ARHA NOW Vol. 6 Issue #1

ARHANOW

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALABAMA RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION

HOTEL FINIAL: SENATOR DEL MARSH RESTORES HISTORIC ANNISTON HOTEL PAGE 6

2017 ProStartÂ®

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PAID

VOLUME 6 ISSUE #1

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAGE 10

CARLE PLACE, NY PERMIT NO 35

STUDENT INVITATIONAL

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Tuesday, October 17, 2017Â Robert Trent Jones at Oxmoor Valley Birmingham, alabama Proceeds to Benefit the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Foundation

For more info, contact Rebecca Paulk at 334.244.1320 or rebecca@arhaonline.com

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INSIDE. 2017 PROSTART STUDENT INVITATIONAL RECAP

ARHANOW THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALABAMA RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION

phone: 334.244.1320 fax: 334.244.9800 3 S. Jackson Street Montgomery, AL 36104 www.arhaonline.com

MINDY HANAN President & CEO

ALISON INGLE Director of Communications

FROM THE PRESIDENT

HOTEL FINIAL

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

2017 PROSTART COMPETITION RECAP

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS REPORT

2017 NRA STATE PROJECTIONS OVERVIEW

AHLA LODGING ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

2017 NRA PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

2017 AHLA LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT

ARHA HAPPENINGS

REBECCA PAULK

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS FROM

Director of Administration & Special Events

DRIVE-BY ADA LAWSUITS

SHEA PERKINS

ARHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2017 STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARDS

Director of Member Relations

SUSAN STARR Director of Education

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ARHANOW

from the

PRESIDENT

T MINDY HANAN President & CEO, ARHA

he ARHA is continuing to achieve increases in membership and engagement. We need to continue to expand our advocacy at local, state and federal levels. The restaurant and lodging industries play a vital role in the success of our state. It is important that we remain vigilant in keeping and creating a positive business environment for our industries! Already this year, we have had many issues come up in the Alabama legislature that would be detrimental to our members. We have had issues with lodging tax, liquor taxes and a bathroom bill all which could have a negative effect on your business. The Association is also putting forth a “brunch bill” to give local governments who already have Sunday sales the authority to change -- by resolution -- the time alcohol can be served to 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. We are excited about the momentum that the ARHA is creating. We ask that you help us by participating in the 2017 Legislative Day in Montgomery on April 18. It’s a wonderful opportunity to educate the legislature, media and Alabamians about the importance of our industry. It’s your chance to talk directly to lawmakers about your concerns. At the end of the day, we will again participate with the Alabama Tourism Partnership in the Legislative Bash. The bash showcases some of Alabama’s finest restaurants and hotels to the Legislature. It is our opportunity to show them the difference we are making in our local communities and the value we add to the Alabama economy. To sign up for these events, visit ARHAonline.com.

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Congratulations to Albertville High School for winning the 2017 ProStart Culinary Competition and Moody High School for winning the 2017 ProStart management competition. Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who participated to make this event a success! The winners of the competition were awarded scholarships to assist them in pursuing their careers in the culinary and hospitality management fields. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Joseph Mitchell with The Culinary & Hospitality Institute at Jefferson State Community College for hosting the event again. Without their generous support, the event would not be possible. ProStart® is a wonderful program that brings together the industry and the classroom. If you are interested in learning how you can participate, please call Susan Starr at the ARHA office. The school has an online fundraiser at Gofundme.com to help fund their trip to the 2017 National ProStart® Competition if you would like to make a donation. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the industry and your active participation in the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association. Your involvement and contributions to the industry are critical to our success. Please let us know how we can be of service to you.

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HOTEL FINIAL The Perfect Mix of Old & New in Downtown Anniston

SPENCER’S BAR » The property’s bar, located inside the carriage house, is made of reclaimed wood from the former Avondale MIlls in Sylacauga and is named after Ginger’s father.

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Hotel Finial, located in Anniston, Alabama, opened in the spring of 2016 after months of renovations. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, and his wife, Ginger Marsh, acquired the hotel from the city in 2015 and spent more than $2 million revitalizing the nearly 130-year-old Queen Anne-style home and related buildings. Hotel Finial, named for the weather vane that stands atop the home’s turret, is the only boutique hotel in the area and has fifty-six guest rooms along with an additional five specialty suites, meeting rooms, cottage, pool, patio area, and carriage house which serves as the check-in desk and bar area. Recently, ARHA sat down with Senator Marsh to inquire about how he and his wife became involved in this landmark hospitality project and what he envisions for the future.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY? The city of Anniston had taken control of the former Victoria Inn property and it was in much disrepair. City leaders recognized the significance of the historical property and also being the only hotel in the downtown vicinity. The city issued a request for RFPs and my wife Ginger and I put in the only offer. We both really felt it was a project that would be best served by a local person living in the community that truly understood the need for this beautiful property to be restored to its potential and how it could benefit Anniston’s economy as well. The property presented challenges as it was not a standard renovation because it is also a historic property. Since that would be problematic for hotel investors, we were actually the only ones to submit a proposal for the property.

