Does My Voice Matter?

The Connecticut Restaurant Association’s (CRA) goal is to help your restaurant or hospitality business succeed, no matter the size. Whether that’s fighting at the State Capitol or providing resources to our members, the CRA helps people overcome industry-wide business challenges.

It is a common misconception that only the large restaurant groups or corporate giants need to be part of their state restaurant association; however, small operators have a huge impact and can equally benefit from membership. In fact, 97% of restaurants in Connecticut are independently owned, the largest number in the country! (Source: National Restaurant Association, based on 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis and U.S. Census Bureau).

Independent restaurants are a vital part of their communities and have unique perspectives on local issues. By being active in their state association, restaurant owners and operators can influence policies that affect their businesses.

While it is perhaps the most important membership benefit, advocacy and representation can be the most difficult to understand, especially for small operators who aren’t engaged with our efforts every day. Each year, the CRA tracks multiple bills that directly impact restaurants and food-service businesses. From issues like labor laws, health regulations and taxes, the CRA fights for the best interests of the industry, blocking harmful legislation, forging relationships with government officials and proposing alternate bills that better support the industry. In the 2024 Legislative Session alone, the CRA fought off harmful bills including the Elimination of the Tip Credit (Senate Bill 221), Junk Fees (Senate Bill 3), Predictive Scheduling (Senate Bill 413) and many more.

As a small operator, you already have a lot on your plate—from staffing and cleaning to ordering and everything in between. Managing a small business is no minute feat. By staying informed about the latest advocacy efforts and legislation through our regular communications and timely member updates, you can ease the burden of figuring out what actions need to be taken and focus on what you do best: running your business.

Keith Beaulieu, Owner, The Main Pub, and CRA Chairman, presenting awards at the 2023 CRAZIES.

“As an independent, single-location owner-operator, I didn’t expect to be taken seriously when I first got involved. Whether speaking with elected officials in my district or testifying at the State Capitol, I’ve seen firsthand the power of grassroots advocacy,” said Keith Beaulieu, Owner, The Main Pub, and CRA Chairman. “The CRA has been an indispensable lifeline for me, and my business has never been stronger.”

Getting involved with advocacy isn’t always standing up to speak in front of legislators, it can be as simple as staying an active member. Your annual dues are an investment in the growth of the industry, allowing us to continue to do this important work, 365 days a year.

Over the years, our voice has only become as loud and impactful at the State Capitol as it is because of our members. The more members we have, the more our voice is heard. Independent restaurants, often more vulnerable to legislative changes, can ensure their specific needs and challenges are heard alongside larger chains by joining their state association and speaking up. The CRA can also help facilitate introductions with local representatives.

In short, you don’t have to be a multimillion-dollar restaurant to make a significant impact at the legislative level. Restaurants are the backbone of many communities, and legislators want these communities to thrive. You have the power to highlight how proposed bills and regulations directly affect your establishment, helping to shape policies that support the local restaurant industry.

By joining your state restaurant association, independent restaurants not only gain access to essential resources but also ensure that their unique perspectives and needs are represented in the broader conversation about the future of the restaurant industry.

For more information, or to become a member, visit ctrestaurant.org/join. Questions? Drop us an email at info@ctrestaurant.org.

Originally in Beverage Journal September 2024. Read from the source at: https://www.thebeveragejournal.com/cra-news-october-2024/