U.S. Rep. Steve Knight

U.S. Rep. Steve Knight sat down with local members of the restaurant industry Thursday to discuss the effects of federal legislation and regulations on their businesses.

Representatives from food service businesses around the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Simi Valleys gathered at the Outback Steakhouse in Palmdale to share their success stories and concerns with the Congressman. The group was diverse, ranging from owners of local spots like Crazy Otto’s, Lemon Leaf, and Salt Creek Grille to franchisees of major chains like McDonalds and Firehouse Subs. But one common thread ran through all of their input: federal uncertainty and overreach is destructive.

“Our restaurants play an important role in our community,” said Knight, R-Palmdale. “Hearing what they need from Congress in order to thrive is invaluable in shaping policy.”

Knight kicked off the round table with a short speech about the value that restaurants bring to the local culture and commerce, then gave the guests about an hour to share their thoughts. A wide variety of issues were brought up, most notably overtime regulations, the Affordable Care Act, and looming National Labor Relations Board rules that would demote thousands of franchise owners to assistant managers. Rep. Knight assured the group that he would use their input to help him shape policies that would help them and other small businesses .

“The regulatory burdens that restaurants face are similar to those that plague the small business community as a whole,” said Knight. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to fix these problems.”

Knight represents the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Simi valleys in the U.S. House of Representatives.