ARHA Now, Volume 10, Issue #2

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALABAMA RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION

LABOR SHORTAGE: Post Available Positions on the New ARHA Job Board CARLE PLACE, NY PERMIT NO 35

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INSIDE. 2021 GRAND PINEAPPLE GOLF CHALLENGE SEPTEMBER 15 WYNLAKES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB MONTGOMERY, AL

ARHANOW

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALABAMA RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION

334.244.1320 3 S. Jackson Street Montgomery, AL 36104 ARHAONLINE.COM

MINDY HANAN President & CEO

SHEA PERKINS Senior Director of Membership

CHEF JESSICA HENRY Director of ProStart Program

ALISON INGLE Director of Communications

MELISSA MARTIN Project Coordinator

FROM THE PRESIDENT

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ARHA HAPPENINGS

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

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2021 BARTENDER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

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2021 PROSTART COMPETITION RECAP

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ALCOHOL DELIVERY IN ALABAMA SET TO BEGIN OCTOBER 1

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2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAP

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2021 STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARDS

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2021 GRAND PINEAPPLE GOLF CHALLENGE

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ARHA JOB BOARD

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ARHA LOCAL CHAPTERS

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ALABAMA PROSTART SCHOOL RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE RACHAEL RAY FOUNDATION

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2021 ARHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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TECH TRENDS: DIGITAL MENUS/QR CODES

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ARHACARE HEALTH CARE PLAN

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from the

PRESIDENT You are Our Strength - None of Us is as Strong as All of Us

T MINDY HANAN President & CEO, ARHA

he 2021 legislative session was a huge success for ARHA members.

We scored a big win with one of the best COVID-19 liability protection laws in the country. ARHA also fought to ensure that PPP funds and Restaurant Recovery Funds would remain tax free at both the state and federal level, ensuring that the funds are put to use in your business and not creating an additional tax liability.

Throughout the past year, ARHA members have worked with our elected officials to minimize the negative effects of Covid-19 and to make sure our voices were heard. It is expected that we will have several special sessions of the Legislature in the upcoming months. The State will have to address redistricting of both our federal and state legislative districts due to the 2020 census; prison reform remains an ongoing, unsettled issue and the State’s allocation of the $2 billion American Rescue Plan funds has yet to be decided. As we move forward, a key component of ARHA’s work with local, state, and federal elected officials in 2021 will be to greatly expand the relationships that we have already forged by connecting our members and industry leaders across the state with senators, representatives, and local officials. You can help by letting us know about relationships that you may already enjoy so that we can help you leverage those relationships into positive outcomes for our great industry.

The labor shortage our industry is experiencing is unprecedented and ARHA is working to provide solutions to assist in recruitment and retention for the industry. One new tool that we have put together is GreatAlabamaJobs.com, an easy to use website for our members and job seekers. Job postings for ARHA members are free. If you need help with setting up your listing you can email melissa@arhaonline.com for assistance. An additional retention tool that we have added for our members is our association sponsored Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama health insurance program. Through our combined buying power, we are able to offer our members better benefits at a reduced cost. For more information contact Jeremy McDonald with Petra RMS at (205) 704-1672.

ARHA is continually working to develop our workforce and spread the word that restaurants and hotels are the industry of opportunity. In May, we held our ProStart Invitational and we have so many young people in Alabama that are excited about our industry. Also, ARHA has been working with Chancellor Jimmy Baker of the Alabama Community College System to develop non-degree industry certifications that will be offered statewide for restaurant and hotel employees at both the entry level and supervisory levels.

Throughout the last year, our industry has continued to show its resilience. At the same time, the industry has also been recognized by all levels of government as the economic powerhouse that we are. As we move forward to brighter days, it is important that we capitalize on this recognition; that we step through the doors which have been opened and that together we position our industry for the best recovery possible.

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ARHA Happenings

Dothan Chapter Meeting - DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Guest speaker: Aaron McCreight, President & CEO of Visit Dothan.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka in coordination with Birmingham Restaurant Week and Style Advertising presented a donation check to the AL Hospitality Workers Relief Fund in May.

Birmingham Chapter Meeting - The Southern Kitchen & Bar. Guest Speaker: William Parker, Birmingham City Council.

ARHA Summer Board Meeting: ARHA President & CEO Mindy Hanan, Rep. Jerry Carl, and ARHA Chairman of the Board, Bob Omainsky, Wintzell’s (Mobile).

