About Us

The California Alliance of Family Owned Businesses (CAFOB) was formed in direct response to the FAST Act. Faced with sweeping regulatory changes that directly affected their businesses, McDonald’s franchise owners recognized that remaining on the sidelines was no longer an option. They came together to share their stories, advocate for their interests, and engage more directly in the political process shaping the future of the quick-service restaurant industry.

Through coordinated advocacy, strong member engagement, and strategic participation in the political arena, CAFOB demonstrated that when franchise owners organize, they can have a meaningful impact. Their efforts helped elevate the visibility of family-owned franchise businesses and challenged the narrative that local operators are simply extensions of large national corporations. Instead, they highlighted the reality that franchise owners are small and medium-sized business operators, deeply invested in their employees, communities, and local economies.

A Better California builds on this important foundation. While CAFOB successfully mobilized McDonald’s franchisees, the policy challenges facing the industry extend far beyond a single brand. Legislative and regulatory proposals affecting wages, workplace mandates, and sector-specific regulations impact franchise owners across the entire quick-service restaurant sector.

By expanding the coalition to include franchise owners from all QSR brands, A Better California seeks to unite operators under a common banner. Working together, franchise owners can amplify their collective voice, strengthen their ability to engage in the political process, and ensure that policymakers better understand the role family-owned franchise businesses play in California’s economy and communities.