GRA Weekly

April 27, 2023

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner NCR | Aloha

GRA MEMBER BENEFIT!

GRA Member Benefit: Claim Your FREE Badge for the National Restaurant Association Show

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your peers in foodservice at the culinary destination of the year! As the world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation, the National Restaurant Association Show is a must-attend event for every member of the industry. Plus, as a dual member of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association and the National Restaurant Association your company is eligible for one complimentary badge to attend.

To claim your complimentary badge: email restaurant@maritz.com or call (864) 699-6435.

LIVE MUSIC BOOSTS BUSINESS

New Study Shows Live Music Boosts Business for Bars and Restaurants

A recent study by BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) and NRG (National Research Group) confirms that music positively impacts the way consumers interact with local eating and drinking establishments. The study reveals that establishments that feature live music result in customers who eat, drink, and spend more when listening to music they enjoy. NRG conducted in-depth interviews with owners, operators, and managers of eating and drinking establishments, and the findings reveal that music drives traffic and has the potential to increase food and beverage revenue. Over 61% of customers will go to a bar or restaurant just for the music, 79% will stay longer if good music is playing, and 58% will buy more food or drinks just to hear more music. Read more.

BLOCK PARTY!

TOP FOOD + TECH TRENDS

Top food and tech restaurant trends to look for in 2023

Stay competitive by infusing these trends into your restaurant

With 2023 right around the corner, it's time to look at emerging restaurant industry trends. While the restaurant industry deals with continued supply chain issues, labor shortages, and the unprecedented rate of inflation, it's important to plan for what's next. Here are six restaurant industry trends to spot.

Local, sustainable ingredients

While the idea of sourcing local goods for restaurants isn't a new one, the importance of staying local when it comes to purchasing has reached a new level of significance thanks to recent supply chain issues and rising fuel costs. Previously, buying local was a gold star of achievement — a signal that your restaurant cared about where its ingredients came from. Continue reading.

FEDERAL UPDATES

Menu labeling regulations are coming back

On May 11, the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration expires and with it the suspension of menu-labeling enforcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Operators will have until Nov. 7, 2023, to meet labeling requirements. Find out what you need to do.

Senate Committee Hears Concerns About Labor Secretary Nominee Julie Su's Impact on the Hospitality Industry

Interim Labor Secretary nominee Julie Su's nomination is being contested in the Senate as issues arise from her tenure as California's Labor Secretary. The National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association have expressed their concerns about the detrimental impact Su could have on the industry. During her confirmation hearing, Republican members highlighted their concerns with legislation she has supported, including the FAST Act and the "ABC" independent contractor test. The next step is for Su's nomination to move to a full Senate floor vote after likely approval by the Democratic-controlled HELP Committee on April 26. The situation will continue to be monitored as it progresses. Read more.

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference

GRA members, join us on our annual trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference (June 19-21).

Our Government Affairs team will be there to guide you during this fantastic conference as well as on Capitol Hill to speak to Georgia members of Congress about the many issues facing restaurants.

For more information and to register.

MEDICAID REDETERMINATION

Medicaid Redetermination

Some of your team members may lose Medicaid coverage over the next 12 months. Make sure they stay covered by sharing our free service with them. Your team can enroll in health insurance plans easily over the phone, and will get access to their maximum federal subsidies and most reasonably priced plans.

Email hospitalityhealth@uhg.com for more information and free promotional materials. No employer contribution; simply post our free flyers.