GRA Weekly

July 13, 2023

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

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

WEATHERING THE STORM

Weathering the Storm: How to Handle Power Outages at Restaurants and Bars

Restaurants and bars are vibrant spaces that thrive on constant energy and activity. However, these establishments also have a heavy reliance on electricity, with energy bills typically surpassing those of other commercial buildings. Power outages can disrupt operations, leading to financial losses and customer dissatisfaction. To safeguard a business against such disruptions, it's essential to be prepared. The following strategies are effective when handling power outages and minimizing the impact on a restaurant or bar. Continue reading.

SECRET TO BUILDING LOYALTY IN THE WORKFORCE

The secret to building loyalty among the hourly workforce

Webinar description: Keeping your business staffed requires a mix of hiring the right people and retaining them for as long as possible. Learn how to build a loyal hourly workforce from job description to career promotion and everything in between.

Dial-in or watch live via Zoom. We invite you to submit any questions you may have when you register and we'll be sure to address them live.

Tuesday, July 25 | 2:00PM

GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE

Zoning Board Reviews Changes to Beltline Regulations

Last Thursday, the Atlanta Zoning Review Board (ZRB) voted on a set of proposed land-use regulations aimed at limiting car use within the Beltline Overlay District. The ZRB recommended approval of two ordinances: one that would prohibit the construction of new service stations and another eliminating parking minimums within the Beltline Overlay District. The ZRB recommended a denial of an ordinance that would prohibit the addition of new drive-thru facilities within the Beltline Overlay District, citing potential for inequity in low income, underserved areas. These recommendations will be referred to the Community Development and Zoning committees with the Atlanta City Council taking possible action in early August.

CREATE Road Show Heads to Atlanta

On Monday, Nation’s Restaurant News hosted the CREATE Road Show at Chico & Padre’s in Atlanta. Dozens of industry leaders gathered at this event, sponsored by the Georgia Restaurant Association, to discuss opportunities for strategic growth and insights for emerging chains looking to maximize their potential. Driving the conversation was a panel consisting of Chris Hadermann of Southern Proper Hospitality, Lauren Fernandez of Full Course, Maria Rivera of Smalls Sliders, and Sam Oches of Nation’s Restaurant News. GRA Staff Dedan McFadden and Katie Ashley were in attendance.

FEDERAL UPDATES

NEW POSTER ALERT: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is now in effect

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its “Know Your Rights” poster to address the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which is now in effect as of June 27, 2023.Covered employers may post versions of the posters and download them for free from the WHD website:

After June 27 “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster
After June 27 “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster (Spanish)

The EEOC requires that [t]hese posters should be placed in a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted. In addition to physically posting, covered employers are encouraged to post the notice digitally on their web sites in a conspicuous location. In most cases, electronic posting supplements the physical posting requirement. In some situations (for example, for employers without a physical location or for employees who telework or work remotely and do not visit the employer’s workplace on a regular basis), it may be the only posting.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that notices of Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination be made available in a location that is accessible to applicants and employees with disabilities that limit mobility.

Printed notices should also be made available in an accessible format, as needed, to persons with disabilities that limit the ability to see or read. Notices can be recorded on an audio file, provided in an electronic format that can be utilized by screen-reading technology or read to applicants or employees with disabilities that limit seeing or reading ability. Learn more.

Relevant links: