Membership

Insider Access, Advocacy, & Legislative Insight

CRA members have early and direct access to our work on the front lines of industry advocacy. Whether it's statewide legislation that threatens your bottom line, or a local policy issue, having a direct line to decision makers with established relationships gives you an edge that is only available to our members. Learn more about our Government Relations team here.

Statewide Network of Industry Leaders

When you join the CRA, you gain access to our network and the best minds in the state. From other owner-operators like yourself, to chefs, business leaders, industry advocates, and other top talent from across Connecticut, there is no better way to be connected than by joining your state association. 

Board Committees & Foundation

If at any point during your membership you want to get more involved, make a more direct impact on the industry, or simply pay it forward, the CRA provides various pathways for engagement and leadership development through our Board Committees and Educational Foundation. Learn more about our Board of Directors here.

National Restaurant Association

Did you know that when you join the Connecticut Restaurant Association, you also receive membership in the National Restaurant Association? In addition to receiving associated benefits & services from National, members have opportunities to become more involved in a range of national initiatives such the Public Affairs Conference in Washington DC, or working locally with our state delegates. Access your National membership account here.

Comprehensive Industry Updates & Curated News

If you have ever received our industry wide emails in the past, you know our commitment to keeping our business sector informed. Yet our most detailed, time-sensitive, and resource-packed communications are made available exclusively to members only. Once you join, you are added to our member distribution channels so you always have the most current industry updates and curated news at your fingertips.

Legislative Summaries & Action Alerts

Our newly formatted Advocacy in Action emails make it easier than ever for members to stay up to date with proposed legislation, industry-wide economic policies, and current business trends impacting our neighboring states. In addition to breaking down complex policy updates into digestible pieces, we tell you exactly how you can take action on issues that are most important to you.

Partner Programming

The CRA is constantly working to develop and expand relationships with our industry partners to bring fresh, new, valuable programming to our members. Whether that's flexible pathways for team development, competitive hiring & retention tools, legal consultations & support, or affordable healthcare solutions and resources, our members have access to a range of programming to suit their needs. 

Vendor Directory

With over 100 active businesses as part of our Allied Member program, members have access to a trusted network of suppliers with a vested interest in our industry advocacy. In addition to serving as a resource to our members, many of our Allied Members offer special savings to our members as part of our Member Exclusive Savings Program.

Dedicated Support Team

Our dedicated support team is available to our members 365 days a year to make sure you always have timely access to information and resources you need to run a successful restaurant business. Rest assured knowing our team is always just a phone call, text, or e-mail away.

Industry Training & Development

Throughout the year the CRA hosts a range of learning opportunities including industry update webinars, compliance seminars, restaurateur networking events, and leadership conference programming. Members also receive special savings on food safety certification, alcohol service training, sexual harassment prevention training and more.

Building a Network of Peers

Community not competition. Our members are part of a growing movement of operators who value connection over competition, collaboration over individual achievement. The CRA hosts several high impact networking events across the state so our members can share ideas, build friendships, provide mentorship, establish connections, and collaborate with other like-minded business professionals.

Signature Events

CRA members enjoy early access and special incentives at our most celebrated signature events including ProStart Week, Night at the Capitol, our Annual Golf Classic, and the CRAZIES Awards. Besides being a fun way to come together and celebrate one another, these events are a powerful way to demonstrate our economic impact and strength and unity as an industry.

Members Only Legal Support

CRA Members get exclusive access to the CRA Law Center, a collection of resources available to help protect association members by educating about key areas of the law. As part of CRA Membership, members are eligible to receive free consultations with a lawyer to address their legal concerns, as well as discounts on legal services. Members also receive access to the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Law Center.

Member Exclusive Savings Program

Membership unlocks access to thousands of dollars of exclusive savings from our newly rebooted Member Exclusive Savings Program! The program includes discounts and deals from our Allied Members and Partners across a myriad of industries, including POS, healthcare, insurance, industry training and so much more. New offers are added throughout the year, so members have access to new deals all year round!

Members Only Pricing on ServSafe Food Safety & Alcohol Certification

Unlock discounted member only pricing on ServSafe certifications including ServSafe Manager, Alcohol and Workplace courses. With courses created by industry experts, ServSafe is the industry leader for food safety certifications.