Connecticut Restaurant Association

Save the Date! The 2025 CRA Golf Classic, presented by Sysco, is returning Monday June 23, 2025! ?? The highly anticipated annual event is the largest statewide industry golf outing of the year, bringing together restaurant operators and industry vendors from across Connecticut for a fantastic day of golf and incredible food. More information and online registration coming soon!

Did you know 97% of restaurants in Connecticut are independently owned? That’s the?highest percentage?of mom-and-pop eateries in the entire country. From cozy diners and legendary pizza joints to bold fusion spots and farm-to-table gems, our food scene isn’t built by big chains—it’s handcrafted by makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It’s no wonder Connecticut has earned a new title:?The Foodie Capital of New England. So next time you’re dining out, remember—you’re not just grabbing a bite. You’re supporting someone’s dream, someone’s family, and a whole lot of local flavor. #Connecticut #MakeItHere #Hospitality #Restaurants | Connecticut Restaurant Association | Scott Dolch | Yvette M. Tavares, MBA

What a beautiful day yesterday was to head up to the Litchfield area to celebrate our members who are taking part in Litchfield Restaurant Week! Big thank you to Lindsey Turner, Vice Chair of Litchfield’s Economic Development Commission, for coordinating such a wonderful kickoff event, and to Eliza Clark, owner of Lost Fox Inn for hosting. CRA members participating in this week long event include @materiaristorante, @marketplace.kitchenandbar, @arethusaamano, @atthecorner, @atcsouthst, The Village, @litchfielddistillery and many more! See link below to check out menus. Special thank you @plant_create_eat for the delicious apps and to Doug Clement for the invite! The 3rd Annual Litchfield Restaurant Week is March 21-28. To see all 21 participating restaurants and their menus, go to: https://lnkd.in/eS4UsjMa Visit Litchfield CT @visitlitchfieldct #litchfieldrestaurantweek Connecticut Restaurant Association

Workplace culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for attracting and retaining top talent. At?MADE on April 9th,?Yvette M. Tavares, MBA, VP of Sales and Operations at the?Connecticut Restaurant Association, will lead a powerhouse discussion on how great culture drives success. She’ll be joined by: ??Cindi Bigelow, CEO, Bigelow Tea?– Leading a legacy while embracing change ??Bill Shufelt, CEO, Athletic Brewing?– Building a culture-first brand from the ground up ??Jeffrey Flaks, CEO, Hartford HealthCare?– Shaping culture in one of Connecticut’s largest organizations From leadership’s role in culture to engaging a multi-generational workforce, this panel is?MADE for leaders looking to strengthen their teams. ???April 9 | Rentschler Field ????Join us:?https://lnkd.in/eqcb_2wh What’s one word that defines great workplace culture? Drop it below.???

“Adding additional fees or taxes on small businesses—and ultimately consumers—does not improve the cost of doing business or living in Connecticut, but instead does the opposite,” CBIA’s Paul Amarone told lawmakers considering a 28-cent retail delivery tax. The tax will place “an additional burden on customers who are already coping with inflation and the rising cost of living,” adds Connecticut Restaurant Association’s Scott Dolch. #Connecticut #affordability #taxes #smallbusiness #reimagineCT

To celebrate our state’s status as the Pizza Capital of the U.S., the Pizza Capital Pizza Trail is being created by fans and critics, like you! ?? Starting today, March 14 (National Pi Day), cast your vote for the best pizzerias in the state. The top 100 spots will make the final trail. Get voting! https://lnkd.in/eC-qbavn

Influencer marketing isn’t just for skincare routines and viral dances—it’s a powerhouse strategy for reaching the right audience in the right way. Friends and colleagues, take note:?leveraging influencers can be the game-changer in your marketing mix. Our Chief Marketing Officer, Anthony M. Anthony, and PR partner Michelle Bonner from Adams & Knight break it down in this article—explaining why this approach should be a core tactic in your strategy. ???Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/eyvPYY2d #MakeItHere #Connecticut #Marketing

Honored to attend the official ribbon cutting at The Foundry restaurant in Hartford. Great to see so many local and state leaders on hand to celebrate, including Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, and Connecticut Restaurant Association’s Scott Dolch. The restaurant was specifically designed to represent Hartford's spirit and resilience and it’s amazing to see the commitment that Greg Barats, HSB - Hartford Steam Boiler, Jeffrey Lizotte, Jesse Powers and their team are making to the city and the region. #HartfordHospitality #ConnecticutCuisine

Join us TOMORROW for an exciting networking opportunity at the Restaurateur Reception, sponsored by Restaurant Technologies, Inc. Restaurateur Reception ??? TOMORROW, Monday, March 10, 2025 ?? Mercato Italian Kitchen & Bar, Shelton ?? 4pm - 6pm ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gns3c2XJ ?? Free Meet and connect with the Connecticut Restaurant Association team and Board of Directors, and exchange ideas and share experiences with fellow restaurateurs and foodservice business entrepreneurs from across the state. Don't miss this chance to build valuable connections - we look forward to seeing you there!

It was a full day of slicing, dicing, and presentation for Connecticut ProStart students, who took the stage today and competed in their culinary and management competitions! ???? Congratulations to our first place winners who will be heading to #NPSI2025 this May in Baltimore, MD! Culinary - Enfield High School Management - Wilbur Cross High School #RoadToNPSI Connecticut Restaurant Association