October 2013
Checkout Bag Ordinance Goes in to Effect October 1st
Effective October 1st, 2013, San Francisco’s new Checkout Bag Ordinance, requires that no restaurant or food establishment shall provide a non-compostable single-use plastic checkout bag ... Read more
Employers Must Comply with Exchange Notice Requirements by October 1, 2013: DOL Issues Model Notice and Updated COBRA Election Notice
An Article from Hanson Bridgett for GGRA MembersEmployers are required under the Affordable Care Act to notify employees of health coverage options available through health ... Read more
July 2013
July 23rd - San Francisco Department of the Environment Bag Fair
2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Hotel Whitcomb. To assist businesses in complying with the Plastic Bag Ordinance that takes effect October 1, the SF Department ... Read more
June 2013
Join the America’s Cup and the GGRA For a Healthy Ocean
The Summer of Racing is almost upon us – and we want your help! The America’s Cup Healthy Ocean Project is launching a sustainability initiative ... Read more
June 18th - HR Happy Hour
HR Happy Hour is back on the books! We hope you can make it! What: An informal gathering of HR and operations professionals looking to ... Read more
GGRA Member Article from SBDC Restaurant Consulting
Last year, GGRA and SBDC launched a partnership program for GGRA Members originally managed by Tom Costello. We are proud to introduce the membership to ... Read more
PG&E Telephone SCAM ALERT
A GGRA Member contacted our office yesterday alerting us to a SCAM involving a call from someone claiming to be from PG&E. The caller claimed ... Read more
Supervisor Proposes Ballot Measure Granting Right to Flex Schedule and Two Week Advance Scheduling
Supervisor David Chiu proposed a ballot measure to require employers to grant flexible work schedules to employees unless the employer can identify a specified business ... Read more
Food Truck Reform Legislation Passes Unanimously Out of Land Use Committee
Supervisor Weiner’s legislation to have full vote at the Board of Supervisor’s on June 18. On Monday June 10, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors ... Read more
Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner at M.Y. China - GGRA Member Special Pricing!
Date: Sunday, June 9, 2013 Time: 6:00PM Location: M.Y. China On behalf of Chef Martin Yan of M.Y.China and the James Beard Foundation, we are ... Read more
May 2013
April 2013 New Members
Each month we will be acknowledging the restaurants and vendors that are new to our association. If you know someone who may be interested in ... Read more
SF's Wage Theft Task Force Needs Your Input: Help Level the Playing Field for All Restaurants!
San Francisco’s Wage Theft Task Force was recently launched to strengthen the City’s labor law enforcement strategy and its response to the problem of wage ... Read more
AIA San Francisco | Constructed Realities 2013
AIA San Francisco announces this year’s return of Constructed Realities, a biennial design awards program. The Constructed Realities awards program was established to recognize exemplary ... Read more
Two GGRA Members Awarded by the Small Business Network!
On May 9, the Small Business Network held its 29th Annual Gala to celebrate the accomplishments of the Network and to recognize small business owners ... Read more
Membership Does Have Its Privileges, Don’t Lose Yours
As a reminder, GGRA Members have exclusive access to members’ only areas of the GGRA website. In the Member Resources section you’ll find our 2013 ... Read more
New I-9 Forms
Are you using the current version of Form I-9? As a reminder, all U.S. employers should be using the new version of Form I-9 (3/8/13 ... Read more
GGRA's Annual Golf Tournament a Big Success!
Our Annual GGRA Golf Tournament took place on Monday, May 13 at the Presidio Golf Course. We would like to thank everyone who participated for ... Read more
No Smoking Curb Stickers Available for Members
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association, in cooperation with the Tobacco Free Project SF, has obtained window stickers to help restaurants comply with San Francisco Health ... Read more
Prop 65 Notice Reform
In an effort to protect restaurants from shakedown lawsuite threats, the GGRA has joined other small business associations in supporting reform and a time to ... Read more
ACA Notice Requirements
The Department of Labor May 8 released model language and a template for the written notice that almost all employers will be required to provide ... Read more
Register Now for GGRA's Annual Golf Tournament on May 13th
May 13, 2013 is your lucky day! That’s the day of our Annual Golf Tournament at the Presidio Golf Course. Whether you want to play, ... Read more
May 8th: Katy Tang Fundraising Reception
Please join the Alliance for Jobs and Sustainable Growth for a fundraising reception in support of Katy Tang, Candidate for D4 Supervisor, on Wednesday, May ... Read more
May 4th - 12th: Livermore Valley Wine Country Hospitality Week
Hoteliers! Sommeliers! Restaurateurs! We invite you to visit and learn about Livermore Valley Wine Country because… We’re closer than you think! Join us May 4 ... Read more
April 2013
April 24th: The University of San Francisco Hosts 23rd Annual Hospitality Industry Symposium
The Changing World of Hospitality The University of San Francisco (USF) is pleased to announce the 23rd annual Hospitality Industry Symposium will take place on ... Read more
March 2013 New Members
Each month we will be acknowledging the restaurants and vendors that are new to our association. If you know someone who may be interested in ... Read more
April 17th - 2012 Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) Reporting Form Presentation
Wednesday, April 17, 10:00am to 11:30am Location: Farallon Restaurant The Golden Gate Restaurant will host a presentation reviewing the Health Care Security Ordinance annual reporting ... Read more
Support and Celebrate the Nation's First Walk to Work Day, Friday, April 12
On Friday April 12, San Francisco will lead the nation in celebrating Walk to Work Day, a new opportunity to get fit, go green, and ... Read more
Participate in this Year’s Flavors of San Francisco!
