GRA Weekly

August 17, 2023

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner OrionStar USA

DEI'S ROLE IN IMPROVING LABOR SHORTAGE

DEI's role in improving hospitality's labor shortage

Industry leaders came together during the Hotel Data Conference's "Shaping the Workforce for Today and Tomorrow" panel to discuss pressing challenges and possible solutions, like scaling diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the framework of the industry. "Our C-suites and our line-level managers need to be pouring into people no matter what they look like, talk like, whatever, because that's the only way we're gonna win together," said Remington Hospitality President Chris Green. Read more.

GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE

Atlanta Committees Approve Beltline Zoning Changes

This week, the Atlanta City Council Committees on Zoning and Community Development approved three ordinances that would make substantial changes to certain zoning requirements within the Beltline Overlay District. Citing concerns about the relationship between vehicular traffic and pedestrian accidents in Atlanta, the ordinances would no longer require parking minimums and prohibit the addition of new drive-in facilities and service stations within the Beltline Overlay District. This legislation now heads to the Atlanta City Council on Monday, August 21st to be heard and voted on by the full council.

FEDERAL UPDATES

Child Labor Resources

Last week, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage & Hour Division provided updated online resources for young workers, employers, and educators on federal Child Labor regulations.

If you employ children under the age of 18 in your restaurant or work as a culinary educator, ensure that you are compliance with federal regulations by reviewing the linked pages below:

Certain workplace activities that are deemed high risk are prohibited for young workers, including:

Working longer or later than legally allowed
Driving a motor vehicle or forklift
Using meat-processing machines and vertical dough or batter mixers

For a full list of prohibited jobs for young workers, click here.

The resources above are conveniently located at garestaurants.org on the Workforce Development page. To ensure that your business practices comply with DOL Youth Rules, take the Employer Self-Assessment or contact the Atlanta office directly:

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

Atlanta District Office

61 Forsyth Street SW, RM 7M10, Atlanta, GA 30303 | P: (678) 237-0521

IRS + US Dept. of Treasury | New requirement for most businesses beginning January 1, 2024

Beginning on January 1, 2024, many corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities created or registered to do business in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners—the persons who ultimately own or control the company—to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

FinCEN.gov/BOI provides guidance to help the small business community understand these requirements and includes:

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Infographics about Key Filing Dates and Key Questions
An Introductory Video and more detailed Informational Video

Contact FinCEN for more information and answers to any questions.

Relevant links:

Federal Register publication (9/30/2022)

QSR EVOLUTION CONFERENCE + NEXTGEN RESTAURANT SUMMIT

QSR Evolution Conference + NextGen Restaurant Summit

The QSR Evolution Conference and the NextGen Restaurant Summit will explore emerging full-service and quick-service restaurant brands and address the needs of these restaurant operators.

Immerse yourself in the QSR and FSR world and find a carefully curated agenda filled with engaging sessions, insightful panels, and inspiring keynotes.

Keynote speakers are:

Andrew Cathy, CEO, Chick-fil-A
Christian Charnaux, Chief Growth Officer, Inspire Brands
Trevor Haynes, President - North America, Subway
Chris Tomasso, CEO, First Watch

GRA Restaurant Members will receive 10% off of their registration using the code: GRA10.

September 6-7 | Atlanta

RESTAURANT LEGAL SUMMIT

7th Annual Restaurant Legal Summit

Early Bird Registration Now Open! October 25-27, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for our 7th Annual Restaurant Legal Summit and be a part of the restaurant industry's premier conference for chief legal officers, attorneys, and human resource professionals! In addition to connecting with senior representatives from some of the industry's most successful brands, summit attendees will learn about current trends and best practices from legal experts at some of the nation's top law firms.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Introducing the Restaurant Ready Program: Join Us as a Volunteer!

The Restaurant Ready program is dedicated to equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the restaurant and foodservice industry. To achieve this mission, we are reaching out to GRA members who share our passion for giving back to the community and shaping future talents. If you're interested in making a positive impact and supporting this initiative, we invite you to volunteer with us!

We have various opportunities available for volunteers, catering to different levels of commitment and involvement. You can participate as a guest speaker during our informative lunch and learn sessions, share your industry expertise and insights. Alternatively, consider volunteering your time to conduct mock interviews for current Restaurant Ready program members, helping them hone their interviewing skills and boost their confidence. Another option is to lead a skills training session, where you can impart valuable knowledge and expertise to aspiring professionals.

In May, we announced our partnership with Clubhouse Atlanta. Their first program session is set to kick off at the end of August, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for enthusiastic individuals seeking a career in the foodservice industry.

If you want to make a difference and partner with the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation and the Restaurant Ready program, please contact Katie Ashley. Together, we can create a brighter future for aspiring talents and contribute to the growth and success of the restaurant and foodservice industry!