DOES THE HOTEL HAVE A RESTAURANT ON-SITE? No, we offer a buffet-style breakfast. However, it was always our plan to be a catalyst for other downtown businesses and we encourage our guests to enjoy the downtown dining establishments. We do offer Spencer’s Bar, named after Ginger’s father, located inside the carriage house. The bar mainly serves our guests, special events and a few locals, mainly young professionals.

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HOW DID YOU ACCOMPLISH COMBINING THE OLD AND THE NEW REGARDS TO THE DESIGN? In terms of the final product from where we started, it’s exceeded our expectations. The hotel is the only 19th-century Queen Anne Victorian-style home left standing on Quintard Avenue. We knew the historical significance of the home and felt like it was important to preserve that. Since the property was in such bad shape, we opted to completely gut the guest rooms and renovate them with new flooring, plumbing and lighting. In the main house, we refinished the hardwood floors and replaced the plumbing and electrical. Each guest room headboard is made of hard pine salvaged from the old Avondale Mills in Sylacuaga and the beds were constructed by local ironworkers. The bar/check-in desk and cabinetry are also made from the reclaimed wood and the large red oak table is made of a crosssection of a large tree trunk that had fallen on the property. It was a challenge to restore the property while balancing the historical nature while bringing in the modern amenities offered at most other hotels. My wife Ginger likes to call the approach pastforward.

SINCE COMPLETING THE RENOVATION, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE? We knew from the beginning that weekend would be our best time for business. The property is gated and lends itself beautifully to host weddings, reunions, and other special events. It is also the perfect place for a weekend getaway. However, it has been a challenge the attract the weekday business traveler. We have recently hired a marketing firm to help us reach the corporate sector. We are beginning to host group meetings such as racing industry groups visiting Talladega and the Robert Trent Jones golf course nearby. Local corporations are beginning to use the hotel to host their out-of-town guests as well.

We need to find the perfect balance of corporate, leisure, group, and event sales to reach our goal of 50% occupancy and be profitable. The positive thing is once we have a guest come stay and experience the property, they are generally going to be a repeat customer.

HOW ARE YOUR GUEST REVIEWS? So far, the reviews have been over-thetop positive and have a 4.5 star on Trip Advisor.

HOW DOES THE LOCAL TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE AREA IMPACT THE HOTEL AND VICE VERSA? The hotel is great for Anniston’s economy by creating jobs with a current staff of 12 and bringing in patrons. The location is close to historic downtown Anniston’s restaurants, shops and museums, as well as being within close proximity to the Mount Cheaha and Talladega Superspeedway. We hope to attract all sorts of travelers from business, bicycling, motorcyclists, and vintage car enthusiasts. Our gated property offers an additional level of security for these travelers when attending events. Anniston is becoming a popular destination for bicycling enthusiasts as home to the Goldwater Mountain and Chief Ladiga bike trails and many others nearby. Marsh Properties built the hotel with this in mind. Five of the guest rooms include a bike rack and each of the rooms have a tile entry way. There is also a bike cleaning station on the property and we are working with our marketing firm to further target this market.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY THUS FAR? We enjoy it quite a lot. It is very hands-on and a 24 hours a day / 7 days a week type of job. We are there every day we are in town. However, I have a lot of satisfaction in having saved the property and have fun running the hotel. Ginger especially enjoys planning the special events and the day-to-day operations of the hotel. “I have to believe that over time the hotel will become a destination.”

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WELCOME. New Members RESTAURANT Another Level

Montgomery

Briquette’s Steakhouse

Mobile

DIP Seafood, LLC

Mobile

Johnny Gryll’s

Huntsville

Peachstate Concessionaires INC

Snellville

Streets Seafood Restaurant

Bay Minette

Sundown

Montgomery

Taco Mama

Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville

Taco Mama, Homewood

ALLIED Buffalo Rock

Birmingham

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POWER TO THE

ELECTRIC KITCHEN

ÂŠ 2016 Alabama Power Company

With reduced cleanup time, lower maintenance cost, and longer equipment life, electric cooking gives you a more efficient and cooler kitchen. When you add in faster preheating, faster recovery and less product shrinkage, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see how electricity gives you the power to save while giving your menu the preparation it deserves. Call 1.888.430.5787 to learn more about the benefits of electric cooking.