You are cordially invited to participate in the largest Small Business Networking Event in 2013! Flavors of San Francisco brings together leaders from across the ... Read more
Deadline Extended for RFP for America's Cup
Levy Restaurants has received a significant volume of responses to the RFP issued for food products, beverage products, and/or concession services for the 34th America's ... Read more
2013 Commuter Benefits Ordinance Compliance Reporting Forms Due April 30th
Effective January 2009, the San Francisco Commuter Benefits Ordinance requires employers with 20 or more employees nationwide to offer their employees a commuter benefit. For ... Read more
March 2013
San Francisco Sends Out New Health Care Reporting Form
GGRA to hold training program on how to properly complete the annual form. This week the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement sent out ... Read more
Join Us For SF Chefs 2013!
GGRA Members have an opportunity to participate in SF Chefs 2013, Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s biggest annual event celebrating the unique culinary scene of the ... Read more
March 19th - QSR Group Demonstration
9am to 10am You're invited to join an upcoming webinar presented by Squirrel Systems to learn how kitchen display and guest management solutions from QSR ... Read more
GGRA Member Article from Mass Mutual Financial Group: Disabled? Me? Never!
When you think of ‘disability,’ what comes to mind? Many people assume that a Disability will involve a physically obvious condition. But in fact, disabilities ... Read more
SF Environment - Commuter Benefits Ordinance Outreach
The San Francisco Department of the Environment is kicking off the annual Commuter Benefits Ordinance compliance process with outreach to businesses about deadlines and assistance ... Read more
Raw Food Notification – Department of Public Health Consumer Advisory
In the next few weeks, inspectors from the San Francisco Department of Public Health will begin notifying restaurants of the requirement to post a consumer ... Read more
March 5th - QSR Group Demonstration
9am to 10am You're invited to join an upcoming webinar presented by Squirrel Systems to learn how kitchen display and guest management solutions from QSR ... Read more
February 2013
City Calls for Proposals for New Parklets
New Parklet Manual and upcoming open house to help with applications Merchants, community groups and property owners hoping to get a parklet in their neighborhood ... Read more
San Francisco Launches On-Line Permit Tool To Help Local Business With Permitting
Mayor Lee announced last week the creation of License 123, an an easy-to-use tool that allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to access permits and ... Read more
January 2013 New Members
Each month we will be acknowledging the restaurants and vendors that are new to our association. If you know someone who may be interested in ... Read more
February 19th - QSR Group Demonstration
9am to 10am You're invited to join an upcoming webinar presented by Squirrel Systems to learn how kitchen display and guest management solutions from QSR ... Read more
The Grove Yerba Buena Launches New Social Hour!
Enjoy What’s Best About Drinks and a Special Menu in "San Francisco’s Living Room" The Grove restaurants, a family of four warm, eclectic and lively ... Read more
Employee Manual Available Now
The 2013 GGRA Employee Manual is now available. The Manual is available to all current GGRA Members. It is fully customizable for each member’s business ... Read more
Food Service Contractor Search
The General Services Administration (GSA) is conducting market research for a Food Service Contractor in the local community for the purpose of operating a 3,250 ... Read more
2012 – A Year in Review
Dear GGRA Member, The Golden Gate Restaurant Association had a banner year in 2012. We had an ally in Mayor Lee, a business friendly Mayor ... Read more
Memorable Member Celebration
Thank you to all of our members who attended the Annual Member Celebration! The event took place Monday, January 28 at The City Club in ... Read more
GGRA Membership Annual Invoicing
Annual Membership invoices will be mailed soon and we encourage members to log-in to our website to review your member profiles for accuracy. For members ... Read more
February 5th - QSR Group Demonstration
9 am to 10am You're invited to join an upcoming webinar presented by Squirrel Systems to learn how kitchen display and guest management solutions from ... Read more
January 2013
January 28 - GGRA Annual Member Celebration at the City Club SF
When: 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, January 28th Where: The City Club As a thank you to our members, you and your staff are invited ... Read more
Small Business Network’s 2013 Small Business Recognition Awards Nomination Form
The Small Business Network is now accepting nominations for the Small Business Recognition Awards. Winners will be announced at the annual SBN Gala on May ... Read more
Upcoming Changes in the CA Enterprise Zone Program
The state announced several proposed regulations in the CA Enterprise Zone program earlier this month. Most of San Francisco’s commercial areas are in an enterprise ... Read more
GGRA Members Saving $10,000’s with “Frylow” Fry Oil Extender
Fried foods with cleaner flavor profiles, lighter color and fewer calories. Less greasy feel and taste. Increased volume through deep fryers during peak demand. Lower ... Read more
New Local & State Laws That Impact Business In 2013
There are many new laws that impact employers in California and San Francisco in 2012. In San Francisco, minimum wage has increased from $10.24 per ... Read more
Employers Must Offer Family Care, Affordable or Not
In a long-awaited interpretation of the new health care law, the Obama administration has clarified that employers must offer health insurance to employees and their ... Read more
December 2012
Café Vendor Search at 98 Mission Street Cafeteria
The General Services Administration (GSA) is in search of a Food Service Contractor for the purpose of operating a 3,250 square foot, full service Cafeteria ... Read more
San Francisco Business License Renewal Changes for 2013
Business License Renewal: Health, Police, Fire Departments Due 12/31/12 In December 2011, San Francisco changed the annual renewal of certain business licenses to March 31st. ... Read more
New Minimum Wage, Sales Tax and SF Health Care Rates Effective January 1, 2013
New Minimum Wage & Health Care Expenditure Rates Take Effect on January 1, 2013 The 2013 Minimum Wage rate will be $10.55/hour. The 2013 Health ... Read more
Happy Holidays and Thank You!
