FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution

Another dine-in closure for restaurants…California is the 5th largest economy in the world and the hospitality industry here employs literally hundreds of thousands of people.
Who speaks for us?
Who is looking out for our best interests?
Who’s there to make sure we survive the pandemic?
The California Restaurant Association has extended it’s resources to the industry nationwide and, on this episode, we chat with Jot Condie, president of the CRA, about the work they’re doing to make sure that California functions as a guidepost, showing other states how to support the industry that powers their economy.
Click to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Click here to book time on my personal calendar.
Click here to download our Restaurant Recovery Guide.
Want to streamline your front-of-house operations and increase sales? Head over to http://restaurants.yelp.com/fullcomppodcast to claim your free page and learn more about these powerful tools for your business.
SHOW NOTES

How the CRA started
The mission of CRA
To represent and promote the restaurant industry in California
How CRA works
CRA represents around 25k restaurants
80% independent restaurants
20% larger chains
Inclusive to all as both types of restaurant ultimately have the same goals and struggles
The big wins of CRA
The beginning of the Covid crisis
The governor announced that restaurants would need to reduce to 50% capacity
LA mayor and 12 other mayors in the state disagreed and decreed total lockdown
Crisis management mode
Getting information to everyone - members and non-members
Adjusting website to the most relevant information
Talking to government officials for more information
Advocacy work during the pandemic
Worked with LA health department to allow groceraunts
Alcohol delivery allowance
Deferral on tax payments
Free up public space to allow restaurants to have sidewalk dining
Allow for curbside pickup in cities
It is important to make your voice heard
Government has a huge impact on operations
Collaborating with third-party delivery companies
Doordash being very accommodating to the industry
Try to work through issues
Rent is the largest fixed cost for restaurants
Leasing issues are far greater scope than business owner vs landlord
Political and legal issues intertwined
CRA is in conversation with mortgage industry and property owners
Not much support in these early efforts
The success of campaigns depends on the votes
Resources that the CRA provides
Integrated insurance solutions
Legal center
Law firm partners create free compliance documents
Discounted legal fees
Webinars
United healthcare discount
What are our obligations under the new guidelines?
Face coverings for employees
Sanitation standards
Guidelines must be followed to encourage guests to return
If your restaurant is seen to be breaking rules on social media, it will ruin your reputation
Advocacy doesn’t work if businesses don’t also join in making their voice heard

Show Notes

Another dine-in closure for restaurants…California is the 5th largest economy in the world and the hospitality industry here employs literally hundreds of thousands of people.

Who speaks for us?

Who is looking out for our best interests?

Who’s there to make sure we survive the pandemic?

The California Restaurant Association has extended it’s resources to the industry nationwide and, on this episode, we chat with Jot Condie, president of the CRA, about the work they’re doing to make sure that California functions as a guidepost, showing other states how to support the industry that powers their economy.

Click to sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Click here to book time on my personal calendar.

Click here to download our Restaurant Recovery Guide.

Want to streamline your front-of-house operations and increase sales? Head over to http://restaurants.yelp.com/fullcomppodcast to claim your free page and learn more about these powerful tools for your business.

SHOW NOTES

  • How the CRA started
  • The mission of CRA
  • To represent and promote the restaurant industry in California
  • How CRA works
  • CRA represents around 25k restaurants
  • 80% independent restaurants
  • 20% larger chains
  • Inclusive to all as both types of restaurant ultimately have the same goals and struggles
  • The big wins of CRA
  • The beginning of the Covid crisis
  • The governor announced that restaurants would need to reduce to 50% capacity
  • LA mayor and 12 other mayors in the state disagreed and decreed total lockdown
  • Crisis management mode
  • Getting information to everyone - members and non-members
  • Adjusting website to the most relevant information
  • Talking to government officials for more information
  • Advocacy work during the pandemic
  • Worked with LA health department to allow groceraunts
  • Alcohol delivery allowance
  • Deferral on tax payments
  • Free up public space to allow restaurants to have sidewalk dining
  • Allow for curbside pickup in cities
  • It is important to make your voice heard
  • Government has a huge impact on operations
  • Collaborating with third-party delivery companies
  • Doordash being very accommodating to the industry
  • Try to work through issues
  • Rent is the largest fixed cost for restaurants
  • Leasing issues are far greater scope than business owner vs landlord
  • Political and legal issues intertwined
  • CRA is in conversation with mortgage industry and property owners
  • Not much support in these early efforts
  • The success of campaigns depends on the votes
  • Resources that the CRA provides
  • Integrated insurance solutions
  • Legal center
  • Law firm partners create free compliance documents
  • Discounted legal fees
  • Webinars
  • United healthcare discount
  • What are our obligations under the new guidelines?
  • Face coverings for employees
  • Sanitation standards
  • Guidelines must be followed to encourage guests to return
  • If your restaurant is seen to be breaking rules on social media, it will ruin your reputation
  • Advocacy doesn’t work if businesses don’t also join in making their voice heard

What is FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution?

What if I told you that the difference between struggling and thriving in the restaurant industry is just one conversation away?

I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who’s spent decades building blockbuster brands across every tier of dining. I know the challenges you’re facing—because I’ve been there. That’s why I created FULL COMP.

Every week, I go one-on-one with the smartest minds in the game: restaurateurs, chefs, and industry insiders who’ve cracked the code. Together, we unpack their biggest wins, hardest lessons, and the strategies that changed everything.

No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights to help you boost profits, build your brand, and create the kind of restaurant you’ve always dreamed of.

So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing results, hit subscribe.