Sonoma CEO Appointed To CA's New Fast Food Council

SONOMA, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom has unveiled the final roster for California's new, nine-member fast food council as the Golden State prepares to implement a $20 minimum wage for most fast food workers next month.

Newsom signed AB 1228 into law in September, which will take effect on April 1 and see an estimated 500,000 fast-food workers paid one of the nation's highest minimum wages. The bill includes a controversial carve-out for bakeries, raising questions over Newsom's ties to a campaign donor who operates two dozen Panera restaurants. Last week, the governor's office said the exemption did not appear to apply to Panera.

The minimum wage agreement put a cap on a two-year battle between labor groups and fast-food giants and established a framework for a new council to oversee standards, worker safety initiatives, and future wage increases.

According to Restaurant Hospitality, the appointed, nine-person council is comprised of two members from the fast-food industry, two franchisees or restaurant owners, two employee representatives, two worker advocates, and one member unaffiliated with labor or restaurant groups.

The governor's office named the council's members Friday, counting among its ranks SG Ellison of Sonoma. Ellison, who is registered without a party preference, has been the CEO of Diversified Restaurant Company since 2019 and CEO of First Street Development since 2013. According to Newsom's office, Ellison will receive $100 per diem in compensation.

The council will hold its first meeting on March 15.