GRA Weekly

February 1, 2024

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, Society Insurance

2024 TASTE OF GEORGIA

15th Annual Taste Of Georgia Legislative Reception

We are excited to announce the 15th Annual Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception on Wednesday, February 21, 2024! This annual event is an opportunity for GRA members to showcase their food to elected officials and for our legislators to network with our state’s second largest employer. The honorees of the 2024 Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program will also be recognized.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

5:00PM - 7:00PM

Georgia Freight Depot

65 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr

Atlanta, GA 30312

Attendance is complimentary for lobbyists, dignitaries, legislators, and staff, however registration is required. Discounted registration is available for GRA Restaurant Members.

GRA IN THE NEWS

GRA President + CEO Stephanie Fischer on the State of Georgia Restaurants

Earlier this week, President + CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) Stephanie Fischer talked with Metro Atlanta CEO about serving as the voice of Georgia's restaurants and their impact on the state. Watch the full video.

GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE

Legislation Introduced Requiring Menu Labeling for Meat Alternatives

On Wednesday, GRA VP of Government Affairs Scott Bierman testified in a hearing on House Bill 908 in the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. HB 908 introduced by Rep. Jordan Ridley (R-Woodstock) would require restaurants to label items containing lab grown meat and plant-based meat alternatives on their menus. The GRA will continue to track the progress of this bill as it moves through committee.

Bill to Establish High-Demand Career List

A bill introduced by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville) looks to streamline a list of high-demand careers used by various state agencies. House Bill 982 would require the State Development Workforce Board to annually publish a high-demand career list identifying those careers most critical to the state's current and future workforce needs. The GRA supports this measure to consolidate the various lists put out by state departments to assist in the implementation of workforce development and education programs.

GRA Mourns the Loss of State Representative Richard Smith

On Tuesday morning, the House Speaker’s office announced the passing of State Representative Richard Smith of Columbus. As House Rules Chairman, Representative Smith was one of the most influential members of the Georgia House of Representatives and a cornerstone to both his community and friends at the Capitol. In remarks made to the House of Representatives, Governor Brian Kemp stated, “He has been my friend and my colleague for 20 years, and as the speaker said when he was your friend, you knew it,” Kemp said. “There were times when he was standing with me when others were not, but that didn’t bother him. He just did what he thought was right.” The GRA mourns the loss of Chairman Smith, and will forever remember his legacy of integrity, kindness, and a champion for all Georgians.

Save on Electric Rates

The Georgia Restaurant Association fought hard for restaurants to have access to a rate that was previously only available to large, multi-unit chains. If you are a restaurant that uses Georgia Power, identifies as 722 in NAICS, and meet the actual peak demand requirement of not less than 30 kW, then you should reach out and ask about switching to the TOU-FD. We have heard testimonies from independent restaurants from across the state reporting an average savings of 10%-15% on their power bill.

You may contact Georgia Power’s Business Solutions Center directly at 1-888-655-5888. If you have any questions, you can contact us and we are happy to assist to the best of our ability or connect you with a trusted partner.

GRA Presents to House Small Business Committee

Last week, the House Committee on Small Business Development heard testimony from the GRA regarding the challenges associated with running a restaurant and small business. GRA President + CEO Stephanie Fischer, Alexis Kinsey (Fork U Concepts), and Bill Goudey (Copelands’s of New Orleans) spoke to their experiences within the industry and touched on issues such as premises liability, credit card processing fees, local permitting, and the cost of doing business. Also presenting were Rep. Kasey Carpenter (R-Dalton) and Rep. Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville) - both of whom own small businesses within the restaurant industry.

Pictured: Rep. Mike Cheokas (R-Americus), Stephanie Fischer, Alexis Kinsey, Bill Goudey

GRA FOUNDATION UPDATE

2024 Georgia ProStart Invitational

The countdown begins - mark your calendars for the 2024 Georgia ProStart State Invitational on February 29 at Gas South Convention Center, where Culinary and Management teams from high schools around the state compete for a title and chance to enter the National ProStart State Invitational on April 26-28, 2024 in Baltimore, MD. To attend, sponsor, or volunteer, contact Katie Ashley. To stay up to date with the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation (GRAF) and ProStart, follow us on Instagram.

Volunteers Needed: Help Our Industry Grow

The Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation (GRAF) is currently recruiting GRA members to mentor ProStart Students at the 2024 Georgia ProStart Invitational - which will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 8:00AM - 4:00PM at Gas South Convention Center. The GRAF is seeking GRA members with experience in the Hospitality industry and a passion for service to volunteer. Read the full flyer here.

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM THE CHILL

Winterizing Restaurants and Bars: A Guide to Protecting Your Business from the Chill

As winter sets in, the hospitality industry faces unique challenges in safeguarding establishments from harsh weather conditions. From slippery sidewalks to the risk of burst pipes, restaurants and bars need to take proactive measures to help protect their businesses and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for patrons. Keep reading for helpful strategies to weatherize your establishment.

FEDERAL UPDATE

House Passes Key Tax Bill - Onto the Senate

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan tax legislation which will help restaurants afford new investments, renovations, and equipment purchases. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R. 7024) was approved by a margin, 357 to 70, that demonstrated robust support in both political parties. The restaurant industry strongly supports provisions to lift the limit on business interest expenses (2022-2025) and expand 100% bonus depreciation (2023-2025). Read the letter the National Restaurant Association (NRA) sent to congressional leaders last week in support of the tax bill.

