GRA Weekly

May 9, 2024

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, The Coca-Cola Company.

GRA ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT RECAP

GRA Annual Golf Tournament Recap

On Tuesday, golfers, sponsors, and volunteers came together at Atlanta National Golf Club in Milton, GA for an incredible day of golf in support of the GRA. Participating golfers enjoyed exciting raffle prizes, a delicious variety of food served by restaurants on the course, beverages provided by industry partners, and interactive contests along the course.


A huge THANK YOU to our long-standing sponsors and restaurant partners for helping make this event happen: The Coca-Cola Company, Gas South, Society Insurance, Sysco, US Foods, Ecolab, Bennett Thrasher, Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group & Bold Monk Brewing Co., GoTo Foods, HM Plumbing, Moore Colson CPA & Advisors, NCR Voyix, Ted's Montana Grill, IRONWOOD, Taqueria Tsunami, NetTax, Chick-fil-A, Copeland's of New Orleans, Corporate Sports Unlimited, Loyal Q and Brew, Melissa Libby & Associates (MLA), Savannah Distributing, and Tito's Vodka


And a warm welcome and THANK YOU to our newest sponsors this year, we look forward to this being the first of many events with us – The Georgia Hemp Company, Rinnai, DoorDash, The Design Manufacturing Group, United Exterior Solutions & United Bin Cleaning


Congratulations to the Top Scoring Teams:

  • First Place: Sizzling Steak Concepts (Wilson Oswald, Pierce Brooks, Blake Kennedy, Jim Thompson)
  • Second Place: IRONWOOD//GRA (Matt Hene, Nick Leet, Scott Bierman, Joe Kniple)
  • Third Place: Bennett Thrasher (Chase Quinn, Shawn Roberts, Chris Frederick, Davis Reynolds)


Stay tuned for another chance to golf with us in support of the GRA Foundation this fall! 

MAIL THEFT ALERT

Mail Theft Alert

The GRA has received official notice from the U.S. Postal Service about recent mail theft in our area. As a precaution, we strongly urge our members pay their dues invoices electronically and to please contact us directly to confirm if a recently mailed check payment has in fact been received by our office. For more information on how to protect yourself against mail theft, please visit the USPS’s website.

GRA FOUNDATION UPDATE

Celebrating Team Georgia's Culinary Triumph at the National ProStart Invitational

We're thrilled to announce the remarkable journey of Team Georgia as they showcased their culinary and management prowess at the National ProStart Invitational (NPSI), competing against 47 other states and territories in Baltimore, Maryland from April 26-28.


Amidst fierce competition and culinary innovation, Berkmar High School emerged triumphant, securing the 11th place in the culinary category. Their achievement is a testament to their dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. From mastering intricate techniques to crafting delectable dishes, Team Georgia's culinary team demonstrated unparalleled skill and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the national stage.


Throughout the competition, Team Georgia exemplified the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and determination. Meadowcreek High School proved to be tough competitors in the management competition, receiving high praise and their collective energy being compared to that of a boy band from the 90’s! Their journey is a reminder that success is not merely defined by rankings but by the journey itself—the countless hours of practice, the camaraderie forged, and the lessons learned along the way.


Team Georgia's participation in the National ProStart Invitational signifies more than just a competition; it's a testament to the vibrant hospitality community and the bright future ahead. Join us in congratulating Team Georgia on their outstanding achievement!

2024 Georgia ProStart Champions Featured on GCPS TV

Last week, the 2024 ProStart Culinary and Management Teams from Berkmar High School and Meadowcreek High School, respectively, were featured on the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Connected TV broadcast. Both teams headed to Baltimore, MD, last weekend to represent Georgia at the National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) to compete for the national championship title and additional scholarship opportunities. 


Watch the full GCPS broadcast here.

GRA PRESIDENT + CEO DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS

GRA President + CEO Delivers Keynote Address at Top University

Two weeks ago, GRA President + CEO Stephanie Fischer had the privilege of delivering the keynote address at the Kennesaw State University Hospitality Gala & Award Ceremony, celebrating the industry, notable leaders, and the 2024 Hospitality graduates. During the event, she spoke to the Pineapple Award honorees, recent graduates, and attendees about the profound impact and opportunities a career in hospitality offers.


