite local restaurant.
CRA has partnered with California lawmakers to showcase their favorite restaurants when they are back home in the districts they represent to highlight restaurants’ importance to the communities they serve. Each of these restaurants received a free annual membership to CRA including all the organization’s resources and partnerships to help them continue to thrive and make a difference in the communities they serve.
Get to Know the Restaurant Community
Chasons Crab Stadium, Elk Grove, CA (Assembly District 10)
Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen shows you around her favorite restaurant back home, Chasons, with co-owner Peter Phong who started the restaurant with his wife in 2014.
A. Romo’s Café, Hayward, CA (Assembly District 20)
Assemblymember Liz Ortega introduces her favorite spot for coffee at home featuring owner Laura Romo who started the café with her two children at flea markets before bringing this hidden gem to life in Hayward.
Mis Raices Salvadorean Restaurant, Reseda, CA (Senate District 20)
Senator Caroline Menjivar tours her favorite taste of Salvadorean culture with owner Ricardo Toledo who opened the restaurant in the LA area with his wife as a tribute to their roots.
Tony’s Pizza, Delano, CA (Assembly District 35)
Tony Martinez, family owner and operator of multiple locations in the area joins Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains as they take a walk down memory lane in the restaurant that sponsored her school pizza days at and school organization meetings.