Gadsden Chapter Meeting - The Rail Public House

The ARHA Summer Board Meeting was held on June 8 at the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook Hotel.

Gadsden Chapter Meeting - The Rail Public House with Senator Andrew Jones

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WELCOME. New Members RESTAURANT B. Graves Restaurant & Bar

Troy

Creekside BBQ

Pelham

Druid City Social

Tuscaloosa

Lloyd’s Restaurant

Birmingham

Eli’s Hamburger Heaven

Birmingham

Frosty Front

Guin

Goodland Pour House

Madison

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

Foley

Saw’s BBQ

Homewood

The Dessert Fork

Harvest

The Outpost Casual Dining Restaurant

New Brockton

Druid City Social, Tuscaloosa

Lloyd’s Restaurant, Birmingham

LODGING Hilton Garden Inn Eastchase

Montgomery

Hilton Garden Inn Eastchase, Montgomery

ALLIED United Business Integration Resources, LLC Auburn Checkle Inc

Huntsville

Fifth Generation Inc.

Birmingham

Think LLP

Newport Beach

Fifth Generation dba Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Bartender 2 0 2 1

COMPETITION

We are looking for “Bama’s Best Bartender” The Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association (ARHA) is looking for the state’s best bartenders to compete in our cocktail showdown!!!

Regional winners will compete at the 2021 state competition on Monday, November 8 in Birmingham against other regional finalists. The state winner will be crowned the “Bartender of the Year” and take home the $1,500 grand prize and trophy!

SIGN UP ↓

The annual competition is open to all professional bartenders in the state.

AUBURN:

HUNTSVILLE:

MOBILE:

BIRMINGHAM:

The Hotel at Auburn University October 4 @ 5:30 pm

The Westin Hotel Bridge St. Town Centre October 11 @ 5:30 pm

The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa October 18 @ 5:30 pm

The Lumbar 212 29th St. S October 25 @ 5:30 pm

PRIZES:

• Regional - $350 1st Place / $150 2nd Place / $100 3rd Place Winners will also receive plaques and prizes!

• State - $1,500 Grand Prize / $700 2nd Place / $500 3rd Place / $300 4th Place

JUDGING CRITERIA: • Speed

• Taste & Creativity

• Crowd Interaction/Showmanship

• State - Coveted trophy for one year

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

HOW TO SIGN UP:

• Apply online at ARHAonline.com or scan the QR code to apply • Questions? Call 334.244.1320 or email sperkins@arhaonline.com

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2021 2021

PROSTART® INVITATIONAL THE WESTIN HUNTSVILLE | MAY 3

THANK YOU

Boaz High School Bob Jones High School Calhoun County Career Academy Career Academies of Decatur Eden Career Tech Culinary Academy Huntsville Center for Technology

Opelika High School Pelham High School Pinson Valley High School Shelby County CTEC Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy

TO OUR

SPONSORS THANK YOU SPONSORS

#prostartAL #apsi2021 #madeinprostart #arhaonline L or e

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HUNTSVILLE CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY 2nd Place Culinary

OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL Best Beef Entree Award

EDEN CAREER TECH CULINARY ACADEMY 3rd Place Culinary

HUNTSVILLE CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY Knife Skills Award

PINSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 2nd Place Management

OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL Spirit & Teamwork Award - Culinary

SHELBY COUNTY CTEC 3rd Place Management

PINSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Spirit & Teamwork Award - Management

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CULINARY COMPETITION: 1st Place: Pelham High School 2nd Place: Huntsville Center For Technology 3rd Place: Eden Career Tech Culinary Academy MANAGEMENT COMPETITION:

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 1st Place Culinary

1st Place: Eden Career Tech Culinary Academy 2nd Place: Pinson Valley High School 3rd Place: Shelby County CTEC BEST BEEF ENTREE (SPONSORED BY ALABAMA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION):

Opelika High School KNIFE SKILLS: Huntsville Center For Technology SPIRIT & TEAMWORK AWARD–CULINARY: Opelika High School SPIRIT & TEAMWORK AWARD–MANAGEMENT: EDEN CAREER TECH CULINARY ACADEMY 1st Place Management

A total of 13 teams representing 11 high school hospitality and culinary programs in Alabama met in Huntsville on Monday, May 3 for the 2021 Alabama ProStart Student Invitational. The competition is hosted annually by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association Foundation (ARHAF). We extend a huge thank you to The Westin Huntsville for hosting this year’s event.

