Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

"In our industries, waiting for permits and approvals is a major barrier to development to operators of all sizes, and particularly to small business operators. The Youngkin Administration’s work to make the bureaucratic state more efficient for both individuals and businesses has helped those processes move more smoothly and responsively." VRLTA applauds the declaration of Executive Order 39 by Governor Glenn Youngkin!

We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on some of our new restaurant Legacy Members, and we're kicking things off with an RVA icon - Joe's Inn! Joe's opened in 1952, and has been a Richmond staple for first dates, hearty brunch, and great times ever since. https://bit.ly/3NyHUU5

Incredible work being done by our friends over at Hilton!

This week, we managed to catch up with some important Ordinary Award winners who were unable to attend last month's dinner! Delegate Lee Ware's partnership and work on our 2024 short-term rental legislation was invaluable as VRLTA continues to advocate for a more level playing field in the lodging industry. We were honored to present him with our Legislator of the Year Award. Marcel Desaulniers was an American chef who was part-owner of the Trellis Restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia, an accomplished cookbook author, director Emeritus of the Culinary Institute of America, and self-described "Guru of Ganache." Although he passed away earlier this year, his legacy and influence on Virginia's restaurant industry continues to resonate. His wife, Connie Desaulniers, was gracious to accept the award on his behalf.

BREAKING: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol will open its approximately $515 million permanent facility on Nov. 14, with country music star Blake Shelton making an appearance at the ceremony.

Last week, we had the honor of recognizing four outstanding industry leaders with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)’s 2024 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards for their work to create community, build equity and advancement, and invest in the next generation of restaurant and foodservice talent. We presented these awards during the NRAEF’s fall board meeting, where winners joined me for a panel discussion covering their viewpoints on leadership and efforts to advance the next generation of industry leaders. While the stories of Jerome Dees Jr., Gary LeBlanc, Warren Thompson, and Dr. Tim Ryan are each unique, they demonstrate the power of our industry to lift people up and empower them to grow. My congratulations to each of them. Learn more about their stories here: https://bit.ly/4gJwzhh

Congratulations to our friends Leslie and Paul from 1033Consulting for appearing in Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs Magazine! Read More: https://bit.ly/3zO0ynJ

We're thrilled to announce that TWO Virginia hospitality professionals have been recognized at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)'s Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards 🎉 Gary Leblanc of Mercy Chefs was presented with the Community Champion Leadership Award, Presented by American Express, and Warren Thompson of Thompson Hospitality took home the Inclusion Innovator Award, Presented by PepsiCo. Congratulations to our two winners, and all of the deserving award recipients!

The remnants of Hurricane Helene pummeled western North Carolina bringing historic flooding to unprepared mountain towns. People are trapped in their homes without power, cell service, food, and water as they wait for floodwaters to subside and for help to arrive. Mercy Chefs has deployed to Western North Carolina to feed hot, chef-prepared meals to a community that is experiencing the most significant disaster to have ever hit their city. These people need help now more than ever. Mercy Chefs is continuing feeding operations along the Florida Gulf Coast as a second team heads for Asheville. Your support is crucial as we go forward and feed body and soul. Visit https://lnkd.in/e8RW5aCx for more information on how you can support our Helene relief efforts. #HurricaneHelene #AshevilleNC #NorthCarolina

Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend and the Southeast on the night of September 26 as a powerful Category 4 storm with 140 MPH winds. The storm left millions without power, claimed over 40 lives, and prompted rescue teams to race to save those trapped by record-breaking floodwaters. Mercy Chefs is on the ground, providing hot, chef-prepared meals to the hardest-hit communities. Before the storm, we served first responders and troops stationed in Bay County, FL, and have now set up our base of relief operations in Newberry, FL. To learn how you can support our efforts to feed Hurricane Helene victims, visit: https://lnkd.in/eRgGxGB8 #HurricaneHelene