Veteran Hospitality Executive to Lead Foundation Board Through August 31, 2026
Sacramento, CA (RestaurantNews.com) The California Restaurant Foundation (CRF), a nonprofit that invests in and empowers California’s restaurant community and workforce, has elected Fred Glick as its new Chair of the Board of Directors. A dedicated member of the California Restaurant Foundation and the California Restaurant Association (CRA), Glick has been a steadfast advocate for workforce development, employee relief, industry education and community engagement for more than two decades. His term as Chair began in September and will continue through August 31, 2026. Glick also serves as Chair of the California Restaurant Association State Board, marking the first time one individual has held both leadership positions concurrently – a testament to his deep commitment to California’s restaurant community.
With more than 35 years of experience leading renowned restaurant and brewery brands nationwide, Glick currently serves as Brewpub Chieftain (Vice President of Brewpubs) at Karl Strauss Brewing Company, where he oversees the brand’s acclaimed Southern California brewpubs. His leadership focuses on elevating guest experience, strengthening team culture and pairing award-winning beers with an innovative approach to modern pub dining.
“It’s an incredible honor to serve as Chair of the California Restaurant Foundation Board of Directors, and as our industry continues to evolve, CRF’s work to empower, educate and uplift restaurant workers, students and future leaders has never been more important,” said Fred Glick, Chair of CRF and Brewpub Chieftain at Karl Strauss Brewing Company. “I am proud to advance the foundation’s mission and champion the people and communities who are the heart of California’s vibrant restaurant industry.”
Throughout his career, Glick has helped shape the hospitality landscape across the U.S. from growing a Hooters franchise from one location to 17 across five states, to leading the expansion of Phil’s BBQ into a nationally-recognized brand and overseeing strategic growth for multiple restaurant concepts as President of Amergent Hospitality Group and President of Operations for OMG Hospitality Group.
“We are honored to welcome Fred as our new Chair as his passion for empowering the people behind the plate truly reflects the heart of our mission,” said Alycia Harshfield, President of the California Restaurant Foundation. “His proven operational leadership, deep commitment to service and decades of dedication to California’s restaurant community make him an exceptional leader to guide CRF into its next chapter.”
Outside of his work with CRF and Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Glick resides in Oceanside, California, where he is deeply rooted in faith, family and community. He and his wife, Felicia, are proud parents to sons Tyler and Aaron, daughter-in-law Kassidy and granddaughter Eleanor. Beyond his professional commitments, Glick serves as Vice Chair and drummer at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oceanside and actively supports charitable organizations throughout San Diego County.
For more information about the California Restaurant Foundation and its initiatives, please visit CalRestFoundation.org.
About the California Restaurant Foundation (CRF)
The California Restaurant Foundation (CRF) is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering California’s restaurant community. Since 1981, CRF has provided critical support to restaurant workers facing hardship, delivered job and life skills training to 14,500 high school students and awarded scholarships to future hospitality leaders. By investing in people, CRF ensures that California’s restaurant industry continues to thrive while fostering opportunity, resilience and growth. For more information, visit CalRestFoundation.org.
About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer movement in San Diego and beyond. With a network of award-winning brewpubs across Southern California and a nationally recognized with innovative and award-winning releases, Karl Strauss remains committed to innovation, community, and excellent beer paired with equally outstanding food and hospitality. Learn more at KarlStrauss.com.
Media Contact:
Kelly Itatani
Powerhouse+Co.
kelly@powerhouseandco.com