ProStart is a high school program that gives students interested in foodservice careers a head start by teaching culinary techniques and management skills through an industry-driven curriculum. Upon successful completion of the ProStart Program, students receive an industryrecognized certificate – and employers get wellprepared, enthusiastic employees.

The Alabama ProStart Student Invitational is a competition which showcases the culinary, management and academic talents of students from high schools across the state. The student teams compete in both culinary and management

Pinson Valley High School

events which are judged by industry professionals and experts. ProStart is a high school program that gives students interested in foodservice careers a head start by teaching culinary techniques and management skills through an industry-driven curriculum. Upon successful completion of the ProStart Program, students receive an industryrecognized certificate and employers get wellprepared, enthusiastic employees.

“ProStart students represent the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry,” said Mindy Hanan, Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association President and CEO. “This Competition is an incredible opportunity for those students to showcase the skills learned in the classroom through the ProStart program and their passion for this industry.”

The winning teams would usually go on to compete at the national competition. Unfortunately, the event was not held this year due to the pandemic.

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ALCOHOL DELIVERY in Alabama Effective October 1, 2021

In April, Governor Kay Ivey signed S.B. 126 into law, a bill that will allow licensed businesses in the state to deliver sealed containers of beer, wine, and spirits to patrons’ homes beginning October 1, 2021.

Under the law, qualified businesses interested in delivering alcohol will have to file an application with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and pay a non-refundable filing fee of $100 and a $250 license fee.

Businesses may elect to use either their employees or third party contractors to deliver alcohol.

Potential qualified businesses include grocery stores, independent package stores, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and restaurants.

Businesses would be limited to a 75-mile delivery radius and may only deliver alcoholic beverages during hours when alcohol may be legally sold.

All orders must be delivered to customers within 24 hours. Customers will also have a limit on the amount of alcoholic beverages they can order in a 24-hour window: • Beer (with the exception of draft beer) may not exceed the equivalent of 120, 12-ounce containers of beer per customer.

• Draft beer may be sold in accordance with ABC Board rules and may not exceed 288 ounces per customer.

• Wine may be sold in any size container, provided the total amount delivered does not exceed 9,000 milliliters per customer.

• Spirits may be sold in any size bottle, provided the total amount delivered does not exceed 9,000 milliliters per customer.

Special Restaurant Considerations: • Restaurants, however, may not exceed 375 milliliters of spirits per customer.

• All alcohol deliveries from restaurants must be sealed and also be accompanied by a meal.

Customers ordering alcohol would have to provide a valid I.D. to delivery businesses and an adult over 21 would be required to sign for the alcohol delivery. The law requires businesses to have scanning technology or an ABC Board-approved alternative that would be able to verify customer identification. Under the law, delivery service providers must return alcoholic beverages to the retailer if the intended recipient is under the age of 21, appears intoxicated, or fails to provide valid proof of identification. Delivery drivers may not deliver to college residence halls.

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2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION A Few ARHA-Supported Bills That Passed: ARHA SPONSORED PETS ON THE PATIO A bill requested by several ARHA members cleared its final hurdle the final day of the session. The bill allows pets (dogs) in outdoor dining areas if they comply with ten provisions. It is permissive and up to the restaurant owner to allow for it. The primary provisions require an entrance to the outdoor that doesn’t require going through the restaurant to get to it and the dog is on a leash or in a pet carrier. It also requires the restaurant to post a “prominent” sign that the outdoor dining area is available for patrons with dogs. The bill becomes law on August 1st.

NO STATE INCOME TAXES ON RELIEF FUNDS Businesses, individuals and nonprofits do not have to pay state income taxes on federal coronavirus relief benefits received in 2020 or 2021, plus Alabama businesses will see reduced taxes, under Act No. 2021-1, which the governor signed on February 12. Eliminating the state income tax on federal relief benefits, including Paycheck Protection Program loans and stimulus checks, was a top priority of the Legislature and the governor. The law codifies an executive action taken by the governor on December 11.

ARHA BACKED REMOVAL OF STATE INCOME TAX ON RESTAURANTS’ FEDERAL RESCUE MONEY In one of its final moves of the 2021 session, the legislature ensured that restaurant owners do not have to pay state income taxes on the newest round of COVID-19 federal relief. This language was tacked on to a bill dealing with a tax credit for storm shelters. A bill was pending that could not pass that clarified the tax code to ensure restaurant grants in the Biden administration’s 1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan did not raise the state income tax liability for owners. Roberts, a Senator from Mountain Brook, said Alabama restaurants are expected to receive about $426 million in grants and if lawmakers didn’t act the businesses would be taxed on that money. HB227 that contained this language was the final vote before the Senate adjourned.

