The California Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association, and Ted J. Balestreri, hosted the 100th Restaurant Roundtable of 2017 with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) at the Sardine Factory in Monterey, California. At Restaurant Roundtables, members of Congress of both parties have gathered to directly hear from restaurant owners and employees about the challenges they face. Many roundtables also feature a back of-the-house tour, where lawmakers meet the restaurant’s employees and learn more about the business side of a restaurant.

“I was pleased to meet with local restaurant owners throughout California’s 20th Congressional District, which I proudly represent. Having grown up working in local restaurants, I know that the industry not only shaped my professional development but provided me with ample opportunity and growth,” says Congressman Panetta. “Restaurants serve as an economic engine on the central coast of California. Hearing directly from small businesses provides me valuable information about the issues they and their employees face. Congress should work to foster an environment that encourages job growth and economic prosperity, as small businesses work to expand employment opportunities in our community.”

“We thank Congressman Panetta for speaking with local restaurateurs and hospitality business owners in Monterey today. Restaurant roundtables allow for dialogue with our Congressional representatives on issues impacting our businesses including health care reform and immigration. It was a special honor to host the 100th roundtable of 2017,” says Ted Balestreri, past chair of the NRA and NRAEF Board and chairman and CEO of the Sardine Factory / Cannery Row Company.

Restaurant Roundtables started in 2015. The National Restaurant Association and our State Restaurant Association partners hosted 15 roundtables in our first year, 70 in 2016 and 100 in 2017 to date.