GRA Weekly

May 2, 2024

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, Fisher Phillips.

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 this past weekend.

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

Last week, 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!

WHAT'S ON THE DOL'S MENU?

What’s On the DOL’s Menu? An Oversized Salary Increase

Are you ready for the new overtime rule? The US Department of Labor just released its final rule that will significantly raise the exempt salary threshold for the so-called “white-collar” exemptions from roughly $35,000 presently to $43,888 a year on July 1, 2024, with another increase to $58,656 effective January 1, 2025 – meaning your workers will need to earn at least the new threshold to have an opportunity to even qualify for the duties tests to be exempt from overtime pay under most of the commonly relied upon exemptions. We've put together an eight-step action plan to help you prepare - keep reading.

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.

A Winning Partnership

Atlanta's dining scene is one of high-class, elegant culinary presentation and a dash of Southern hospitality. Hundreds of Atlanta-based restaurants chart "Top Restaurant" lists nationwide. Some have even earned a coveted Michelin Star.

But Georgia Grown's Executive Chef program is different than those. It's a marker that signals both quality culinary skills and ingredients. The list celebrates chefs and the Georgia-based farmers and producers they source from. When Georgia Grown partnered with the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) to create the program, they set a precedent for both industries. Keep reading.

WINE DOWN BY THE RIVER RECAP

Wine Down by the River Recap

On Tuesday, GRA Board members, restaurateurs, and industry partners gathered at Wine Down by the River in support of the GRA and National Restaurant Association Political Action Committees (PAC).

Many thanks to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, State Senate Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, State Senator Jason Esteves and State Senator Donzella James for your attendance and support of the industry.

Through support from our members and elected officials, we are able to promote pro-restaurant policies on the state and local level. For more information about the GRA PAC, visit our website. To see photos from the event, click here.

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.

CREATE ROAD SHOW 2024

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 Launches Beef Testing Amid Avian Flu Concerns

The Agriculture Department announced that it will begin sampling a limited supply of ground beef in the states where avian flu was detected in dairy cows. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently started requiring testing for dairy cattle moving across state lines as a result of a new federal order from the Biden Administration.

Real talk: Milk pasteurization and proper cooking temperature are proven ways to maintain safety and protection. Further, the USDA has updated protective equipment standards for the food safety inspectors in meatpacking plants and informed workers to monitor for any flu-like symptoms after exposure to potentially infected animals.

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!