WATERED DOWN VERSION OF BILL DEALING WITH DISPARAGEMENT CONTRACTS The bill dealing with disparagement contracts eeked out of the legislature only after business-friendly amendments were added to the final passed version of the bill.

EMPLOYEE/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP DEFINED FOR TAX PURPOSES ARHA members have previously been penalized by following the IRS guidelines for employee/independent contractor relationships to find out that the State of Alabama Dept. of Labor and Revenue held them to a different standard.

This year, ARHA pushed to encourage the legislators to correct that practice. The bill became law on July 1, 2021.

It gives a safe harbor for those who follow the Federal guidelines when determining whether a worker is an employee for purposes of benefits and tax liabilities.

HISTORIC REHABILITATION TAX CREDIT The tax credit boosts potential for the restaurant, lodging and tourism industry to garner opportunities from the revitalization of many historic sites throughout the state and particularly in the metropolitan areas. The program allows the developer or owner of a property that is at least 60 years old to be eligible for a state tax credit of 25% of qualified rehabilitation expenses. The state credits can be in addition to a 20% federal historic tax credit offered to income-produce programs. The state incentive began in 2013, and has fueled investment in revitalizing older and abandoned structures mostly in larger cities like Birmingham and Mobile. Iconic buildings like the Lyric Theater, The Admiral Hotel and the Pizitz Food Hall have been renovated within the past decade thanks, in part, to the support from the tax credit.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PROTECTION HB 103 – By Representative Kiel- This law provides that, during a state of emergency involving a pandemic, epidemic, bioterrorism event, or the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated infectious disease or biological toxin, any business, church, mosque, synagogue, or other bona fide religious institution may continue or resume those business or religious operations if the business or religious entity complies with any applicable emergency order, rule, or regulation issued by the Governor, a state department or agency, or governing body which authorizes other business entities to operate under certain safety precautions.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 GRAND BOHEMIAN MOUNTAIN BROOK BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

• Nominations • Open!

Scan to nominate your Star employees!

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ARHA OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR 2021 STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARDS The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s 2021 Stars of the Industry Awards is an annual gala to recognize exemplary performance and service in hospitality across the state. This event draws hundreds of restaurant, hospitality, and tourism professionals from around the state.

SPONSORSHIP

This awards program is open for anyone who wishes to recognize an industry employee, manager, property or supplier for his or her outstanding performance. Each nomination category is further broken down by specific department and property size.

$500 Bronze Sponsor Recognition on Event Signage Recognition in Event Program

HOW TO NOMINATE: • You do not have to be a member to nominate someone for an award.

• Nominations may be entered in more than one category.

• Nomination Deadline: September 20, 2021.

NOMINATION CATEGORIES: Front of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year Back of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year Back of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year Hospitality Department Manager of the Year Restaurant Manager of the Year Best New Culinarian of the Year Chef of the Year Supplier of the Year Tourism Promoter of the Year Humanitarian Award Restaurateur of the Year Small Hotelier of the Year Hotelier of the Year Spirit Award

Opportunities

$1,000 Silver Sponsor 4 Dinner Tickets (not reserved seating) Recognition on Event Signage Recognition in Event Program Recognition on ARHA website ​Reconition on Social Media $1,500 Reserved Table Reserved Table 10 Dinner Tickets Recognition in Event Program $2,500 Gold Sponsor Reserved Table 10 Dinner Tickets Logo on Event Signage Logo on ARHA Website Logo in Event Program Half Page Ad in Magazine Recognition on Social Media $5,000 Platinum Sponsor Reserved Tables 20 Dinner Tickets Logo on Marketing Materials Logo on Event Signage On-Screen Logo at Event Logo on ARHA Website Recognition in Event Program Recognition at Awards Dinner Full Page Ad in Magazine​ ​Recognition on Social Media

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Wednesday, September 15 Four-Man Scramble | Registration 9 am | Shotgun Start 10 am Wynlakes Golf & Country Club | 7900 Wynlakes Blvd, Montgomery

Everyone wins a DOOR PRIZE such as beach trips, spa outings, hotel stays, dinners, and much more!