Happy Holidays and Thank you to all of our members for a memorable year. As you know, the GGRA is dedicated to promoting and protecting ... Read more
Food Truck Hearing at Board of Supervisors Postponed Until the New Year
Supervisor Scott Weiner agreed to postpone the scheduled hearing on his mobile food truck amendments until late January or early February to provide stakeholders the ... Read more
Fort Baker Restaurant Opportunity
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is announces opportunity at Fort Baker for experienced restaurateur. The attached flyer provides you with some initial information on ... Read more
Board of Equalization Launches New Site to Assist Restaurant Operators
The California State Board of Equalization has launched a new online sales and use tax guide for restaurant owners to assist restaurateurs with tax issues ... Read more
November 2012
November 29th - Mobile Food Truck Advisory Meeting
Date: Thursday, Nov 29, 2012 Time: 2:00PM Location: The Golden Gate Restaurant Association Interested in Food Trucks? – GGRA asks for your input on new ... Read more
Free Samples of LED Holiday Lights Are Still Available for GGRA Members
Business Tips from PG&E for a Safer, More Affordable Holiday SeasonFree samples of LED holiday lights are available for GGRA members on a first come-first ... Read more
November 13th: The 34th Annual St. Anthony's Holiday Lunch & Silent Auction!
Date: Tuesday November 13th Time: 1:00pm Where: The Waterfront Restaurant Pier 7, The Embarcadero, San Francisco RSVP to: Matt McGrath at matt.mcgrath@gmail.com or (415) 658-3025 ... Read more
Bicycle Safety and Restaurant Employees
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition are collaborating to improve the safety of restaurant industry employees who bike to work ... Read more
On Sale Now! SF Chefs Food and Wine Fall Dinner Party Projects
Presented by 7x7, Campari, National Pork Board and Guittard Chocolate CompanyThis fall, SF Chefs Food and Wine is presenting three Dinner Party Projects featuring an ... Read more
Supervisor Weiner Looks To Reform San Francisco Food Truck Ordinance
On Tuesday, November 6, Supervisor Scott Weiner introduced legislation to reform San Francisco’s current Mobile Food Facilities (MFF) ordinance. In 2010, then Supervisor Bevan Dufty ... Read more
GGRA's 2nd Annual Member Picnic in Golden Gate Park Was a Big Success!
Thanks to all the members who attended and to those who brought games – in addition to the fabulous food and beverage donations. Kids were ... Read more
Proposition E Victory is a Big Win for Restaurants
With a huge 71% to 29% victory, San Francisco voters passed Proposition E business tax reform on Tuesday night. The Golden Gate Restaurant Association worked ... Read more
October 2012
Proposition E is Good For Restaurants, Good For Jobs, and Good for San Francisco
For years the GGRA has been working to get rid of the payroll tax in San Francisco – a tax that disproportionately hurts industries with ... Read more
November 8th HRA and Your Business "A Presentation on Health Reimbursement Accounts"
Date: Thursday, Nov 8, 2012 Time: 2:00PM to 4:00PM Location: Mission Rock Resort Join us at Mission Rock Resort on November 8 for a presentation ... Read more
GGRA's 2nd Annual Member Picnic in Golden Gate Park
As a valued member of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, we invite you to attend our Fall Family Picnic taking place Sunday October 28, 2012 ... Read more
Bicycle Safety and Restaurant Employees
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition are collaborating to improve the safety of restaurant industry employees who bike to work ... Read more
SF Chefs Food and Wine Upcoming Events
This winter SF Chefs Food and Wine will produce three excited Dinner Party Projects featuring local chefs. On November 27, Maximum Mina will feature Michael ... Read more
2013 San Francisco Minimum Wage and HCSO Expenditure Rates
The rates for the San Francisco Minimum Wage and HCSO Expenditure requirements have been published by the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement Minimum ... Read more
2012 Honors Reception: Alliance for Jobs & Sustainable Growth
Save the date for Alliance for Jobs and Sustainable Growth's 2012 Honors Reception. Please join um as we kick off our GOTV and recognize these ... Read more
October 13th: Fallfest!
If you're a true local, you like your food and wine that way, too. Taste all the Bay Area has to offer at FallFest 2012—a ... Read more
GGRA and SBDC Partner to Work with Members
We are excited to announce that GGRA has entered into an agreement with the Small Business Development Center to craft a partnership that will provide ... Read more
Field testing by PG&E's Food Service Technology Center Proves the Energy Savings of the First Value Priced Energy Star Fryer Offered by Pitco!
