CRA Celebrates Relocation with Networking Event
In August of 2023, the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) moved to our new offices at Putnam Park on the Connecticut River in Wethersfield. After more than six years at The Exchange in Farmington, we had simply outgrown the space and were eager to find a new home base.
In addition to needing an office that could sufficiently support our growing staff and association, it was important for us to find a location that offered quick access to the State Capitol while still being centralized to the rest of the state. With convenient access off I-91, our Wethersfield location did just that.
John Bourdeau, Sparrow by JB; Vinnie Carbone, Carbone’s Hospitality; and Yvette M. Tavares, Vice President of Sales and Operations, CRA.
As one of the oldest towns in Connecticut with the largest historic district in the state, we consider downtown Old Wethersfield to be an extension of our office with bustling restaurants, quaint little shops and a charming Main Street community. In addition, our office building is the site of two popular local restaurants, River and Tequila Rio, owned and operated by longtime CRA members Chris and Martha Henney.
To celebrate our move, the CRA hosted an office warming reception last month, welcoming more than 75 restaurateurs and guests from across the state. Beyond central Connecticut, guests came from a range of towns including Stamford, Danbury, New Haven, Mystic, Litchfield, New Milford, Southbury, Chester, Old Saybrook and Willimantic. We understand how busy restaurateurs are and are thrilled to see more and more members recognizing the value of connection and in dedicating time to expand their network.
Phil Barnett, Hartford Restaurant Group; Andy Gutt, Stone Row Kitchen + Bar; Christos Provistalis, Paradiso Insurance; and Scott
Dolch, President and CEO, CRA.
In fact, one of the things we hear most about the value of membership is that beyond our critical advocacy work, it’s the relationships our members are able to build through their active engagement with the CRA.
Keith Beaulieu, owner of The Main Pub in Manchester and Chairman of the CRA Board, said, “Becoming involved with the CRA is the single most important step I’ve taken for the long-term growth and success of my business. The more I put in, the more I get back. There’s absolutely no question about that.”
We understand it can be difficult to find the time to break away from the business and get out to industry networking events. But for those who look at it as an investment in themselves, the time and energy are well spent.
Louise Albin, Café Louise and Bob and Dee Sulick, Mulberry Street.
Our offices are located at 100 Great Meadow Road, Suite 100, in Wethersfield. For an appointment, please call 860-278-8008 or email info@ctrestaurant.org.
Originally in Beverage Journal April 2024. Read from the source at: https://www.thebeveragejournal.com/cra-news-may-2024/