Connecticut Restaurant Association

Honored to have been a part of Connecticut’s ProStart Program Student Boot Camp again! Over 75 high school students joined us to build valuable skills for their futures. Together with Dr. Jan Louise Jones and Louise Albin , we shared insights into Social Media Marketing and Public Speaking. Grateful to Scott Dolch and the Connecticut Restaurant Association team for the opportunity to support these young, talented minds! Learn more about the amazing work of the CT Hospitality Educational Foundation here: https://lnkd.in/dGSj7CtQ

TRULY AMAZING THAT OUR 2024 CRAZIES IS SOLD OUT & IT WILL NOW BE THE LARGEST GALA WE'VE EVER HOSTED! If you haven't purchased your tickets, we encourage you to email us at [email protected] as soon as possible to be added to the waiting list. There is still a chance that you could attend the Hospitality Event of the Year on Monday, December 9 at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Cheers to the Connecticut Restaurant Association for hosting the Council of State Restaurant Associations Northeast Regional Meeting this week – with state restaurant association staff learning, growing, and sharing with their counterparts. We hit membership, communications and marketing, programs, foundations, and more AND had networking opportunities with their great Mystic area members. Thank you Liz Barry, Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz, Scott Dolch, Katie Taylor, and Yvette M. Tavares, MBA, and our Planning Committee Kerry Miller, Heather Singleton, and Karen Stauffer.

This week, the CRA team traveled to Mystic to join our fellow Restaurant Associations from across the Northeast, including representatives from Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. The conference was an incredible opportunity for networking, exchanging ideas, and sharing valuable insights. We left feeling inspired and motivated to implement new strategies that will enhance the experience for our members. A special thank you to the presenters and session leaders, as well as Chef David Standridge of The Shipwright's Daughter for sharing about running a restaurant and life after James Beard, and Christos Provistalis for his impactful “What Do You Sell?” presentation. A big shoutout to our wonderful hosts at Hilton Mystic for their exceptional hospitality - we truly appreciate the warm welcome and fantastic service! Lastly, thank you to the Planning Committee, and Suzanne and the team at the Council of State Restaurant Associations. Your hard work makes these conferences so beneficial to us all.

Join us for our new webinar series: CRA Engage! Members can join these exclusive webinars, designed to address critical industry topics and equip you with the tools to help you overcome industry wide challenges. In this session, Attorney Ryan O'Donnell from Pullman & Comley, LLC will provide essential insights on tip credit, covering: ? Understanding Tip Credit ? Tip Credit and Specific Duties ? Tip Pooling ? Who Can Collect Tips? Plus a Q&A. FYI: Registration is required. This webinar is intended for restaurant members only. Your membership MUST be current (2024 dues paid) to attend. Limit one person per restaurant/restaurant group. Limited spaces available. This webinar not open to Allied Members. Register here: https://shorturl.at/ODld5

Restaurant technology is evolving fast, making customer interactions easier and more personalized with: ?? Mobile apps ??? Self-serve kiosks ?? AI tools Learn how these innovations streamline operations, create engaging, convenient experiences, and help restaurants boost loyalty and sales: https://bit.ly/3ZXjFWW

?? Coming Soon! ?? Connecticut’s most thrilling celebration of creativity, innovation, and storytelling in the restaurant and hospitality industry is around the corner?– The CRAZIES. From?game-changing dishes?to?supper with a story, the Connecticut Restaurant Association spotlights those who push the boundaries of what food is about and leave a lasting impact on those around them — us. Between now and that magical evening on December 9th, make sure to check out and support all of the nominees ?? https://lnkd.in/e2HuAp_V #Connecticut #MakeItHere #Hospitality #Foodie #Restaurant

?? Connecticut takes center stage in the latest season of?Hell’s Kitchen! ?? We’re thrilled to see?Jason Guyot and Foxwoods Resort Casino hosting Chef Gordon Ramsay and his crew of culinary talent, not to mention some of Connecticut’s finest chefs and restauranteurs featured in the season premiere of?Hell’s Kitchen?on FOX! ?? This season, Chef Ramsay and his contestants get a real taste of why Connecticut is the?Foodie Capital of New England?– with breathtaking views, world-class dining, and vibrant local flavors all on display. ????? From the fiery kitchen to our scenic landscapes, this show puts the spotlight on?why Connecticut is the ultimate destination for food lovers and adventurers alike. ?? Watch this season on FOX61/CW20 or Hulu! Read more about how Connecticut played a leading role in this exciting season here ?? https://lnkd.in/ebKVDS6J Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism | Connecticut Office of Film, Television & Digital Media | Connecticut Restaurant Association | #Connecticut #MakeItHere

???? YES, CHEF We’re proud to celebrate?Chef Jacques Pépin, a true culinary icon and Connecticut resident, who has been instrumental in shaping our state’s vibrant food and beverage industry. ??? Chef Pépin’s long-standing history, from his roots in France to his kitchen in?Madison, Connecticut, has inspired generations of chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers to build their careers in our state. His passion for cuisine has laid the foundation for Connecticut’s quickly growing?food and beverage industry, which now employs?hundreds of thousands of people?and drives economic growth by attracting travelers and residents alike. Connecticut has become the?Foodie Capital of New England, thanks in part to culinary legends like Chef Pépin. His legacy not only enriches our local communities but also fuels a sense of pride for residents and visitors alike. His influence continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps, making Connecticut an even better place to live, work, and visit. Learn more about Chef Pépin's remarkable story and his contributions to our thriving food scene in this article ?? https://lnkd.in/eHzguX4H #Connecticut #MakeItHere #Chef #YesChef #Foodie #Food #Hospitality Scott Dolch | Connecticut Restaurant Association | Emily Mingrone | David Standridge

?? If you are a Hospitality/Travel brand in CT - this is for you! ?? The Connecticut Restaurant Association is working hard for us to raise awareness about the drop in the Tourism fund for CT this year. We are going from $12M to about $4.5M - all while the hospitality industry produced nearly $1BILLION in Sales and Use tax to the state in '23. Our Tourism budget should be at least $20M to even compare to states like Maine and Mass - and our businesses need that budget support now more than ever as our costs to operate have significantly increased. Watch Scott Dolch?and me speaking on this topic with?FOX61/CW20?this week. Let's all help spread the word about the importance of the state giving back to our industry. ??