SPONSORSHIPS: Sample delicious food & beverages on every hole!

RESTAURANTS - WANT TO SET UP ON THE COURSE?

bit.ly/TasteattheTeesignup

$200 per golfer | $750 foursome | Registration Open to the Public 334.244.1320

ARHAonline.com

Limited spots! Register today!

ARHAonline.com/ARHAgolf

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ALABAMA'S RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IS

NOW HIRING POST YOUR JOB OPENINGS FOR FREE ON THE ARHA JOB BOARD (Free for ARHA Members. Non-Members can post for a small fee.)

JOBSEEKERS: SEARCH FOR JOBS IN OUR INDUSTRY & POST YOUR RESUME FOR FREE!

ARHAONLINE.COM

Restaurant Insurance Coverage Specialist Since 1979.

Property Insurance Restaurant Liability Auto & Delivery Crime Excess Umbrella

Workers Compensation Liquor Liability Employment Related Discrimination Trade Name Restoration Food Borne Illness

All Types of Restaurants - Family, Fast Food, White Tablecloth Special Programs for Franchise Operations Bars & Taverns

2032 Valleydale Road Birmingham, AL 35244

CLAYTON TAYLOR, ext. 103 205.988.0800 800-476-0801 clayton@aieins.com

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GET INVOLVED Become active in your local ARHA chapter.

T

o support our advocacy and membership activities, the ARHA is comprised of ten chapters throughout the state. Each chapter is led by a chapter president and serviced by association staff. Local chapters enable members to share ideas and focus their energy on local events and issues.

Chapters provide members with educational opportunities andlocal events.

The ARHA Chapters’ purpose is to: • Localize member experience • Develop and cultivate leaders in the restaurant. and hosptiality industry • Provide knowledgeable guest speakers • Present ideas and share best practices • Support advocacy efforts at the local level • Promote philanthropy and be more involved with the ARHA Foundation and ProStart program.

Mike Jester mike.jester@e-hps.com 561.213.6573

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The Rachael Ray Foundation Selects Alabama ProStart School to Receive Classroom Grant

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den Career Tech Culinary Academy (ECTCA), located in Moody, Alabama, will receive $5,000 in special funding to update and expand their ProStart program thanks to The Rachael Ray Foundation (RRF).

Through The Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) will provide 27 grants, totaling $135,000, to ProStart schools that have demonstrated a strong need to engage and educate high school students interested in exploring restaurant and foodservice jobs and careers. ECTCA was selected as one of the 27 schools to receive $5,000 in funding for the initiative.

ProStart, a two-year career and technical education program focused on culinary arts and restaurant management, is offered in 1,700 schools across the country and currently enrolls 130,000 students. This school year, ProStart educators have largely adapted to the COVID19 restrictions with a mix of virtual and in-person learning, posing challenges for students to learn the hands-on skills the program often requires. Funding from the RRF ProStart Grow Grants will enable Eden Career Tech to purchase classroom equipment and supplies.

“ProStart educators and students have persevered through this difficult year and are continuing to pursue their passions for restaurants and foodservice against all odds” said Rachael Ray, award-winning television personality and philanthropist. “The Rachael Ray Foundation is proud to support their dreams to become future chefs and restaurateurs and provide them with the resources they need to be successful in their classrooms. We can’t wait to see what these students will accomplish.”

Winning schools awarded a ProStart Grow Grant were required to demonstrate how the program is positively impacting their students and the community. Grants are valued at $5,000 per school. ECTCA is an award-wining ProStart school located in St. Clair County and the culinary program is overseen by Chef Melissa Allphin.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT: GET REBATES LIKE THE BIG CHAINS DO • No Cost to Participate • No contracts • Easy to Sign up Contact Shea Perkins at 334.244.1320 or sperkins@arhaonline.com.

Serving up savings.

Cooking with electric could save you money. Get up to $1,000 back when you purchase new or used electric cooking equipment. You’ll experience lower maintenance costs, faster preheating, consistent food quality and a cooler kitchen. That means even more savings.

Put up to $1,000 back on your plate and enjoy all the benefits of electric cooking. Visit AlabamaPower.com/bizoffers to learn more.

Limited time only, exclusions apply.

