Fresno, CA – 09/20/2024 - California Restaurant Mutual Benefit Corporation (CRMBC) is pleased to announce that Miguel’s Jr. Restaurants, a long-standing family-owned enterprise in Southern California, has joined its self-insured group (SIG). This strategic move reflects Miguel’s Jr.'s commitment to aligning its values with a more personalized and collaborative worker compensation management approach.

Miguel’s Jr., a staple in the Inland Empire and Orange County for 50 years, operates 22 quick-service and one full-service location. The decision to join CRMBC marks a significant shift in their approach to managing workers’ compensation, which aligns with a broader industry trend among restaurant operators seeking more control, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in managing their workforce.

Javier Vasquez, Chief Executive  Officer of Miguel’s Restaurants, shared insights into the decision, highlighting the limitations of traditional insurance models. “In the traditional model, the relationship with insurance carriers often feels transactional. There’s a lack of alignment, and the process can be impersonal, which doesn’t always serve the best interests of our team members or our business,” said Vasquez.

“By joining CRMBC, we’re gaining access to a network of like-minded peers and taking an active role in managing claims and ensuring that our values are reflected in the process. With CRMBC’s advanced claims management system and personalized support, we’re confident that our employees will receive faster, more effective care and attention when needed most.”

Miguel’s Jr. Restaurants has always prioritized its stakeholders—including guests, team members, vendors, and the community—in its business decisions. The company’s decision to join CRMBC aligns with its ongoing mission to protect its employees while maintaining financial stability and operational excellence.

Kaya Stanley, CEO of CRMBC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Miguel’s Jr. embodies the core values that CRMBC stands for: commitment to quality, community, and collaboration. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to supporting their goals through our tailored workers' compensation strategies, which have been proven to reduce costs and enhance employee satisfaction in other leading restaurant groups.”

Javier Vasquez also emphasized the benefits of CRMBC’s approach, particularly in claims management and fraud prevention. “With CRMBC, we’re involved in every step of the claims process, which allows us to protect our employees better and manage costs more effectively. It’s a significant departure from the hands-off approach we’ve experienced with traditional carriers.”

The collaboration with CRMBC is expected to bring cost savings to Miguel's Jr. and foster a stronger alignment with its operational goals. The ability to share experiences and best practices with other restaurant owners within the group adds another layer of value, reinforcing the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and community involvement.