If you're interested in upgrading to this technology please feel free to reach out to Vitaly Tyurin, the new PG&E rep for GGRA at (415) ... Read more
Job Fair hosted by Community Vocational Enterprises
Career Vocational Enterprises is partnering with Goodwill Industries to host a career fair on October 26, 1-4pm at 1500 Mission Street. All are welcome to ... Read more
Second Street Improvement Project - Survey
Thank you to the Members who attended last month’s Second Street Improvement Project meeting hosted by San Francisco’s Department of Public Works, the Municipal Transportation ... Read more
Department of Labor Presentation Documents Available for Members
On September 28, the Department of Labor hosted a presentation for our members highlighting important points from the Fair Labor Standards Act. In the presentation ... Read more
September 2012
Make Connections and Discover Extraordinary Products at the 2013 Winter Fancy Food Show
Why should I attend the Winter Show? 80,000 specialty foods and beverages on display 1,300 exhibitors from 35+ countries and regions Insights from industry experts ... Read more
Important November Ballot Measures in San Francisco
Help Make San Francisco a Better Place To Live and Work – Join the GGRA On These Important November Ballot Measures in San Francisco The ... Read more
Cops and Joggers Community Event
This fall, on September 23rd, SAFE and the SFPD will host “Cops and Joggers Community Event” in conjunction with the San Francisco Police Department’s Picnic. ... Read more
Invitation to Test PG&E’s Business Energy Checkup Tool
We are seeking your help in testing a new online energy efficiency survey tool for business customers – Business Energy Checkup. A component within MyEnergy, ... Read more
Green Build 2012: Great Promotion Opportunity for your Green Restaurant!
Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, November 14-16, 2012, is coming to San Francisco - North America’s greenest city, and the birthplace of the United States ... Read more
August 2012
The Ever Changing ADA Regulations
For commercial property and facility managers and owners it can be confusing to understand ADA Guidelines, especially when it seems that the goal line is ... Read more
Confidentiality in the Workplace as Retaliation?
Article by Hanson & Bridgett LLPAn employer has an anti-harassment policy. The policy states that all complaints will be investigated in a discreet manner and ... Read more
2012 SF Chefs: Thank You!
The GGRA is thrilled to wrap up another successful year of SF Chefs! Now in its fourth year, SF Chefs has become a tremendous showcase ... Read more
Public Power – 77% Increase in Electricity Costs with Proceeds Going to Shell Energy
San Francisco’s Community Choice Aggregation “Public Power” program to cost 77% more over current rates, and create zero new local green jobs - San Francisco’s ... Read more
PG&E: Using energy at the right time for opportunities to save money and help ensure reliability
Did you know that there are rates where the cost of a commodity can vary by what time you use it? Gas and electric energy ... Read more
Do Your Community Service – Join the Wage Theft Task Force
The Board of Supervisors has created a “Wage Theft Task Force” which will be charged with making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors about how ... Read more
San Francisco’s Tax on Jobs May Finally Be History
On Tuesday, July 31 the Board of Supervisors voted to place Mayor Lee’s Gross Receipts tax proposal on the November ballot. The measure would gradually ... Read more
June 2012
Sign Up to Support Tax Reform
We are working hard to build a strong coalition to reform San Francisco’s job killing payroll tax system to a gross receipts tax structure, similar ... Read more
Do you know about Food Runners?
Food Runners is a nonprofit organization with one mission: to help alleviate hunger and waste as well as build community. They accomplish this through the ... Read more
Business Tax Reform Updates
Mayor Lee Submits Business Tax Reform to Promote Job Growth, Supervisor Avalos Submits Competing Measure That Would Raise Taxes and Fees By Ten Percent. For ... Read more
June 20th: Fundraiser to Re-elect Supervisor David Chiu
Wednesday June 20, 2012 5:30pm - 7:30pm City Club: 155 Sansome Street David Chiu has long been a leader in San Francisco and has fought ... Read more
PG&E Article: Increased Incentives for Gas Fryers
Year after year restauranteurs are purchasing new equipment to become more energy efficient or simply as they are needed. Either way there are ways PG&E ... Read more
GGRA Members Can Log-in and Listen
Did you know GGRA Members have exclusive access to members’ only areas of the GGRA website? In the Member Resources section you’ll find the liability ... Read more
Casting Call ABC Cooking Show
ABC is casting for a new cooking show and has contacted GGRA to help get the word out. Follow this link www.abccookingshow.com/ for details about ... Read more
May 2012
Now Casting Chefs for a New Cooking Competition Show!
A major cable network is currently seeking chefs and cooks for a brand new cooking competition show concept. We’re looking for amazing chefs at the ... Read more
MissRepresentation.org and the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women invite you, your peers and your colleagues to participate in Girl Up Town Hall
June 2, 2012, from 10 am – 2 pm (registration begins at 9:30 am, lunch will be provided) Held at: UC Hastings College of Law ... Read more
Thank You for Participating in GGRA's Annual Golf Tournament!
Our Annual GGRA Golf Tournament took place on Monday at the Presidio Golf Course. We would like to thank everyone who participated for providing a ... Read more
GGRA Named Small Business Advocate Organization of the Year
On May 10th, the Golden Gate Restaurant Association was awarded the Small Business Network’s Small Business Advocate Organization of the Year award for 2012. The ... Read more
May 21st: GGRA's Annual Golf Tournament Reminder!