A special thanks to Dr. Leonard Jackson (pictured upper right) for the invitation to this wonderful event and those whose hard work made it a success.


Congratulations to all the graduates and Pineapple Award recipients, we are excited to witness the incredible paths you will carve in the hospitality industry!

HOW TO GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR PRICING STRATEGIES

How Some Operators are Getting Creative with Their Pricing Strategies

Perhaps the most important topic in the restaurant industry right now is pricing. We’ve seen consumers reach – and surpass – their threshold on pricing during the past couple of quarters as operators have passed along their higher input costs, and it’s eroded traffic counts across segments.


“Consumers are tapped out. We are in the end of this post-Covid jubilee,” said Lauren Fernandez, founder/CEO of Full Course and one of the panelists during Nation’s Restaurant News’ CREATE Roadshow event Monday evening in Atlanta. “As a result, consumer demand is latent.”


That said, the industry is still projected to grow, which is a reflection of consumer behavior toward eating out. Keep reading to learn how restaurants are approaching dynamic pricing to navigate the current environment.

GRA IN THE NEWS

Stephanie Fischer on the Future of the Georgia Restaurant Industry

In the latest episode of Association Leadership Radio, host Lee Kantor is joined by Stephanie Fischer from the Georgia Restaurant Association. Stephanie discusses the association’s advocacy for local restaurants, addressing challenges such as rising costs and the need for culinary education. She emphasizes the industry’s diverse career opportunities, from finance to HR, and encourages support for local eateries. The episode underscores the importance of community involvement in sustaining the restaurant industry and highlights the optimism and commitment of the association to its members. Listen now.

GEORGIA IMPACT REPORT

Georgia Impact Report

Restaurants are engines of economic growth across the country, injecting billions into local and state economies. Whether it’s creating jobs, developing careers, or supporting local programs and businesses, the foodservice industry generates a significant impact in communities large and small. Click on our state impact reports to get a better idea of the size and scope of the restaurant industry where you operate, including no. of restaurants, jobs generated and sales as of the end of 2023.

DIVERSITY AND DEMOGRAPHICS IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

Diversity and Demographics in the Restaurant Industry

The National Restaurant Association's recent Data Brief showcases the diverse demographics of America's second-largest private sector employer—the restaurant and foodservice industry. Here are some key findings from the report:

  • Ethnic Diversity: Half of all restaurant employees are minorities, significantly higher than the 41% in the total US workforce.
  • Gender Representation: Women constitute 54% of the industry's workforce, with a majority in managerial and tipped positions.
  • Youthful Workforce: 40% of restaurant workers are under the age of 25, emphasizing the sector's appeal to younger individuals.
  • Educational Diversity: A notable percentage of employees are pursuing education while working, with 27% enrolled in school.


For more details on the workforce's composition across age, gender, ethnicity, and more, click here.

FEDERAL UPDATE

USDA Testing Beef Amid Bird Flu Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week that it will test ground beef for bird flu.


Why it’s happening: Bird flu has been found in nearly 3 dozen dairy herds across 9 states. The new testing is the latest effort by the USDA to track and understand how the virus is spreading among livestock.


Key takeaway: Food safety experts are confident the nation’s beef supply remains safe. Milk pasteurization and proper beef cooking temperatures are proven ways to maintain safety.


Dive deeper: The USDA has updated protective equipment standards for food safety inspectors in meatpacking plants and directed workers to monitor if they feel any flu-like symptoms after exposure to potentially infected animals. The Association's food safety team continues to monitor developments.


DOL Announces 65% Increase to Overtime Threshold

The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its final overtime rule, significantly increasing the minimum annual salary threshold determining overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from $35,568 to $58,656. The rule will gradually come into effect, with an increase to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and an increase to $58,656 effective January 1, 2025.


The Details: DOL sets a salary threshold to ensure eligible employees receive overtime pay for all hours worked over 40 in a work week.

  • Using 2023 data, the new salary threshold equals $1,128 per week or $58,656 annually for a full-year worker.
  • The rule also increases the salary threshold for the highly compensated employee (HCE) exemption from $107,432 to $151,164 annually.
  • The HCE exemption will also gradually come into effect, with an increase to $132,964 on July 1, 2024, and an increase to $151,164 effective January 1, 2025.


