The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a dynamic gathering of restaurant professionals at the City of Temecula Conference Center. Sponsored by Stonehouse Insurance and Corner Bakery Café, the meeting brought together 45 attendees for an informative session focused on strategies, trends, and resources to support the local food and beverage industry.

The meeting featured a keynote presentation by Jim Toth, Owner of Chick-Fil-A Temecula, followed by a distinguished panel of industry and business experts:

• Paul Nolta, Director, Inland Empire SBDC
• Esther Phahla, CPA, CTS, MST, President/CEO, Esther N. Phahla, CPA, A Professional Corporation
• Robert Rosenstein, Founder and Managing Shareholder, The Law Offices of Rosenstein & Associates
• Jason Tang, Development Manager, Riverside County Workforce Development   
• Jay Allis, Patrick Flaherty, and Robert Kirkpatrick (SBDC Business Consultants)

Resource exhibitors were on hand to provide guidance and tools for business success.

• Aquamor
• Chick-Fil-A Temecula
• City of Temecula Economic Development Department
• CR & R Environmental Services
• Esther N. Phahla, CPA, A Professional Corporation
• Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• The Law Offices of Rosenstein & Associates
• Riverside County Workforce Development
• Southern California Gas Company
• Stonehouse Insurance
• Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange (TVE2)

Meeting Highlights

The session opened with a welcome and agenda overview, emphasizing industry trends, marketing, labor challenges, business compliance, and actionable strategies for local operators. Presenters offered insights at the national, state, regional, and city levels, including:

• National & State Trends: The pandemic reshaped the dining landscape, favoring drive-thru and outdoor dining. Industry sales have rebounded, but rising labor, food, and supply costs continue to pressure operators. California’s minimum wage adjustments and regulatory environment pose additional challenges.
• Regional Context: Temecula benefits from tourism and affluent demographics, but operators face labor shortages, increased costs, and evolving customer expectations. Operators were encouraged to leverage group purchasing and community partnerships to optimize operations.
• Marketing & Consumer Behavior: Social media presence across multiple platforms, loyalty programs, and menu customization were emphasized as key strategies. Panelists noted that user-generated content, clear analytics, and community integration can differentiate local establishments.
• Labor & Compliance: Attendees discussed competitive wage strategies, retention through PTO and career pathways, automation for scheduling, and the importance of updated handbooks and legal compliance to reduce litigation risks.
• Resource Utilization: SBDC, Workforce Development programs, and the Chamber provide ongoing support for marketing, human resources, payroll compliance, tax planning, and operational efficiency. Panelists highlighted available wage reimbursement programs and free training resources.

Actionable Takeaways for Operators

Attendees left with practical strategies for strengthening their businesses:

• Audit and optimize wage and retention programs.
• Review and update compliance protocols, including employee handbooks and mandatory certifications.
• Leverage social media and loyalty programs to drive engagement and sales.
• Explore collective purchasing opportunities for insurance, utilities, and supplies.
• Engage with local peers through Chamber-facilitated forums for resource sharing and problem-solving.

Looking Ahead

The Chamber plans to host future Restaurant Collective sessions, focusing on peer-driven problem-solving, resource-sharing mechanisms, and vendor referrals. A directory of trusted vendors and continued access to panel experts will help operators address challenges and seize opportunities within Temecula’s growing food and beverage market.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A panel and networking opportunities, reinforcing the value of collaboration and shared knowledge within the local restaurant community.

For restaurant owners and operators in Temecula, the Restaurant Collective provides a vital platform to connect, learn, and access resources that drive business success.