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Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chairman

Bob Omainsky Fried Stewed & Nude​, Mobile

Chairman-Elect

Penny Groux Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach

Secretary

Chris Townsley RAM Hotels

Immediate Past Chairman Toby Wilson

Wilson Hospitality Management Company, Tuscaloosa President/CEO

Mindy B. Hanan Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association

OTHER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Bill Lloyd - Druid City Social, Tuscaloosa Wayne Reaves - Manna Enterprises Brandt Tucker - Proud Willie’s Wings & Stuff, Auburn

BOARD MEMBERS RESTAURANTS Gabrielle Barnett - LuLu’s Gulf Shores Jamie Black - Black Family Restaurants Jud Blount - Vintage Hospitality Group David Conklin - Firehouse Subs Scott Dirting - Windcreek Resorts Stephen Goode - The Southern Kitchen & Bar Brian Harsany - Cosmo’s and Cobalt Cynthia Shea Hart - Cyn Shea’s Adam Keeshan - Ariccia Clark Lopez - Rojo Bob Parker - Dreamland BBQ Robin Thagard - Bella’s Fine Dining

LODGING Kent Blackinton - Renaissance Riverview Plaza Larry Bowser - Shoals Marriott Sharon Delmar - Poarch Band of Creek Indians Andrew Dorough - Westin Huntsville Craig Hillyard - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa Alan Patel - Comfort Inn Homewood Nanda Patel - Holiday Inn Gadsden Sanjay Patel - Baron Hoover LLC Rick Smith - Renaissance Ross Bridge Matt Sterley - Hyatt - Wynfrey Hotel Hans van der Reijden - Ithaka Hospitality Jorg Wesche - Grand Bohemian Hotel

TOURISM David Clark - Visit Mobile Sara Hamlin - Greater Birmingham CVB Pam Williams - Huntsville/Madison County CVB Don Staley - Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports

ADVISORY COUNCIL Bob Baumhower - Aloha Hospitality Jeremy Bilotto - US Foods Bob Crawford - United-Johnson Brothers of AL Patti Culp - Alabama Travel Council Kim Digilarmo - Bloomin’ Brands Eric Duggan - US Foods Mark Grenier - Topgolf Ralph Ham - Sysco Nick Hartmann - Alabama Power Company Will Haver - Taco Mama Matt Hood - Hotel Capstone Paul Howard - Buffalo Rock Company Paul Hufstedler - US Foods Mike Jester - Heartland Jim Keller - Grand National Opelika Alex Lamote - Sculpture Hospitality George Lane - Wood Fruitticher Food Service David Martin - Auburn University Jeremy McDonald - Petra RMS Joseph Mitchell - Jeff State Community College Alvin Niuh - University of Alabama Geoff Plott - Prichett Moore Inc. Tami Reist - AL Mountain Lakes Tourist Assoc.

James Robinson - Spire Energy Bob Schoeneck - BRESCO Judy Shimoda-Stiff - TSC Associates Clayton Taylor - Alabama Insurance Exchange

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Tech Trends

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DIGITAL MENUS QR CODES HAVE BEEN AN INEXPENSIVE SOLUTION — ALLOWING GUESTS TO SCAN THE CODES WITH THEIR SMARTPHONES TO VIEW MENUS AND, IN SOME CASES, ORDER AS WELL.

R

estaurant operators are featuring digital menus among their technology upgrades. By scanning a QR code, a customer can navigate directly to an online menu that displays on their smartphone, tablet or computer. QR codes save restaurants money, are much easier to update and are defintely more environmentally friendly. Once thought to be a dying technology, this seems to be a pandemic-inspired trend that is here to stay. Not without limits, many restaurants check with their customers to be sure they are comfortoble using QR codes or if they need a paper menu. These are the percentages of restaurants that have added QR-code enabled menus.

OTHER WAYS TO UTILIZE QR CODES:

• PAYMENT OPTIONS • ORDER AHEAD • TO GO/CURBSIDE ORDERS • SEPARATE MENUS (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Kids, etc.)

54% 50%

48%

32% 21% 13% FAMILY DINING

CASUAL DINING

FINE DINING

QUICK SERVICE

FAST CASUAL

COFFEE /

Source: 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry Report from the National Restaurant Association

Why Participate?

The Hospitality Benefits Solution.

ARHA offers high-quality, affordable group health benefits from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to member companies and their employees.

Lower Premiums Easy Plan Designs Complete Benefit Offering Turnkey Benefit Administration Customized Communication Complete ACA Compliance Support Nationwide Network (BCBS)

www.ARHAcare.com Jeremy McDonald | 205.354.2704 jmcdonald@petraRMS.com