GRA Weekly

August 24, 2023

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

NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY MONTH 2023

ARE RESTAURANT WEBSITES OBSOLETE?

Are Restaurant Websites Obsolete?

Deeper customization and integration with the entire restaurant tech stack are more approachable and feasible than ever. No longer do brand leaders have to grapple with the clunkiness of a marketing dot-com experience and a separate transactional experience. In this new age of digital, seamless web experiences open the door to so many opportunities for realizing not only incremental sales, but uplifts in check averages, repeat orders, and loyalty signups, to name a few. Read more.

GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE

Kitchen Cabinet with Congressman Rich McCormick

Join Congressman Rich McCormick of Georgia’s 6th District and the GRA team on Thursday, August 31st at the Goldbergs Group Headquarters for a Kitchen Cabinet roundtable to discuss issues within the restaurant industry! If you plan to attend or have any questions about the event, please contact Dedan McFadden here or call us directly at (404) 467-900. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: Thursday, August 31 | 2:00PM to 4:00PM

Where: Goldbergs Group Headquarters | 3301 Windy Ridge Pkwy SE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30339

ICYMI: City of Atlanta Beer and Wine To-Go Updated Administrative Order

Following the lapse of the Mayor’s temporary 2020 Administrative Order, it is now illegal for restaurants to sell beer and wine with to-go and curbside pick-up orders in the City of Atlanta. We advise all City of Atlanta restaurants who are currently offering this service to cease these sales immediately as to avoid any potential violations. We are working with Mayor Dickens’ Office to determine how the city will proceed with future allowances. Please contact the Georgia Restaurant Association for any questions or concerns regarding this matter.

GRA Attends Senate Workforce Study Committee in West Point

On Tuesday, the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce hosted its third meeting at the Kia Assembly Plant in West Point, GA. In attendance, GRA President & CEO Karen Bremer, Vice President of Government Affairs Scott Bierman, and Local Advocacy Coordinator, Dedan McFadden, represented the restaurant industry. The committee heard testimony from Kia, Construction Ready, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, and representatives from the Association of County Commissioners and the Georgia Municipal Association. The next meeting will be held at the SK Innovation plant in Commerce, GA on September 19th. To learn more about the study committee or watch the hearing click here.

Pictured: Scott Bierman, GRA VP of Government Affairs, presenting at last month's Senate Workforce Study Committee in Savannah

FEDERAL UPDATES

Joint Employer final rule could come this week

The National Labor Relations Board (NRLB) is expected finalize a new definition of what constitutes a “joint employer.” The anticipated final rule is expected to change the existing standard for when two businesses can be considered joint employers and thus be liable for one another's labor practices. The Association and the Restaurant Law Center opposed NRLB’s decision to replace the “direct and immediate” joint employer standard approved in 2020, which provided a clear, workable guidance for foodservice employers and employees. This new standard will create unnecessary challenges for restaurant operators who are trying to understand what qualifies as joint employer status. Continue reading.

E-Verify® | Employers may review documents remotely

As of August 1, 2023, employers currently enrolled and in good standing with Federal program E-Verify® may now remotely verify new employee I-9 Form documents. Learn more about these alternative procedures. E-Verify will also soon offer 30-minute training sessions on these alternative procedures. More information forthcoming.

Relevant links:

Official published notices on July 25, 2023: Federal Register-88 FR 47749, Federal Register-88 FR 47990
Enroll in E-Verify

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!