November 2023

Monthly News & Updates

Visit our Website

Chairman's Message


Aloha HRA Members,


As we embrace November's spirit, synonymous with gratitude and thanksgiving, it unfolds as a gift for all of us. While many enjoy the holiday season, it's crucial to acknowledge the dedication of those in the restaurant industry who continue to diligently serve, lacking the same leisure.


Our momentum-building Kōkua for Maui: Restaurant Day encourages the exploration of details shared by Sheryl Matsuoka through this link: 


https://thinktechhawaii.com/hras-kokua-for-maui-restaurant-day-restaurants-of-hawaii/


In our community's grand tapestry, we're bound together as brothers and sisters, collectively contributing to Maui's resilience and Hawaii's strength.


November marks a time of gratitude and lays the groundwork for the upcoming legislative session. Listen to government expert Victor Lim explaining the legislation's impact on our restaurant business: 


https://thinktechhawaii.com/legislative-meet-and-greet-event-2023-restaurants-of-hawaii/


As we prepare for challenges and opportunities, let's stand united in shaping a better future for our community.


Mark your calendars for the Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show on March 20 and 21, 2024. It is an exciting opportunity to showcase our industry's best, providing a platform for collaboration and growth. Anticipation builds for the Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show, an exclusive gathering for over 10,000 restaurant decision-makers. 


It's an ideal platform to exhibit your products. Last year featured sectors included healthcare, human resources, food and liquor vendors, hotel furnishings, point-of-sale systems, advertising print media, paper goods, and more. Planning is underway, and we invite your participation to ensure the event's success. Your support is vital in enhancing Hawaii's hospitality sector. 


https://hawaiihotelandrestaurantshow.com



Wishing you a November filled with gratitude, collaboration, and the promise of a stronger Hawaii.



Ave Kwok

HRA Chairman

HRA Supports Maui Relief and Recovery


The Next Restaurant Day is Tuesday, Dec. 5th

NRA Advocacy & Policy Issues You Need to Know


Read the latest in national advocacy news from across the country, compiled by the National Restaurant Association.

Read More Here

Did you catch HRA's recent Think Tech Show? Listen in as Host Andy Huang, HRA Incoming Chairman, VP & COO L&L Franchise, Inc. and guests Leah Melnick and Sean Palani discuss Financial Assistance Options for Maui.


How can the community best help the residents of Maui to rebuild and find temporary relief? The answer is always monetary contributions. Two organizations joining us for this special conversation are CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees and the Giving Kitchen. These amazing groups provide financial assistance to those facing hardships, particularly in the foodservice industry.


"Restaurants of Hawai'i" features HRA members and guests discussing trending topics in the foodservice industry.


Check out our full playlist of past shows HERE.


Please Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to our Channel!

Visit HRA's YouTube Channel

Guess What Tops the 2024 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast?

This year’s "What’s Hot Culinary Forecast" draws on the expertise of more than 1,500 culinary professionals who were asked to rank 120 items in 7 categories: 


  • Dishes 
  • Ingredients 
  • Flavors 
  • Condiments 
  • Beverages 
  • Alcohol Beverages 
  • Macro Trends 


What was learned: Consumers want to sample—and share through social media—new foods and flavors from other regions, both domestic and international but in a form that’s recognizable, comforting and, often, communal. Soups & stews, grilled cheeses, global wings and international BBQ top this year’s trends list, along with integrating social media into menu marketing. Beverages that boost energy and health are on trend, while botanical cocktails star at the bar.  


The "What’s Hot Culinary Forecast" presents the top 10 Hot Trends overall, in each category, and trends the pros see as emerging in each category, as well as macro trends shaping menus, operations and marketing. 

 

Is your menu trending?

Get Report Here

Elevate Your AI Strategy


Discover what's next in AI through a Q&A with AI experts from Google and Salesforce. You'll learn how to harmonize your data and AI models to anticipate your customers' needs, enhance their experiences, and, most importantly, drive engagement and growth for your business.


Watch and learn as they present an advanced AI integration to power hyper-personalization at scale. The newly launched “Bring Your Own Model” feature enables developers, data scientists, and marketers to scale smarter by combining custom AI models in Google Vertex AI with Salesforce Einstein’s pre-built AI - allowing for faster insights and smarter interactions with your customers.

Watch Here

Attend the 2024 NRA Show

The Biggest and Best Foodservice Show of the Year


Did you know that 1,265 exhibitors have already registered for the 2024 Show? The Show To Go—the Show’s official digital directory—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.

2024 Exhibitor Directory
Register for the NRA Show

Fire Safety in Commercial Kitchens Webinar


November 29, 2023 from 9am - 10am HST


You are invited to a webinar to learn the leading causes of fires in restaurants and hear from an NRA expert as he shares the top risk factors and the less-obvious dangers you might miss. Come away with an action plan to reduce the risk of fire in your operations.

 

Speaker:

Brian O'Connor

Engineer, National Fire Protection Association

Register Here

TikTok Bootcamp Webinar Series


TikTok’s 3-part webinar series will help you begin your TikTok journey. Find out how to create quality TikTok videos of your restaurant and menu. Discover how to raise your brand awareness with an engaged audience.


This series is your step-by-step guide to success on this powerful platform. All 3 webinars are available on demand.

On Demand Webinar Series

Your Guide to Restaurant Marketing Success

Start maximizing ROI and doing more with less with the ultimate guide to restaurant marketing.


In this guide:


  • Strategies to level up in 4 key areas: data, audiences, content distribution, and loyalty
  • Interactive checklists to help you track your progress throughout the year
  • Tips for leveraging guest data across your entire business
  • What you’ll learn:


Level 1 | Beginner: Learn how to collect guest data, build a healthy subscriber list, launch personalized emails, and enhance your loyalty program.


Level 2 | Intermediate: Find out how to optimize for guest engagement, reduce ad costs with guest segments, launch lifecycle automations, and tailor loyalty offers.


Level 3 | Advanced: Discover how to prove incremental growth, unify and enrich guest profiles, personalize touchpoints, and go further with LTV.

Download the PDF Here
 

October 2023 New and Renewing Members

NEW

Aroma Italia

H.W.A.T. Co.

Kauai Island Brewing

Queens Waikiki Luau 

Teppanyaki Farmer 

Tikehau Lounge

VQ PJS Hawaii



RENEWING

ABC Stores

AMP Restaurants Ltd.

Bank of Hawaii

Beer Lab

Blue Ocean Mariculture

Choice Health Bar

Chopstick and Rice

Elixir G Ginger Mix

Imua Coffee Roasters

Koza Sushi Hawaii

RB Sports Bar and Grill

Shikeda Maui

The Hanalei Gourmet


 
Offers
Events
Join
 
The HRA Vision
The Hawaii Restaurant Association is the organization unifying, representing and supporting the Hawaii restaurant and food service industry.

Mission Statement
To provide exceptional value through membership benefits, industry advocacy, community involvement, educational resources and networking opportunities.
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin