GRA Weekly

December 14, 2023

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

2024 GEORGIA GROWN EXECUTIVE CHEF PROGRAM

2024 Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program

The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Georgia Grown campaign has partnered with the Georgia Restaurant Association for a statewide Georgia Grown Executive Chef program. The following terms outline the commitment to the Georgia Grown Executive Chef program.

Participant Requirements:

Incorporates locally grown product into your menu, educating patrons about foods that came from local farms and generating awareness about the product and their producers.
Promotes and fosters a relationship between chefs and farmers, while creating a greater awareness among both restaurateurs and consumers about the availability of quality, local products in Georgia.
Demonstrates knowledge about which local Georgia products are available for the cooking season.
Assists local chefs on a strategy to incorporate locally grown produce into their menu.
Aims to provide public school culinary education and school food nutrition by educating, training, or developing recipes.
Provide a list of products you source locally and farms you work with and/or the approximate percentage of your menu that is sourced locally.
Available these dates:
Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception on February 21, 2024 from 5:00PM - 8:00PM.
Georgia ProStart Invitational on February 29, 2024 from 8:00AM - 4:00PM to judge.
One full day on March 23 or 24, 2024 to do 1-2 live demos at the Georgia Food and Wine Festival (date TBD).
Available for at least one other Georgia Grown event or outreach during the year.

The Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Restaurant Association appreciate your support and participation in the Georgia Grown program. Your involvement in this program contributes to our mission to create a greater awareness both among restaurateurs and consumers about the importance of buying and eating local. Apply by January 31, 2024. For information on how to apply, click here.

GRA FOUNDATION UPDATE

Riverwood International Charter School Partners with GRA Mentor

Under the continued leadership of Chef Elissa Oliver, Riverwood International Charter High School has already begun practicing for GPSI 2024. This year they have collaborated with Chef Doug Turbush in hopes of heading to NPSI in Baltimore, Maryland in April 2024. With thousands of scholarship dollars on the line, we cannot wait to see who will take home first prize on February 29, 2024.

Volunteers Needed: Help Our Industry Grow

The Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation (GRAF) is currently recruiting industry leaders to mentor ProStart Students and serve as judges at the 2024 Georgia ProStart Invitational - which will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 8:00AM - 4:00PM at Gas South Arena. The GRAF is seeking volunteers with experience in the Hospitality industry and a passion for service. Read the full flyer here.

To register as a mentor or judge, contact Katie Ashley, GRAF Programs Manager, for more information.

GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE

U.S. House Committee Advances Measure to Counter NLRB Joint Employer Rule

This week, the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee passed the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to counter the National Labor Relations Labor Board’s (NLRB) joint employer rule. The GRA along with the National Restaurant Association (NRA) have expressed concerns to both the NLRB and Congress on how this rule to expands the scope of what constitutes a joint employer, which could result in increased legal liabilities and regulatory burdens on restaurant owners.

GRA Hosts Atlanta Kitchen Cabinet

Last Thursday, the GRA team hosted a Kitchen Cabinet roundtable with Atlanta City Councilmember Alex Wan. The GRA sat down with Councilmember Wan and local operators at Ecco-Midtown to discuss issues such as alcohol policy, beer and wine to-go, as well as upcoming community development initiatives within Atlanta. Thank you to all who attended!

Georgia DOR | Quarterly Sales & Use Tax Rate Updates

Effective January 1, 2024, Georgia Department of Revenue has published the new quarterly sales and use tax rates. Historical, current and upcoming sales and use tax rates changes may be viewed here.

Savannah Alcohol Update

The Savannah Department of Revenue has provided updates on the license renewal process, dates for Sunday sales, and the Server Training Program. Alcoholic Beverage License (ABL) renewal packages have a submission deadline of December 31, 2023, with a grace period extending the final application date to January 28, 2024. Additionally, two dates were announced on which ABL holders may sell alcoholic beverages, regardless of a Sunday Sales license – 2023 New Year’s Eve and 2024 St. Patrick’s Day. Finally, the new Server Training program is up and running, with the deadline for Server Cards on January 1, 2024. The program provides a simple training program at no charge and is good for 5 years. For more information regarding the Server Training Permit Card click here.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Georgia for small businesses with economic losses due to the hurricane that occurred on August 30, 2023. If your business suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster, you may be eligible for loans in the amount of up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 2.375% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. For more information about loans and eligibility click here.