There is still time to join us at this year's Golf Tournament. Whether you want to play, arrange a team for clients or staff, or ... Read more
May 17th: Bubbles and Bivalves
Thursday, May 17, 2012 7:00pm - 9:30pmThe Aquarium of the Bay, The Embarcadero & Beach Street, San Francisco Join The Watershed Project, host Wendy Tokuda, ... Read more
May 14th: Flavors of San Francisco
Join the largest Small Business Networking Event in 2012! Flavors of San Francisco brings together leaders from across the small business community to honor the ... Read more
May 14th: SF Chefs at the Park
A new event for 2012, SF Chefs has partnered with the San Francisco Giants to bring you "SF Chefs at the Park!" The special event ... Read more
New Fluorescent Lamp Standards for 2012 from PG&E
Restaurants have a unique operation. Every item that can use energy in one specific segment can be used in a restaurants operations; lighting especially. New ... Read more
San Francisco's Winners of Prestigious James Beard Awards
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association wishes to congratulate long time member restaurant Boulevard, this year’s Winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant. ... Read more
May 8th: 8th Annual PINK OUT! SF Fine Rose Tasting
Rosé Avengers & Producers and Chef Lam of Butterfly restaurant host the 8th Annual Pink Out! SF on Tuesday, May 8th 2012. The trade and ... Read more
April 2012
Health Care Security Ordinance Reporting Deadline on April 30, 2012
Call the GGRA if you need help completing the form The 2011 San Francisco HCSO Annual Reporting Form (ARF) is due on April 30, 2012. ... Read more
GGRA Members Can Log-in and Listen
GGRA Members have exclusive access to members’ only areas of the GGRA website. In the Member Resources section you’ll find GGRA member Employee Manual template, ... Read more
Sign up for Flavors of San Francisco Gala
Don't forget to sign up to represent your restaurant or bar at Flavors of San Francisco, the gala kick-off ceremony for San Francisco Small Business ... Read more
SF Travel's Neighborhood Partnership Grants Deadline Extended!
SF Travel recently distributed a press release on their Neighborhood Partnership Grants. Due to a glitch in the online application system, none of the applications ... Read more
GGRA Supported Restaurant Reform Passes 11-0 at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors passed a significant piece of legislation reforming and streamlining restaurant zoning in San Francisco. The GGRA worked closely with ... Read more
ACTION REQUESTED: New Tax Proposals
At the request of the Mayor and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu the San Francisco Controllers office has begun studying alternative business tax systems ... Read more
April 2nd: Testify in Support of Rationalizing Restaurant Zoning in San Francisco
Supervisor Scott Wiener, along with Supervisor Olgue and Chu, have sponsored a measure that will reduce the current thirteen different definitions of restaurants to three. ... Read more
SF PUC FOG Ordinance Equipment Deadline April 1, 2012
On April 1, 2011, San Francisco PUC’s new FOG Ordinance went into effect mandating restaurants install new and approved grease capturing equipment. The General Wastewater ... Read more
March 2012
Scam Alert! Fake Dept of Public Health Inspector Calls
Please be aware! GGRA has received calls from restaurants describing a phone scam involving callers posing as inspectors from the California or San Francisco Department ... Read more
Employee Rights Notice Posting: National Labor Relations Board Update
One federal court has given the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) a green light to require businesses to post a new federal workplace notice advising ... Read more
San Francisco Business Tax Survey
As you may know, the City of San Francisco is interested in revamping the business tax system, shifting away from a strictly payroll tax model. ... Read more
SF Travel Neighborhood Partnership Neighborhood Grants Apply Now
Applications are now being accepted for the 2012/2013 class of the SF Travel Neighborhood Partnership Grants. Please refer to the Press Release for more information. ... Read more
New ADA Bar Accessibility Requirements Go into Effect Thursday, March 15th
New Americans with Disability Act requirements go into effect Thursday that will require bar countertops to have an accessible section available for disabled patrons. Restaurants ... Read more
The GGRA Announces Pete Sittnick as the President of the Board of Directors for 2012
San Francisco, Calif. (February 28, 2012) - Rob Black, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, is pleased to announce the election of Pete ... Read more
May 10th: Small Business Network's 28th Annual Awards Gala
San Francisco's Small Business Network will hold its 28th Annual Awards Gala Thursday, May 10, 6pm at The City Club. During the Gala winners of ... Read more
Waste No Food Project
Waste No Food, a nonprofit organization dedicated to diverting excess food to the hungry, is working on a community service project in which about 150 ... Read more
Presidio Graduate School Survey
Sustainable Food Service Industry As a leader in the Bay Area food industry, you have been invited to take an 11 question survey being conducted ... Read more
GGRA Member Invoicing: The Benefits of GGRA Membership
Our annual membership invoices have been mailed and we want to thank all of the members who have already paid their 2012 dues! We want ... Read more
PG&E Article: How to Operate at a Lower Cost
Most restaurants are energy intensive facilities where significant energy-saving opportunities exist through wise operation and equipment selection. PG&E is in a position to support all ... Read more
February 2012
SF Chefs 2012 Participation
GGRA Members have an opportunity to participate in SF Chefs 2012, Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s biggest annual event. Space is available for interested restaurants to ... Read more
Scene in San Francisco Rebate Program
The San Francisco Film Commission is currently working on legislation with Supervisor Mark Farrell to extend the Scene in San Francisco Rebate program, which sunsets ... Read more
GGRA Membership Annual Invoicing
Annual Membership invoices have been mailed and we encourage members to log in to the website and review their member profiles for accuracy. For members ... Read more
Restaurant RFP: Brand New, Fully-Equipped Cafe in Cutting Edge Green Office Highrise
p>The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is issuing a Request For Proposal (RFP) to lease café space in the highly visible lobby of their ... Read more
Bay Bridge Closure Scheduled President’s Day Weekend
