GRA Weekly

March 2, 2023

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner OrionStar USA.

GEORGIA GROWN CHEFS

2023 Georgia Grown Chefs Announced

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) President + CEO Karen Bremer announced five new Georgia Grown Executive Chefs at the 2023 Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception last night. The Georgia Grown Executive Chef program is a statewide program designed to promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers while spreading awareness about the quality of locally sourced and grown products in Georgia’s restaurant scene.

The 2023 Executive Chefs include:

Chef Robert Butts, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
Chef Kristina Dahl, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia | Helms College
Chef Karl Gorline, the Woodall
Chef Ray Kees, Krystal Restaurants
Chef Matthew Raiford, Gilliard Farms

FORE!

ICYMI

Webinar Recap - Tips on Tipping: Part II

Whether you are an experienced employer or just getting started in the restaurant industry, understanding the ins and outs of wage and hour requirements can be a challenge. In Tips on Tipping: Part II, Larry Stine and Elizabeth “Betsy” Dorminey of Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider, & Stine P.C. share their expertise on tip credits, wage notification requirements, record-keeping, deductions, overtime, dual work, and more.

STATE UPDATES

Georgia Department of Revenue | Sales & Use Tax Rates Effective April 1, 2023

The Georgia Department of Revenue has posted the upcoming quarterly sales and use tax rate changes.Counties affected include: Calhoun, Glynn, Long, Oconee, Twiggs, Ware and WheelerPlease visit the Department’s website to view current, historical, and upcoming sales and use tax rate charts.

STATE OF THE PLATE

What's happening at the state capitol so far? Hear from the President + CEO, Karen Bremer to learn more. Watch now.

GRA IN THE NEWS

GRA Team Member Spotlight | Susanna Leggett

During the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) 2022 annual meeting, the Georgia Restaurant Association was one of two associations chosen to receive a grant through the GSAE Foundation Internship Grant program. Last year, we welcomed Susanna “Susie” Leggett as our Government Affairs Intern and are thrilled that she has decided to stay with us full-time as our Program Coordinator. Learn more about her GRA internship experience in the GSAE Connections magazine Winter 2023 issue.

RISING STARS

Rising Stars Call for Nominations!

Do you know a rising star in your restaurant? Someone who's making a big impact and has the potential to be a future leader in the industry? Nominate them for the 2023 Rising Stars Awards!The submission deadline is March 10th, so nominate someone today .

LET'S TALK WOMXN ATANTA

*Code GRA20 which will give a $20 discount per guest

FEDERAL UPDATES

PRO ACT introduced in the House

Overview: Today, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 20) was introduced by Democratic leaders, including Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). This legislation would destabilize the restaurant industry by making significant changes to labor laws, including expanding joint employer liability, overriding state right-to-work laws, and threatening independent contractor jobs.

Our thoughts: “We continue to encourage Congress to focus on bills that grow and develop our nation’s workforce, which would have a much greater, positive impact on restaurant owners, their team members, and their communities. We are concerned with any proposed legislation, like the PRO Act, that would put limitations on the rights of workers and employers to communicate directly. We look forward to working with Congress on solutions that ensure a thriving restaurant and foodservice industry throughout the U.S.”–Sean Kennedy, EVP for Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association

National Labor Relations Board bans non-disparagement clauses from severance packages

The big picture: Last week, the National Labor Relations Board reversed its ruling that allowed non-disparagement clauses to be included in severance packages for employees. The board announced that employers can no longer have non-disparagement clauses within severance agreements—making restaurants vulnerable to harmful false claims. Further, the new decision states any agreement that incorporates a non-disparagement clause will violate the National Labor Relations Act.

HUNGER WALK RUN

Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk Run Returns March 12

Atlanta Community Food Bank's popular Hunger Walk Run 5K fundraiser returns for the 39th year at the Home Depot Backyard on Sunday, March 12. With in-person and virtual event options available, there's no reason to miss out. Hunger Walk Run benefits six local hunger relief organizations that operate and support hundreds of food pantries, shelters, community kitchens, senior centers and childcare centers across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. For more information and to register for the event, visit hungerwalkrun.org.

TEAM HIDI

Team Hidi is happening on March 12, 2023, at Lee + White in Atlanta, GA!

Giving Kitchen's signature event where the fight for one life became the fight for many. Team Hidi came about when Atlanta Chef Ryan Hidinger was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in December 2012. It was Ryan’s journey - the groundswell of support by his industry - that ignited the formation of Giving Kitchen. Hidi’s legacy lives through Giving Kitchen and our mission to provide stability to food service workers. Food and beverage tastings, auctions, musicians, and speeches make Team Hidi Giving Kitchen’s biggest and most-anticipated event every year.

EXPANDING DINING OUTSIDE

NRAEF Scholarship Applications

Individuals pursuing a post-secondary degree in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry can now apply for more than $1 million in scholarships from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

NRAEF scholarships help reduce the financial burden of post-secondary education and support the industry’s future leaders. Awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and can be used toward tuition and fees, books, room and board, as well as other school-related expenses.

The scholarships have no age restrictions and anyone pursuing higher education in a restaurant, foodservice and/or hospitality related field is encouraged to apply through March 15, 2023, by visiting ChooseRestaurants.org/Scholarships.