Last month, our Tagrisk Insurance Services team exhibited at the California Restaurant & Bar Show in Anaheim, California. This annual event brings together restaurant owners, bar operators, hospitality professionals, and industry partners for two days of innovation, networking, and problem-solving the ever-changing hospitality industry.

As an insurance agency specializing in restaurant insurance and bar insurance coverage, we always look forward to hearing directly from business owners about their challenges, goals, and the tools they need to protect their businesses.

Real Conversations with Restaurant and Bar Owners

One of the biggest takeaways from the show was hearing firsthand about the insurance challenges facing restaurant and bar owners in California today. Many of the business owners and managers we spoke with shared frustrations about:

• Rising insurance costs for restaurants and bars
  
• Reduced policy coverage from carriers
  
• Fewer carrier options available for the hospitality industry
  

These pain points are real—and they reinforce why our work at Tagrisk is so important. Our goal is to help business owners navigate these challenges with tailored coverage and strategies that protect what matters most.

Hospitality Innovations That Impact Risk Management

Beyond insurance, the show was packed with innovative products and services for the hospitality industry—everything from food products and point-of-sale systems to kitchen equipment, sound systems, and cleaning solutions.

Several of these innovations caught our attention from a risk management and insurance perspective:

• Menu technology that highlights foodborne allergens, reducing the risk of customer illness and claims.
  
• Security training tools that help owners and staff prevent incidents before they occur.
  
• New cleaning solutions and systems that improve safety and sanitation.
  
• Slip-resistant shoes designed specifically for restaurant and bar employees.
  

Each of these tools can help business owners not only improve operations but also reduce claims and keep insurance costs more manageable.

Expanding Connections Beyond Restaurants & Bars

We also connected with business owners outside of food and beverage, including companies that specialize in equipment manufacturing and repair for restaurants. These new relationships open the door to valuable partnerships and resources we can share with our clients.

Insights From Our Team

It wasn’t just me (Larry Anaya) who took away valuable lessons—our team members came back with their own unique perspectives:

Anton shared his perspective:

“My main takeaway from the show was seeing how you guys talk to owners and seek them out, and especially keep the conversation going to get the info you need.”

Cameron added a lighter, but memorable highlight from the event:

“I really enjoyed the whiskey tasting game—it makes you a mini sommelier, and you’re actually able to point out the different flavors that are present. Some of them were very nice.”

And, Alissa reflected on the variety and quality of the experience:

“The variety of vendors and product that go into running a restaurant. The food was incredible. How much owners put into the quality of taste with where they buy their product. I also was shocked to see so many podcasts and people involved with media to showcase the foodie world. I am glad to see our Podcast getting some great reaction.”

From in-depth business conversations to innovative vendor solutions and fun, hands-on experiences; the show was a reminder of just how diverse and engaging the restaurant and bar industry really is.

Why Events Like This Matter

For our team, attending the California Restaurant & Bar Show in Anaheim is about more than just networking. It’s about staying ahead of industry trends, understanding the real-world problems hospitality businesses face, and finding new ways to support our clients with restaurant insurance solutions and risk management strategies.

We left the show energized, informed, and more committed than ever to helping California’s restaurants and bars thrive—even in a challenging insurance market.

Tagrisk Insurance Services – Solutions to fit your bill!

If you’re a restaurant owner or bar operator in California struggling with rising insurance costs, reduced coverage, or fewer carrier options, the team at Tagrisk is here to help. We specialize in tailored restaurant and bar insurance coverage. We are backed by risk management strategies that protect your business and give you peace of mind.

👉 Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure the right coverage and keep your business protected.

Cheers, 

Larry Anaya