IRS | Restaurants impacted by Hurricane Idalia have until February 15 to file 2022 business returns

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding Georgia business owners who were impacted by 2023's Hurricane Idalia to file their 2022 tax returns by February 15, 2024.

Georgia counties included in this disaster relief extension are: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Emanuel, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Lanier, Lowndes, Montgomery, Pierce, Screven, Tattnall, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, and Wayne.

For more information:

Press Release (IR-2024-29, Jan. 31, 2024)
Press Release (GA-2023-02, Oct. 14, 2023)

OSHA | 300A Summary submission opened February 1

Employers who are required to submit OSHA’s annual workplace-related injury and illness Form 300A Summary for 2023 may do so beginning February 1, 2024. The summary is part of mandatory record-keeping requirements and must be posted in a prominent place between February 1 - April 30.

FTC | Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees

On December 20, the FTC extended the public comment period by 30 days for its proposed rule that would force restaurant operators to eliminate service fees and surcharges. This follows the Association’s request for an extension. Operators now have until February 7 to comment on the proposed rule by customizing and submitting the template letter here. Watch a recording of the Association’s recent explainer webinar here or check out a fact sheet on the proposed rule.

IRS | ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program Launched

Businesses who received Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim funding in error may now repay these funds through the IRS’s new Voluntary Disclosure Program. Deadline to apply is March 22, 2024. Employers who also wish to explore withdrawing a previously submitted ERC claim due to questions of accuracy/possible fraud now have the ability to do. Employers should carefully review the withdrawal process instructions as well as the Employee Retention Credit Eligibility Checklist to determine eligibility.

SERVSAFE UPDATE

Regional Alcohol Regulations: A Legal Patchwork

Restaurants who have their liquor license revoked often face crippling financial fallout—or even worse—potential closure. The best way for your restaurant to avoid turmoil is to ensure that both management and staff have a clear understanding of the alcohol laws in your state and local jurisdiction. Not only will this help you avoid a bad situation but will also allow your business to reap the rewards of safely serving alcohol.

In addition to federally mandated alcohol laws, alcohol regulations vary by state, county, and occasionally, by city. Staying up to date on your municipality’s alcohol regulations not only protects your business from costly legal issues—it helps foster a safe and responsible workplace.

#86THESTIGMA

Giving Kitchen, Georgia Restaurant Association and DBHDD Launch #86TheStigma Campaign

In an exciting new initiative, Giving Kitchen, the Georgia Restaurant Association, and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) are proud to introduce the #86TheStigma campaign. This partnership is a concerted effort to bolster awareness and utilization of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, especially among individuals in the food service industry, a demographic increasingly confronted with behavioral health challenges.

In Georgia, the Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that from 2017 to 2021, individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations accounted for at least 224 suicides. And an August 2023 CDC report highlighted the elevated risk faced by those in food service roles, with a rate of drug overdose deaths alarmingly high at about 130 per 100,000 workers.

Addressing the necessity of this campaign, Bryan Schroeder, executive director of Giving Kitchen, stated, "The #86TheStigma campaign exemplifies the unity of our communities. In partnership with dedicated organizations and Georgia’s incredible restaurant community, we aim to shine a light on the often overlooked yet critical aspect of mental health, empowering individuals to seek support without hesitation or fear."

Thanks to our partners at Lexicon Strategies for working with these partners to create pathways for health and help!

If you would like to get involved or would like more information, contact Sarah Thorson, VP, Development.

2024 PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

2024 Public Affairs Conference

What: Register here for the industry’s largest grassroots advocacy event, the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference, by March 1 for early bird pricing.

When: April 15–17, 2024

Where: Washington, D.C.

Why: Conference attendees will hear from top political speakers, celebrate the industry at networking events, and meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to make a difference on key policy issues impacting the restaurant industry.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Mompreneur Business Grant Opportunity

The Kitty Fund will award a total of $25,000 to 25 small business owners who identify as mothers in 2024. Eligible businesses must be based in the U.S., have annual revenues under $5M, and employ between 2 to 50 people. While applications don’t open until March 2024, those interested can pre-register today.

Calling all Female Entrepreneurs

The Papaya Grant offers $10,000 to support the long-term success of a female-owned small business. U.S.-based female entrepreneurs focusing on their entrepreneurial challenges, brand missions, and grant utilization intentions can apply by March 31.

PREPARING FOR WINTER CONDITIONS

Preparing for Winter Conditions

As temperatures continue to drop, now is the time for restaurants to prepare! Emergencies can happen with extreme weather conditions like sudden temperature drops, snow, and ice - all of which can cause power outages. Some tips to get winter ready:

Letting cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes, even at a trickle, can help prevent pipes from freezing and potentially flooding.
Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.
Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0° F, and the refrigerator is at or below 41° F.
In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe.
Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water.
Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
Group food together in the freezer. This helps the food stay cold longer.
Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours.
Purchase or make ice cubes in advance, and freeze gel packs ahead of time. Store all of these in the freezer for future use in the refrigerator or in coolers.
Check out local sources to know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased, in case it should be needed.
Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding.
Make sure to have a supply of bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding. If your bottled water has an odor, do not drink or use it. Instead, dispose of it, or if applicable, call your bottled water provider to make arrangements to get a replacement.
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing
Food and Water Safety During Power Outages (FDA)
Winter Weather Preparedness (GEMA)