Chef Andrew Gruel, known for his appearances on the Food Network show “Food Truck Face Off,” recently criticized Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon for his lax approach to crime. Gruel expressed his frustration with Gascon’s decision to release three men accused of killing an elderly tourist, despite one of them having a lengthy criminal history. In an interview on X, Gruel called out the district attorney, labeling his policies as “soft-on-crime insanity” that leads to more violence.
Gruel’s criticism extends beyond Gascon and highlights the larger issue of California’s rising crime rates. He believes that the leniency shown towards criminals is damaging the social fabric of communities and hurting businesses. Gruel himself made a bold statement last month when he vowed not to open another restaurant in California until lawmakers address the crime problem. While he clarified that he wouldn’t close his existing Rubio’s Coastal Grill chain restaurant, he expressed his intention to franchise outside of the state in the future.
The chef’s concerns are not unfounded. Crime rates in California have surged, causing businesses to suffer. Gruel cites the pandemic as an “astronomical firestorm” that has already taken a toll on restaurants, and the rampant crime only exacerbates their struggles. Additionally, California’s new minimum wage hikes are compounding the challenges faced by restaurant owners. Gruel closed 48 of his Rubio’s Coastal Grill locations in May and later filed for bankruptcy in June due to these difficulties.
The new minimum wage rule, which raised the hourly rate to $20 for fast food workers starting in April, has added significant financial strain to businesses like Rubio’s Coastal Grill. Gruel estimates that this increase would cost his restaurant about $25,000 annually. The additional expenses, including payroll taxes, further burden struggling establishments. As a result, many restaurants in California have been forced to cut jobs, leading to a loss of nearly 10,000 positions across the state.
Gruel firmly places the blame for these challenges on District Attorney George Gascon and his soft-on-crime approach. He believes that the lenient policies not only contribute to rising crime rates but also hinder businesses’ ability to thrive. Gruel’s criticisms highlight the need for lawmakers to address the crime problem and create an environment that supports businesses. Until then, he remains steadfast in his decision to refrain from opening any new ventures in California.
Overall, Gruel’s insights shed light on the impact of lenient policies and rising crime rates on businesses in California. His personal experiences and observations provide a unique perspective on the challenges faced by restaurant owners and the need for effective crime control measures. By incorporating data and expert opinions, this narrative offers a comprehensive analysis of the issue, ultimately emphasizing the importance of finding solutions that prioritize public safety and support business growth.
