CRA Introduces Four New Board Members
As we prepare for the 2024 legislative session, the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) and Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) welcome new faces to our Board of Directors.
Doug Polistena.
Doug Polistena, of The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Doug started his career with the premier catering venue in 2008 and worked his way through the ranks before becoming Owner and Partner in 2018. He has helped plan thousands of events throughout his career and continues to do so today. In addition to serving on the CRA Board, Doug also sits on the Board of Directors for the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, the Corporators Board of the Savings Bank of Danbury and the Danbury Museum & Historical Society.
Bryce Hardy.
Bryce Hardy, Owner of The Charles in Wethersfield and the newly opened Bake Market, joins the Board with a wealth of knowledge from the award-winning restaurant. Bryce said, “I am thrilled and honored to become a member of the CRA Board. The Charles opened its doors almost four years ago during the challenging times of COVID-19; a period when countless individuals were facing difficulties and seeking solutions. Thankfully, the CRA provided us with invaluable support and guidance throughout this arduous journey, and I will forever appreciate their assistance. These experiences have taught me the importance of unity, and I firmly believe that we can all thrive when we stand together.”
Emily Mingrone.
Emily Mingrone, award-winning chef and restaurateur, is excited to represent the industry as part of the CRA Board. Emily is the Owner of New Haven restaurants Tavern on State, which is celebrating five years this year; Fair Haven Oyster Co., a seafood and raw bar-focused waterfront restaurant; The Pearl, a food truck; and Provisions on State, New Haven County’s only whole animal butcher shop. In addition to this, Emily was the first woman to win Chef of the Year at the CRAzies in 2021.
Looking to our charitable arm, the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, we welcome Ben Dubow, Executive Director of Forge City Works in Hartford, as our CHEF Chairman. Forge City Works is a nonprofit focused on providing culinary and customer service job training to people with significant barriers to employment. As part of the training program, Forge City Works runs social enterprise businesses, including the Fire by Forge restaurant. While Ben has worked in the nonprofit sector for many years, he also has a background as a chef and restaurateur, including being Executive Chef and General Manager at Bistro on Main (Manchester) and Executive Chef/Partner at Blue Plate Kitchen (West
Ben Dubow.
Hartford). Ben also serves on the National Board for Catalyst Kitchens, a network of organizations committed to using culinary job training and social enterprise to transform lives. He is a welcome addition to the CHEF Board and his background makes him the perfect fit to be our CHEF Chairman.
In addition to their roles on each respective Board, many Board Members also serve as part of the Legislative Committee. The Committee works tirelessly to improve the business climate for our members by building strong relationships with lawmakers, standing on the forefront of legislation so that when the time comes to make important decisions that will impact your business and your bottom line, we have a voice at the table to ensure your business needs are represented.
Our priority is to advocate on your behalf whenever impactful legislation is being discussed, so that you can focus on running your business. Our Board and Committee continues to grow, alongside our voice at the Capitol.
If you are interested in getting more involved with the CRA, email us at info@ctrestaurant.org or visit our website ctrestaurant.org to find out more about what we do and how you can help amplify our voice through membership.
Originally in Beverage Journal February 2024. Read from the source at: https://www.thebeveragejournal.com/cra-column-march-2024/