The Westbound Decks of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will be CLOSED President’s Day Weekend beginning Friday February 17, 2012 at 8:00 pm and re-opening ... Read more
The Businesses Community Promotes Compromise Solution that Provides and Health Care Access and Saves Jobs
A coalition of San Francisco businesses have launched a television spot and website, which encourages employees to get the health benefits they are owed under ... Read more
2/27/12 -SF Small Business Commission & Small Business California – B Corp & Benefit Corp Event
We hope you can join us for a SF Small Business Commission & Small Business California event regarding Benefit Corporations (B-Corps) at the SF Hub ... Read more
San Francisco Business Tax Questionnaire
This survey is an attempt by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, the San Francisco Committee on Jobs, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, SF Travel, ... Read more
AB 469 Wage Theft Prevention Act - New Hire Notice Requirements
AB 469 which went into effect January 1, 2012, requires California employers to add a new document to their new hire package. The new law ... Read more
GGRA Member Article: Plan for Workplace Emergencies Series Part 3
GGRA Member Article by Parenti Insurance Restaurant & Bar owners in California with more than ten employees must maintain a written Emergency Action Plan. Title ... Read more
5/10/12 - Small Business Network’s 28th Annual Awards Gala
San Francisco’s Small Business Network will hold its 28th Annual Awards Gala Thursday, May 10, 6pm at The City Club. During the Gala winners of ... Read more
February PG&E GGRA Article: Leverage PG&E to Help You Save
As a PG&E customer you are eligible for rebates and incentives to lower your energy usage. Did you know that a PG&E energy efficiency representative ... Read more
2012 Fancy Food Show Chef Demonstrations Recap
GGRA was proud to partner with the Organization to Promote Japanese Restaurants Abroad (JRO) on this year's Fancy Food Show. JRO asked GGRA to assist ... Read more
January 2012
New Requirements for New Hires Starting in 2012
Under the new state “Wage Theft Protection Act of 2011” which went into effect on January 1, 2012, California Labor Code section 2810.5 requires that ... Read more
Monday, February 6th, 2pm to 3pm - Conference Call Regarding Health Care Security Ordinance 2012 Updates
Presented by Golden Gate Restaurant Association On January 1, new provisions of the San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance took effect. To help clarify some ... Read more
Tuesday, January 31st Annual Member Reception and 2012 Board of Directors Election
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association holds an annual election among its restaurant members to elect the Board of Directors for the upcoming year. A Nomination ... Read more
San Francisco Service and Support Animal Draft Guidelines - Provide Us with Your Feedback
The Mayor's Office of Disabilities has reached out to us to help get feedback regarding the issue of service and support animals and the rights ... Read more
Update on Health Care Reform
On January 1, 2012, new Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) provisions take effect. Below is a summary of the key changes, but for more details, ... Read more
GGRA Member Offer from HRI: 2012 Restaurant Posters
GGRA Members can obtain the updated San Francisco posting notice as well as updated State and Federal posting notices at a discounted rate of $25 ... Read more
Utilize PG&E as Your Resource to Save, Sustain Perform, Produce, Reduce, and Refuse
This year has been a great year for savings within the food service segment. Year after year the knowledge of utility based programs, rebates and ... Read more
Log In to the GGRA Website to Update Your Profile and Access Member Only Articles!
As part of your GGRA member benefits, members can log in to the backend of our website to access important member only information. These include ... Read more
Please Welcome the Newest Addition to the GGRA Staff: Lynn Van Winkle!
Lynn is the newest member of the GGRA staff, joining in January of 2012 as our Membership Manager. Her most recent position was Senior Program ... Read more
December 2011
RFP for Concession Trailer at San Francisco General Hospital
San Francisco General Hospital Foundation is seeking a vendor for their Concession Trailer which is located outside of San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. ... Read more
January 31st - GGRA Annual Member Reception at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room
Save the Date! On January 31, 6pm to 8pm, Harry Denton’s will host the GGRA Annual Member Reception. The Member Reception is a great way ... Read more
National Labor Relations Act Posting Notice Effective January 31, 2012
In compliance with the National Labor Relations Act, businesses will be required to post an Employee Rights Notice beginning January 31, 2012. Restaurants are defined ... Read more
Wage Theft Prevention Act AB 468 Effective January 1, 2012
On January 1, 2012, employers in California must comply with AB 469 – Wage Theft Prevention Act of 2011. WTPA will require employers to provide ... Read more
GGRA Member Article from Parenti Insurance: The Real Cost of Work Injuries
Accidents happen. Workers gets injured and a Workers Comp claim is paid. For many restaurants and bars, that means you can count on higher Worker’s ... Read more
Service Animals in Your Business
As the kick off to the holiday season brings more customers into restaurants we have received a number of requests for specific guidelines regarding Service ... Read more
Reminder - SF Minimum Wage Increases January 1, 2012
The San Francisco minimum wage will increase to $10.24/hour effective January 1, 2012. GGRA Members can obtain the updated San Francisco posting notice as well ... Read more
GGRA Wishes Laura Leitel Good Luck at Kuleto's!
Membership Advisor, Laura K Leitel, is leaving the Golden Gate Restaurant Association to accept a new position in the restaurant industry. Laura started with the ... Read more
A Matter of Time - Wage Hour News You can Use
A publication of Nixon Peabody LLP's Wage-Hour Team We made a wage-hour checklist for this holiday season—you better check it twice As the holiday season ... Read more
November 2011
Compromise Health Care Measure Passes, But Supervisor Campos Promises A Ballot Fight
At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors' meeting Supervisor David Chiu's compromise health care security ordinance amendment that was supported by the business community passed on a ... Read more
Chefs Needed for Demonstrations at this Year's Fancy Food Show!
