GRA Weekly

August 10, 2023

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

EXCELLENCE IN CULINARY EDUCATION

Celebrating Excellence in Culinary Education: Chef James Bryant

We're thrilled to highlight the accomplishments of Chef James Bryant, an exceptional educator, and the 2023 Georgia Educator of the Year. Hailing from Berkmar High School, Chef Bryant played a pivotal role in guiding the 2023 Georgia ProStart Invitational Culinary Champions to an impressive 8th place in the national competition.

Last month, Chef Bryant took his passion for culinary education to new heights by participating in the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s Professional Development and Educator of Excellence program in Dallas, Texas. This professional development opportunity allowed him to further enhance his skills and gain valuable insights into the culinary education landscape.

Reflecting on the experience, Chef Bryant expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and learning that took place during the event. "I had the privilege to collaborate with esteemed chefs and instructors from across the nation," he shared. One highlight of his time in Dallas was mastering the art of fabricating and poaching his very first salmon—a culinary feat that brought him immense satisfaction.

As Chef Bryant returns to Berkmar High School, he's eager to share the knowledge he gained with his students and fellow Georgia ProStart educators. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talents is truly commendable.

Looking ahead, we're excited to announce that Chef Bryant's expertise will be a cornerstone of the upcoming ProStart Educator’s Boot Camp in September. His insights and experiences will undoubtedly guide “Team Georgia” to another successful trip to nationals.

Join us in congratulating Chef James Bryant for his well-deserved recognition and accomplishments. His dedication to culinary education continues to inspire and elevate the field.

FEDERAL UPDATES

Child Labor Resources

Last week, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage & Hour Division provided updated online resources for young workers, employers, and educators on federal Child Labor regulations.

If you employ children under the age of 18 in your restaurant or work as a culinary educator, ensure that you are compliance with federal regulations by reviewing the linked pages below:

Certain workplace activities that are deemed high risk are prohibited for young workers, including:

Working longer or later than legally allowed
Driving a motor vehicle or forklift
Using meat-processing machines and vertical dough or batter mixers

For a full list of prohibited jobs for young workers, click here.

The resources above are conveniently located at garestaurants.org on the Workforce Development page. To ensure that your business practices comply with DOL Youth Rules, take the Employer Self-Assessment or contact the Atlanta office directly:

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

Atlanta District Office

61 Forsyth Street SW, RM 7M10

Atlanta, GA 30303

P: (678) 237-0521

IRS + US Dept. of Treasury | New requirement for most businesses beginning January 1, 2024

Beginning on January 1, 2024, many corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities created or registered to do business in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners—the persons who ultimately own or control the company—to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

FinCEN.gov/BOI provides guidance to help the small business community understand these requirements and includes:

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Infographics about Key Filing Dates and Key Questions
An Introductory Video and more detailed Informational Video

Contact FinCEN for more information and answers to any questions.

Relevant links:

Federal Register publication (9/30/2022)

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

RESTAURANT LEGAL SUMMIT

7th Annual Restaurant Legal Summit

Early Bird Registration Now Open! October 25-27, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona, for our 7th Annual Restaurant Legal Summit and be a part of the restaurant industry's premier conference for chief legal officers, attorneys, and human resource professionals! In addition to connecting with senior representatives from some of the industry's most successful brands, summit attendees will learn about current trends and best practices from legal experts at some of the nation's top law firms.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Introducing the Restaurant Ready Program: Join Us as a Volunteer!

The Restaurant Ready program is dedicated to equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the restaurant and foodservice industry. To achieve this mission, we are reaching out to GRA members who share our passion for giving back to the community and shaping future talents. If you're interested in making a positive impact and supporting this initiative, we invite you to volunteer with us!

We have various opportunities available for volunteers, catering to different levels of commitment and involvement. You can participate as a guest speaker during our informative lunch and learn sessions, share your industry expertise and insights. Alternatively, consider volunteering your time to conduct mock interviews for current Restaurant Ready program members, helping them hone their interviewing skills and boost their confidence. Another option is to lead a skills training session, where you can impart valuable knowledge and expertise to aspiring professionals.

In May, we announced our partnership with Clubhouse Atlanta. Their first program session is set to kick off at the end of August, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for enthusiastic individuals seeking a career in the foodservice industry.

If you want to make a difference and partner with the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation and the Restaurant Ready program, please contact Katie Ashley. Together, we can create a brighter future for aspiring talents and contribute to the growth and success of the restaurant and foodservice industry!