Connecticut Restaurant Association

Join us for our new webinar series: CRA Engage! Members can join these exclusive webinars, designed to address critical industry topics and equip you with the tools to help you overcome industry wide challenges. In this session, Attorney Ryan O'Donnell from Pullman & Comley, LLC will provide essential insights on tip credit, covering: ➡ Understanding Tip Credit ➡ Tip Credit and Specific Duties ➡ Tip Pooling ➡ Who Can Collect Tips? Plus a Q&A. FYI: Registration is required. This webinar is intended for restaurant members only. Your membership MUST be current (2024 dues paid) to attend. Limit one person per restaurant/restaurant group. Limited spaces available. This webinar not open to Allied Members. Register here: https://shorturl.at/ODld5

Restaurant technology is evolving fast, making customer interactions easier and more personalized with: 📱 Mobile apps 🖥️ Self-serve kiosks 🤖 AI tools Learn how these innovations streamline operations, create engaging, convenient experiences, and help restaurants boost loyalty and sales: https://bit.ly/3ZXjFWW

🎉 Coming Soon! 🎉 Connecticut’s most thrilling celebration of creativity, innovation, and storytelling in the restaurant and hospitality industry is around the corner – The CRAZIES. From game-changing dishes to supper with a story, the Connecticut Restaurant Association spotlights those who push the boundaries of what food is about and leave a lasting impact on those around them — us. Between now and that magical evening on December 9th, make sure to check out and support all of the nominees ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e2HuAp_V #Connecticut #MakeItHere #Hospitality #Foodie #Restaurant

🔥 Connecticut takes center stage in the latest season of Hell’s Kitchen! 🔥 We’re thrilled to see Jason Guyot and Foxwoods Resort Casino hosting Chef Gordon Ramsay and his crew of culinary talent, not to mention some of Connecticut’s finest chefs and restauranteurs featured in the season premiere of Hell’s Kitchen on FOX! 🎬 This season, Chef Ramsay and his contestants get a real taste of why Connecticut is the Foodie Capital of New England – with breathtaking views, world-class dining, and vibrant local flavors all on display. 🍽️🌟 From the fiery kitchen to our scenic landscapes, this show puts the spotlight on why Connecticut is the ultimate destination for food lovers and adventurers alike. 📺 Watch this season on FOX61/CW20 or Hulu! Read more about how Connecticut played a leading role in this exciting season here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ebKVDS6J Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism | Connecticut Office of Film, Television & Digital Media | Connecticut Restaurant Association | #Connecticut #MakeItHere

👨🍳 YES, CHEF We’re proud to celebrate Chef Jacques Pépin, a true culinary icon and Connecticut resident, who has been instrumental in shaping our state’s vibrant food and beverage industry. 🍴✨ Chef Pépin’s long-standing history, from his roots in France to his kitchen in Madison, Connecticut, has inspired generations of chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers to build their careers in our state. His passion for cuisine has laid the foundation for Connecticut’s quickly growing food and beverage industry, which now employs hundreds of thousands of people and drives economic growth by attracting travelers and residents alike. Connecticut has become the Foodie Capital of New England, thanks in part to culinary legends like Chef Pépin. His legacy not only enriches our local communities but also fuels a sense of pride for residents and visitors alike. His influence continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps, making Connecticut an even better place to live, work, and visit. Learn more about Chef Pépin's remarkable story and his contributions to our thriving food scene in this article ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eHzguX4H #Connecticut #MakeItHere #Chef #YesChef #Foodie #Food #Hospitality Scott Dolch | Connecticut Restaurant Association | Emily Mingrone | David Standridge

🚨 If you are a Hospitality/Travel brand in CT - this is for you! 🚨 The Connecticut Restaurant Association is working hard for us to raise awareness about the drop in the Tourism fund for CT this year. We are going from $12M to about $4.5M - all while the hospitality industry produced nearly $1BILLION in Sales and Use tax to the state in '23. Our Tourism budget should be at least $20M to even compare to states like Maine and Mass - and our businesses need that budget support now more than ever as our costs to operate have significantly increased. Watch Scott Dolch and me speaking on this topic with FOX61/CW20 this week. Let's all help spread the word about the importance of the state giving back to our industry. 🙌

Does My Voice Matter? It is a common misconception that only the large restaurant groups or corporate giants need to be part of their state restaurant association; however, small operators have a huge impact and can equally benefit from membership. In fact, 97% of restaurants in Connecticut are independently owned, the largest number in the country! (Source: National Restaurant Association, based on 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis and U.S. Census Bureau). Independent restaurants are a vital part of their communities and have unique perspectives on local issues. By being active in their state association, restaurant owners and operators can influence policies that affect their businesses. Read more here via Beverage Publications, Inc. (CT & RI Beverage Journals) https://lnkd.in/gmzcWSxe

This past Thursday we hosted our 4th installment of the Shaping CT's Future event series. We had over 400 people attend to examine and brainstorm how we as leaders and residents of the great state of Connecticut can continue to share the messages of all that CT offers and affords those who live, work, and play in the state. Its success was rooted in partnership, collaboration, and a shared sense of what's possible as we look to 2025. We acknowledged the challenges but we didn't 'put problems on a pedestal' and we'll be sharing more details about outcomes in the coming days and weeks. Thanks to Bryn Tindall for continuing to push boundaries and drive Rebellion, and Shaping CT's Future forward. Thanks to Anthony M. Anthony for his support throughout as he helped co-author the event. Thank you to FOX61/CW20 Jim Altman for once again acting as host and master of ceremonies. And thanks to all the showcase companies, speakers, and session leaders who gave their time and expertise to come together to help surface all that is truly great about Connecticut. Our next event is Thursday November 14th and we'll be covering "Innovation & Energy" and you can register here to take part in helping to shape CT's future. https://zurl.co/tO26 Sean Kimball Daniel O'Keefe Tim Restall Casey R. Pickett Jennie Ripps Paul Mounds, Jr Christopher Davis CBIA Joe Budd Isaac Mavis Scott Dolch Emily Mingrone Connecticut Restaurant Association Hartford Yard Goats Baseball David Griggs, CEcD, CCE MetroHartford Alliance Matthew Nemerson Chris DiPentima Josh Geballe John Bourdeaux @Jeff Hamilton of Mohegan Beth Simonds of Stonington Frams Shellfish and Coach Tom Moore of University of Connecticut Basketball #Connecticut #MakeitHere #ShapingCTsFuture

Let’s kick this thing off! The CRAZIES Kickoff is TOMORROW! We can’t wait to announce and celebrate this year’s finalists! Join us and cheer on the industry talent being recognized at this year’s awards. Register for this FREE event here: https://lnkd.in/gmtVwESq Thank you to our Kickoff Sponsor, US Foods ! Can’t make it? We’ll be going live on the CRAZIES Facebook and Instagram around 6pm tomorrow.

September is #NationalFoodSafetyMonth, and our food safety experts are providing resources all month long to help restaurant operators prevent foodborne illnesses. Practicing safe food handling and cleanliness is key to help prevent common pathogens like Norovirus and Salmonella. Tap here to learn more about how to help keep guests and staff safe from these risks: https://bit.ly/3B3aTw3 #NFSM24