Eight chefs are needed to demonstrate original recipes using Japanese ingredients at this year's Winter Fancy Food Show at Moscone Center (January 15-17). The Organization ... Read more
ADA Lawsuits in the News
ADA lawsuits continue to take a toll on businesses especially small businesses in San Francisco and across the state. It seems public officials are beginning ... Read more
Restaurant Re-Zoning Amendments at the Planning Commission
On November 17th the City Planning department will be reviewing and possibly taking action on a significant piece of legislation that would simplify and rationalize ... Read more
Health Care Measure Gets Critical Sixth Vote With Amendment
At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors' meeting Supervisor Malia Cohen introduced amendments to Board President David Chiu's Healthy San Francisco legislation which would impact the way ... Read more
GGRA Picnic in the Park Recap
Thank you to everyone who helped make our member picnic a success! Our first family friendly membership picnic proved to be a great way to ... Read more
PG&E: Using Energy at the Right Time
"Using energy at the right time for opportunities to save money and help ensure reliability" Did you know that there are rates where the cost ... Read more
GGRA Member Article: What is Mechanical Breakdown and how is it covered?
Written by Jesse Parenti When equipment is working, we take it for granted. But when something breaks down - whether it’s a computer, electrical systems, ... Read more
November 11th Local Election Ballot Endorsements
The November 2011 election is a key election that will impact the restaurant community, our employees and our customers for years to come. This voting ... Read more
Coit Tower - Your Next Restaurant?
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is interested in a few good restaurateurs. The Department has released an request for proposal for food and ... Read more
Exclusive Offer for the Members of the GGRA
Be one of the first 25 to register for the Winter Fancy Food Show and receive a complimentary ticket to our educational programs. What makes ... Read more
October 2011
October 30th - GGRA Picnic in the Park
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association Board and Staff invite you and your family to attend the "GGRA Picnic in the Park" on Sunday, October 30th ... Read more
Mayor Lee Vetos Campo’s Healthcare Amendment, Saving Jobs and Local Businesses
On Tuesday, October 25th Mayor Lee vetoed Supervisor Campo’s job killing health care amendments, preventing hundreds of businesses from being at risk of mass layoffs ... Read more
Becoming a Food Handler Instructor for Your Restaurant
The new California Food Handler Card Law is very clear that employees are responsible for obtaining their food handler cards and GGRA has several online ... Read more
Health Care Amendment Update
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors, on a 6 -5 vote passed legislation which amends San Francisco's employer healthcare mandate, dramatically altering how health reimbursement ... Read more
February 2nd: Ground Hog Day Job Shadows
Over the last several years a growing number of high school students in the San Francisco Unified School District have been filling classes directly related ... Read more
January 15th to 17th: Winter Fancy Food Show: Connecting You to the Business of Specialty Food
Exclusive Offer for the Members of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association - Register by October 28 and pay $25 (Regular Price is $35). Promo code: ... Read more
November 18th to 20th: A Taste of Greece
The Trade Office of the Greek Consulate in San Francisco, invites you to celebrate the Hellenic gastronomy highlighting great food and wine throughout the weekend ... Read more
October 25th: The America's Cup Event Authority Wants Local Business Involvement
Tuesday, October 25th Hyatt Regency 2:30 pm As part of the America's Cup Event Authority's ongoing commitment to support local businesses, today Mayor Edwin M. ... Read more
URGENT ACTION ALERT: $50 Million Annual Healthcare Mandate passes / Ask Mayor Lee to Veto
San Francisco’s small businesses and non-profits need to act today! This afternoon, the Board of Supervisors passed legislation which amends San Francisco's employer healthcare mandate, ... Read more
Unsubstantiated 25% Tip Story Getting Lots of Buzz
On October 12th, Ed Arnow of the San Jose Mercury News published a story citing only “media sources” that San Francisco restaurant and restaurant workers ... Read more
10/7/11 - Health Care Security Ordinance Informational Call
Continuing our weekly informational calls about the pending Health Care Security Ordinance legislation at the Board of Supervisors, we have another call this Friday at ... Read more
Board of Supervisors Pass Flawed Healthcare Amendments
Ignoring the $50 million annual impact and the subsequent loss of hundreds if not thousands of jobs, the Board of Supervisor's voted to support Supervisor ... Read more
Cal Accessibility - CASp Consultation for Your Business
American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuits continue to take a toll on all businesses in San Francisco. What businesses don't realize is taking the time ... Read more
GGRA Member Employees have Three Ways to Obtain Food Handler Cards
GGRA Member employees have access to three online training/test providers they can use to obtain their CA Food Handler Cards. Each program is available to ... Read more
State Lifts Old Ban on Infused Alcoholic Beverages
Written by Amy Wang of The Daily Californian Gov. Jerry Brown signed into immediate effect a senate bill on Sept. 21 which ended an outdated, ... Read more
A Matter of Time - A port in a storm: does your company have a "Safe Harbor" Policy?
Published by Nixon Peabody It’s not every day that employees get a “do-over” in the wage and hour world. There are no mulligans or reset ... Read more
10/24/11 - Restaurant Safety - Focus Group Needed
Labor Occupational Health Studies of UC Berkeley (LOHP) is sponsoring a project to identify top worker safety issues found in restaurants. The goal of this ... Read more
Culinary Training for High School Students in our Own Back Yard
Ida B Wells High School - Heat of the Kitchen Program It has taken a year for the gears of bureaucracy to grind, but finally ... Read more
10/30/11 - GGRA Family BBQ
Sunday October 30 12pm-4pm Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Speedway Meadow Picnic Tables As a valued member, The Golden Gate Restaurant Association Board and Staff ... Read more
15th Annual Taste of the Bay!
