Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation

The CRA's 2024 HOSPYS celebrated restaurant and hospitality professionals across Colorado on November 6. Christine Gallagher wrote the following: "We are so fortunate to live in a community and state with wonderful foods and hospitality. I’m pleased the Western Slope continues to receive statewide recognition and I encourage you to visit all the nominees and honorees from this year’s HOSPYS awards." Read the article below to view all of the 2024 HOSPY honorees. https://lnkd.in/gNXbBUBG

DYK? The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's 2024 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards recognized the Colorado Restaurant Foundation's Apprenticeship Program as the Program of the Year!?? We're so proud of the work that Program Director Stacy Griest has accomplished in building out this program and are thrilled to share that Colorado now has 260+ registered apprentice employers and apprentices! The awards also recognized the work of some of our apprenticeship partners: Chef Rob Lee at BriDer Rotisserie & Kitchen and Joe Beggs at Work Options were recognized as Mentors of the Year, and Justin Adrian, James Doxon, and Dan Shafer at Vibe Concepts were recognized as Employer of the Year.? To learn more about the apprenticeship program, visit the link: https://lnkd.in/g8GMBJh5 #coloradorestaurantfoundation #CRF #corestaurants #coloradorestaurants #futureofwork #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #ApprenticeshipWeek #coloradoapprenticeship #hospitalityjobs #hospitality #CDLEApprenticeshipAwards

Honoring Our Apprenticeship Employers During National Apprenticeship Week! Today we’re celebrating the incredible 130+ employers who make our registered apprenticeship programs possible!?? Their commitment to mentoring, training, and investing in the future workforce is the backbone of our success in the hospitality and culinary industries. Through their partnership, they provide invaluable hands-on experience, foster growth, and help shape the next generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. ???? To all our amazing employer partners: THANK YOU! Your dedication to creating opportunities and building brighter futures is truly inspiring. Together, we’re transforming careers and making a lasting impact! ?? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about Colorado Restaurant Foundation apprenticeship programs and to view the Registered Apprenticeship sites in Colorado. #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #NAW2024 #EmployerHeroes #WorkforceDevelopment #BuildingCareers #FutureReady

This year, we've been asking Registered Apprenticeship Employers and apprentices what this program means to them. Being an apprentice has allowed restaurant workers to jump-start their careers while gaining hands-on experience. Being a Registered Apprenticeship Employer has allowed restaurants in Colorado to fill positions with driven, talented individuals and has allowed some businesses to receive grant money.?? The Colorado Restaurant Foundation is proud to be selected to implement certified apprenticeship programs launched through a partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. These workforce development programs will help Colorado restaurants and hotels expand their teams at a crucial time in the industry’s history. To learn more about the CRF's apprenticeship program and to view Registered Apprenticeship employers in the state, visit the link: https://lnkd.in/g8GMBJh5 #corestaurants #coloradorestaurants #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #ApprenticeshipColorado #hospitalitycareers #colorado #coloradojobs #futureofwork

?? Exciting News: The Colorado Restaurant Foundation is proud to be recognized as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor! As part of this national initiative, we’re committed to: ? Expanding awareness about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeships ? Increasing diversity and equity in workforce opportunities ? Developing innovative partnerships to support the next generation of hospitality professionals We’re thrilled to join a network of champions dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening industries through Registered Apprenticeships. Together, we’re shaping the future of the workforce! ?? Visit the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g-PWNaUk #ApprenticeshipAmbassador #WorkforceDevelopment #HospitalityCareers #ColoradoProud #RegisteredApprenticeship #EducationAndEmployment

Congratulations to James Wiggington for finishing the Colorado Restaurant Foundation Kitchen Manager Apprenticeship program at Nocturne in Denver! ?? We are thrilled for James and can't thank Nocturne enough for their partnership as a certified-apprentice employer. It’s been wonderful to see our apprenticeship program grow this year through our partnership with the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. This program helps restaurants and hotels grow their teams by creating a fast-track for determined hospitality workers. To learn more about our apprenticeship program, visit this link: https://lnkd.in/g8GMBJh5

Voting is now open for the HOSPYS, the Colorado Restaurant Association's new industry awards. There are 34 finalists statewide in categories such as Food Truck of the Year, Newcomer Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year. The HOSPY Awards are meant to elevate and celebrate our restaurant and hospitality community, which represents more than 10 percent of Colorado’s workforce and is a key driver of the state’s economy. The HOSPY Awards Gala will take place on Wednesday, November 6 in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. https://lnkd.in/gNRmCqaB

The Colorado ProStart? culinary program in Cherry Creek Schools is finding a new way to get kids out of the classroom and get prepared for future careers! https://lnkd.in/geWK2H_D

The Denver Food + Wine Festival is coming up next weekend!??Enjoy a sneak peek of what Fox and the Hen chef/partner — and ‘Top Chef’ alum — Carrie Baird and her team of Colorado ProStart? students are serving during the Grand Tasting on this segment of Colorado & Company! President of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation Laura Shunk also shared what guests can expect during the festival from September 4-7, as well as the good cause that all ticket proceeds go towards. Tune in to watch the segment through the link. https://lnkd.in/gYW-mekW

?? Exciting news from the CRF Apprenticeship program: We're launching a new mentorship program! ?? Our seasoned apprentices will now have the opportunity to virtually mentor current apprentices, fostering peer-to-peer connections and growth. This initiative is yet another way the CRF is strengthening industry connections and building a brighter future together. Meet the apprentices who have completed their training and are on their way to becoming mentors. All are certified line cooks: Julia Grote - The Butchery Bryant Wright - Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center Owen Kunselman - Panzano (currently employed at Mercantile Dining and Provision) #corestaurants #coloradorestaurants #futureofwork #apprenticeshipcolorado