January 2024

Monthly News & Updates

Guy Fieri Foundation Donates $1.2M to

Lahaina Restaurant Workers Impacted by Wildfires

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri Talks With HRA's Sheryl Matsuoka on Think Tech Hawaii

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri held a special fundraiser "Chefs for Maui" which successfully raised $1,200,000 for Lahaina restaurant employees by bringing together 40 restaurant superstars in a sold-out event in Napa, California. 

Watch this special star-studded episode and learn about Guy's connection to Maui and the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the work of his Foundation.

National Survey Requesting Your Input

Make Your Voice Heard - How Do You Compare to the Competition?

The National Restaurant Association is updating its Restaurant Operations Report, the most widely recognized source of restaurant operating data in the U.S. The report delivers key industry metrics including profit margins, and labor- and food-cost ratios. All restaurant operators are invited to weigh in; respondents will receive a free electronic copy of the report to see how their restaurant compares with the competition. 

March 20 - 21, 2024 at the Blaisdell Center

Booths are selling quickly for the BIGGEST Restaurant Show of the Year right here in Hawaii!

Save time standing in long lines, attendance is free but you must pre-register.

This annual industry show has something for everyone! Mark your calendar - we can't wait to see you at the show!

Federal Legislation Introduced to Permanently Repeal Death Tax

Known as the Death Tax Repeal Act, this legislation would permanently repeal the death tax, which imposes an unfair and costly tax on the transfer of property, land, and other assets from a deceased family member to heirs of family farms and small businesses.

Over 95% of our nation’s small businesses are owned and operated by individuals and families, and this legislation would enable these multigenerational businesses to continue to support their families without having to pay a devastating tax upon the death of a family member. 

The death tax represents double taxation at its worst. Small business owners, especially restaurants, grieving the loss of a loved one, should not face an enormous tax bill from the federal government just to continue the family tradition of keeping their business open and operational.

Bringing Tip Automation to Your Fingertips

What if there was a way to remove human error, boost confidence in payroll, increase transparency, and save time with tip automation? 

You are invited to this free webinar on February 6, 2024 to learn about the latest innovation to accomplish all of the above and more. Hear from industry veterans who can help streamline your restaurant operations and make manual tip pooling a thing of the past. 

Fresh Pasta Making Class at ChefZone

Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024

11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

ChefZone Community Room

2888 Ualena St.

Discover your inner chef at The Inspired Kitchen with chef Göran Streng, a new immersive cooking series launching in February.

Along with making and tasting the various pasta, you’ll be treated to wine pairings by Dan Fullick of Kaka‘ako Wine that complement the dishes. You’ll also take home fresh pasta dough to create more inspired dishes at home.

NOTE: Dishes may include allergens or meat, such as eggs, wheat, and nuts. No substitutions or special requests. 

Attend the 2024 NRA Show

The Biggest and Best Foodservice Show of the Year

Registration is open for the food service industry’s premier annual event—the National Restaurant Show. Overflowing with innovative exhibitors, inspiring programming and irreplaceable networking opportunities, the Show is a once-a-year opportunity to experience the best of foodservice and find the products and connections you need to grow and thrive. 

There are over 1,600 exhibitors already registered for the 2024 Show. Check them out in the "Show To Go"—the Show’s official digital directory—which includes updated information on all these exhibiting companies and their products. Head there now to explore suppliers and begin adding favorites to your personal profile for future reference—it’s the perfect way to start Show prep.

All Hawaii Restaurant Association Regular Members (restaurants) receive FREE badges to the show!

Restaurant Member Companies of the National Restaurant Association receive an allotment of complimentary Expo Only registration(s) as a member benefit. All communication regarding the promotional code for registration will be emailed to the main contact in your membership record.

Don't Phish For Answers

Protect Yourself from Cyber Harm

Create a culture of security by implementing a regular employee training schedule and by updating them about new risks and vulnerabilities.

Cybercriminals target companies of all sizes, but small and independent businesses, like restaurants and retail operations, can face the greatest risk. The reason: They often lack the security infrastructure that larger businesses possess to adequately protect the systems that store, access, and disseminate the data they collect. That’s why knowing and practicing some cybersecurity basics can help reduce the risk of cyberattacks now and in the future.

Harmful Effects of Crimes on Restaurants

Testimony was presented on behalf of the National Restaurant Association to the House Small Business Committee on crime's effect on restaurants. With recent reports of similar instances in Hawaii, this national and local problem needs a solution.