What’s New: The final rule includes an automatic update to the overtime threshold every three years based on available wage data at that time.

  • The DOL expects to announce the first such update on July 1, 2027, which will affect both the standard salary and HCE thresholds.
  • This methodology was specifically opposed by the National Restaurant Association and Restaurant Law Center in comments submitted last year.


Who’s Affected: Unless specifically exempted, an employee covered by the FLSA must receive pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half their regular pay rate.

  • Beginning on July 1, 2024, any employee earning under $43,888 will be owed overtime pay.
  • On January 1, 2025, any employee earning under $58,656 will be owed overtime pay.
  • This means that employees who were previously exempt from overtime pay may now be eligible, and employers may need to adjust their pay structures and work schedules accordingly.


Please see the DOL fact sheet linked here for information on determining if an employee is exempt.


Final rule on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued its final rule and interpretive guidance implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which became law last year. The final rule will take effect June 18.


Why it matters: The final rule aims to provide clarity and guidance regarding employers' obligations to accommodate pregnant employees and applicants with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.


Learn more: 

HAVE YOU FILED YOUR CLAIM YET?

Restaurant Operators May be Eligible Settlement Funds

The Payment Card Settlement is the biggest antitrust class-action settlement in history and sets aside about $6B for millions of U.S. merchants who for years paid artificially inflated Visa and Mastercard interchange fees. If your restaurant accepted Visa and/or Mastercard at any time between Jan. 1, 2004, to Jan. 25, 2019, then you are likely a member of the class settlement and entitled to a share of the settlement.


The National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the Restaurant Law Center recently hosted a webinar on the “Payment Card Settlement: What it Means for Restaurant Operators.” A recording of this webinar and a copy of the power point presentation can be found here.


The claim window is open: The deadline to submit a claim either through the physical mailer or online is May 31, 2024. Go to www.paymentcardsettlement.com to submit a claim before the deadline.


Submitting a claim is easy: The claim process was designed to take only 5 to 15 minutes. The portal should even autofill most information when submitting the individual’s “Claimant ID” and “Control Number” found in the claim letter or by submitting the business’s Tax ID, if the claim letter is not available. 

MEG 2024 CONFERENCE

MEG 2024 Conference

The Marketing Executives Group (MEG) is the signature event for the Marketing Expert Exchange Community, a community of restaurant marketing professionals who are connected 365 days a year and come together every May in Chicago preceding the National Restaurant Association Show. MEG raises the level of industry excellence by connecting, inspiring, teaching and challenging each other through the exchange of ideas, thought leadership and best practices.


Join us! The MEG 2024 Conference will be held May 15-17, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago. Register here.


Questions? Contact MEG Program Manager, Jaclyn Sanford at jsanford@restaurant.org

SAVE ON ELECTRIC RATES

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.

NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION SHOW

National Restaurant Association Show

Discover new ways to optimize your menu and lower expenses while delivering exceptional guest experiences at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show taking place May 18-21, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago.


As the world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation, the Show is a must-attend event for every member of the industry.


As a restaurant member of the GRA, you are also a dual member of the NRA and your organization is eligible for one complimentary Expo Badge.


Reach out to the Show organizations at admin@email.nationalrestaurantshow.com or call 864-699-6435 to claim your complimentary badge.


Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your peers in foodservice at the culinary destination of the year! Register today!

UPCOMING SERVSAFE CLASSES
UPCOMING WEBINARS + EVENTS

MEG 2024 Conference

National Restaurant Association

May 15-17 | Chicago, IL

Register.


National Restaurant Show

National Restaurant Association

May 18-21 | Chicago, IL

Register.

HERE'S WHAT WE'RE READING

Why Restaurant Accessibility is a Win for Customers of All Abilities

Source: Nation’s Restaurant News


From Dishwasher to Sous Chef at Michelin-Starred Atlas

Source: Eater Atlanta

California Bans Most Restaurant Service Fees and Other Surcharges

Source: Restaurant Business Online


Back to Basics: What Builds a Good Snacking Menu?

Source: Restaurant Dive

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