Taste of the Bay is a fundraiser planned and implemented by the Hospitality & Tourism Management Department students at San Francisco State University. The event ... Read more
September 2011
Invitation for Friday Call on San Francisco Health Care Amendments
A Healthy SF Legislative Update and Conference Call The Board of Supervisors are moving rapidly towards adopting a series of amendments to the Healthy San ... Read more
Legislative Alert! Campos Reintroduces $50 million Job Killing Amend to Health Care Ordinance
On September 13 Supervisor David Campos re-introduced his amendments to the Health Care Security Ordinance that would effectively eliminate the use of Health Reimbursement Accounts ... Read more
Join us for a drink at San Francisco Cocktail Week!
Raise your glass and get ready for the 5th Annual San Francisco Cocktail Week on September 19-25, 2011! The weeklong schedule is jam-packed special cocktail ... Read more
9-24-11 4th Annual Taste of South Beach and Mission Bay
Head down to Pier 40 on the Embarcedero on Saturday, September, 24th for the 4th annual Taste of South Beach and Mission Bay from 12:00pm ... Read more
9-25-11 2011 Architecture and the City Festival
American Institute of Architects (AIA) has invited GGRA Members to attend three events highlighting San Francisco restaurant architecture. AIA has dedicated an entire series of ... Read more
10-3-11 You're Invited! Food Service Technology Center Open House
The Food Service Technology Center (FSTC) hosting an Open House Monday, October 3 4pm to 7pm and you are invited to attend. This is a ... Read more
Supervisor Campos's Amendment to Eliminate HRA's Tabled
On August 2nd Supervisor Campos voted to kill his own amendment to the Health Care Security ordinance that would have cost San Francisco businesses over ... Read more
August 2011
Review Your Restaurant Safety Procedures
The tragic shooting of a restaurant worker this week in the Mission has reminded us that it is always a good time to review and ... Read more
Local Establishments needed for Literary Libations!
Friends of the San Francisco Public Library are looking for local food and drink purveyors interested in partnering to support local branch libraries and literacy ... Read more
PG&E Article: Get Incentivized for Purchasing New Equipment
Did you know that you can receive rebates for purchasing new energy efficient equipment? Year in and year out restauranteurs are looking for ways to ... Read more
Unique Food and Beverage Opportunity!
The Recreation and Park Department has recently released a Request for Proposals for the operation and management of the food and beverage concession in the ... Read more
Amendment to the Health Care Security Ordinance
UPDATE: San Francisco Small Business Commission Votes Unanimously to Oppose Job Killing Healthy San Francisco Amendment NEXT HEARING: Thursday, July 14, at 10:00 am at ... Read more
Statefoodsafety.com for CA Food Handler Compliance
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association is proud to announce we have entered into a partnership with Statefoodsafety.com to assist our members and their employees in ... Read more
July 2011
Expiration Date of Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 Extended to Aug. 31, 2012
WASHINGTON-U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the Office of Management and Budget has extended its approval of Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) ... Read more
Sales Tax Reduction Beginning July 1, 2011
Beginning July 1, 2011, sales tax rates in the State of California will be dropping by 1% due to the expiration of the temporary extension ... Read more
June 2011
Restaurant Zoning Amendments
The Planning Commission is reviewing proposed planning code that would consolidate the nine different definitions of food service establishments into three and streamline the permitting ... Read more
Reminder: Renew your Cafe Tables and Chairs Permits
The Department of Public Works will soon be inspecting restaurants with side-walk seating for current café table and chair permits. If your permit has expired ... Read more
PG&E - Optimize your Kitchen Hood Ventilation
"Optimize your Kitchen Hood Ventilation systems with an Intelli-Hood® retro-fit" Did you know that Ventilation consumes roughly 11% of a restaurants electrical usage? Summer rates ... Read more
SB 32 Update
Bill to allow on-site rectifying passes the Senate SB 32, introduced by Senator Mark Leno and co-sponsored by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association passed unanimously ... Read more
Parenti & Associates Restaurant Program
Here Comes the Sun... We Hope... Just when the months of snow, ice and frigid temperatures were fading from memory, rains continued once again this ... Read more
Wage Theft Prevention Ordinance Introduced
Supervisors Mar and Campos have introduced the "Wage Theft Prevention Ordinance" that would add additional penalties for violation of the minimum wage laws and would ... Read more
HRI: Cal OSHA to Consider Indoor Heat Stress Regulations
For some years now, Cal OSHA has been rigorously enforcing their Outdoor Heat Stress law. In summary, if the outdoor temperature gets above 85 degrees ... Read more
GGRA Member Article by Rosemary Slade: "Who are my best new diners?"
May 10, 2011 by: Rosemary Slade In the face of some of the highest unemployment and housing loss rates in the country, the Bay Area ... Read more
CA Food Handler Cards Through ServSafe
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association remains committed to bringing our members the tools and information required to succeed in today's rapidly changing business environment. To ... Read more
May 2011
5/16/11 - GGRA Golf Tournament
The GGRA's Annual Golf Tournament is just four weeks away but there is still time to join the fun! The tournament is happening on Monday, ... Read more
5/16/11 - Flavors of San Francisco
You are cordially invited to participate in this years Flavors of San Francisco event on Monday, May 16th, at the City View Room atop the ... Read more