FEDERAL UPDATE

IRS announces special ERC withdrawal process availability; urges continued vigilance against scammers and predatory marketers

Employers who wish to explore withdrawing a previously submitted Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim due to questions of accuracy/possible fraud now have the ability to do. Employer should carefully review the withdrawal process instructions as well as the Employee Retention Credit Eligibility Checklist to determine if they are eligible.

The IRS continues to urge business owners to remain vigilant against fraudsters and often “aggressive promoters and marketing” claiming they can assist business owners with filings. Restaurants should always seek guidance from qualified tax professionals to navigate the complexity of the ERC and ensure accurate filings.

A recently issued moratorium on new Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim filings is also still in effect through December 31, 2023. Previously filed ERC claims will still be processed during the pause but will take longer due to the increased scrutiny and review of the documentation.

Calling all operators: Comment on FTC’s overreach

What’s new: Last week, Sean Kennedy announced a new grassroots activation in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed rule that would force restaurants to scrap service fees and surcharges.

Why it matters: In its proposal, the FTC made clear that it wanted to hear from restaurants about how this rule would impact them, so the Association is working to help operators submit their stories to the FTC.

Key takeaway: Share this link (https://p2a.co/MB04dvk) with your networks and encourage operators to personalize their submissions.

More info: Earlier this month, the Association requested an extension of the FTC’s comment deadline from Jan. 8 to March 8. Read the letter here.

Don't forget: Register for the Association's explainer webinar on this FTC proposal Tues., Dec. 19, at 2:00PM.

PREPARING FOR WINTER CONDITIONS

Preparing For Winter Conditions

As temperatures continue to drop, now is the time for restaurants to prepare! Emergencies can happen with extreme weather conditions like sudden temperature drops, snow, and ice - all of which can cause power outages. Some tips to get winter ready:

Letting cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes, even at a trickle, can help prevent pipes from freezing and potentially flooding.
Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.
Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0° F, and the refrigerator is at or below 41° F.
In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe.
Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water.
Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
Group food together in the freezer. This helps the food stay cold longer.
Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours.
Purchase or make ice cubes in advance, and freeze gel packs ahead of time. Store all of these in the freezer for future use in the refrigerator or in coolers.
Check out local sources to know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased, in case it should be needed.
Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding.
Make sure to have a supply of bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding. If your bottled water has an odor, do not drink or use it. Instead, dispose of it, or if applicable, call your bottled water provider to make arrangements to get a replacement.
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing
Food and Water Safety During Power Outages (FDA)
Winter Weather Preparedness (GEMA)

Be sure to follow your local National Weather Service Forecast and follow any emergency messaging from our partners on social media: Georgia EMA on X and Georgia EMA on Facebook.

AFFORDABLE MENTAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Prioritizing Industry Wellbeing with GRA's Affordable Mental Health Solution

After enduring years of unprecedented challenges, the hospitality industry faces significant concerns about the wellbeing of its workforce. With over 70% of restaurant workers reporting high stress levels, and nearly one-third experiencing symptoms of depression, the need for comprehensive support is undeniable. In response, the GRA is proud to highlight HealthiestYou by Teladoc, a revolutionary solution designed to address these issues.

This partnership provides members with unlimited virtual medical and mental healthcare visits for employees and their households at an astonishingly low rate of $9 per month, with no additional costs like copays, deductibles, or coinsurance—far below the normal $49 monthly rate. Importantly, this offering is accessible to all foodservice businesses with two or more enrollees, extending to both full- and part-time employees.

By enrolling in this industry-specific initiative, you take an active step to ensure affordable mental and physical healthcare for your entire team. With a staggering 27 million untreated adults experiencing mental illness and an average wait time of 6 weeks for traditional appointments, HealthiestYou offers timely and convenient access to board-certified mental health professionals via phone or video, enabling members to seek help from the comfort of their chosen environment. Together, GRA and Teladoc aim to safeguard the wellbeing of every individual within the industry. To learn more, determine eligibility, and enroll, click here.