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COMPETITION RECAP.

JEFFERSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | BIRMINGHAM, AL | FEBRUARY 4, 2017

Albertville High School Boaz High School Calhoun County Career Academy Fort Payne High School Holtville High School Huntsville Center for Technology Montevallo High School

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Pelham High School Pinson Valley High School Selma High School St. Clair County/Moody High School South Baldwin Center for Technology Wenonah High School

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MOODY HIGH SCHOOL 1st Place Management Team

2017 WINNERS: CULINARY: Albertville High School

1st Place

Pelham High School

2nd Place

St. Clair County/Moody

3rd Place

MANAGEMENT: St. Clair County/Moody

1st Place

South Baldwin - Team 2

2nd Place

South Baldwin - Team 1

3rd Place

ALBERTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 1st Place Culinary Team

Twenty teams representing 13 high school hospitality and culinary programs from across Alabama met in Birmingham on February 4, 2017 for the annual Alabama ProStart® Student Invitational. Hosted by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association Foundation (ARHAF), the competition took place at The Culinary & Hospitality Institute of Jefferson State Community College. “ProStart students represent the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry,” said Mindy Hanan, Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association President and CEO. “This Competition is an incredible opportunity for those students to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned through the ProStart program, and their passion for this industry. We are excited to see the results from countless hours of preparation throughout the school year.” 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

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ProStart Program, students can receive an industryrecognized certificate – and employers get wellprepared, enthusiastic employees. The Alabama ProStart Student Invitational showcases the culinary and management talents of Alabama’s top ProStart students from high schools across the state. Students compete in teams of four in culinary and management events and are judged by industry professionals and experts. The top winners in both the culinary and management events are crowned state champions and receive a variety of scholarships. The winning teams also advance to compete at the National ProStart Invitational, April 2017 in South Carolina where more than $1 Million in scholarships are awarded to the top five teams in both events. Currently in Alabama, 27 high schools and career tech centers follow the ProStart program with approximately 2,000 students participating. For more information about ProStart, contact Susan Starr at 334.244.1320, visit ARHAonline.com/ prostart, or find us on social media.

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PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2nd Place Culinary Team

ST. CLAIR COUNTY/MOODY 3rd Place Culinary Team

SOUTH BALDWIN - TEAM 2 2nd Place Management Team

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LegislativeREPORT Minimum Wage Increase, Bathroom Bill Tops List of 2017 Priorities

DEBORAH MILLER Miller Development Group

he ARHA team began scouring the pre-filed bills prior to the start of the 2017 session and has already identified several proposals that are problematic to those in our industry. After battling the minimum wage increase bill last session and working to pre-empt any ordinances from enacting a bill for their area only, HB 26 is already in the hopper. HB 26 by Rep. Juandalynn Givan-Birmingham, increases hourly wages to a rate not less than $10 per hour, and for tipped employees’ wages to not fall below 30 percent of the established minimum wage. This bill not only establishes a state minimum wage, which contradicts

the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, but also lays out provisions for enforcement of the legislation by the Alabama Department of Labor. HB 26 also includes fines for ARHA members that are in violation of the bill, if enacted into law. The minimum wage increase only gets higher come 2020: The bill would provide for an increase on Jan. 1, 2020, and every three years thereafter based on the Consumer Price Index of the preceding the year. HB 26 is assigned to the House State Government Committee. Notably, most recently on Feb. 1, 2017 U.S. Federal District Judge David Proctor dismissed a lawsuit that tried to allow a minimum wage increase in the City of Birmingham to $10.10 per hour, despite the Legislature and Governor signing a law forbidding the wage increase. Minimum wage is back again, regardless of 2016 Legislative Session outcome. The Bathroom Bill could be burdensome for ARHA members.

The other bill that your ARHA team has identified in the pre-filed bills includes SB 1. While this bill is well intentioned there appears to be severe consequences both for a hotel or restaurant but also the tourism industry in general. According to news accounts, a similar bill in North Carolina, dubbed “The Bathroom Bill,” resulted in loss revenues from tourism events that cancelled due to the implementation of a similar bill. The Alabama version of the Bathroom Bill would establish the Alabama Privacy Act which imposes requirements on any person or entity that maintains public rest rooms, bathrooms, or changing facilities regarding privacy and the gender of the persons admitted. SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Phil Williams-Gadsden, was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Provisions are expected in the near future—stay up-to-date with our weekly ARHA Legislative Update email newsletter.

2017 ARHA LEGISLATIVE DAY RAISE YOUR VOICE April 18 VISIT ARHAONLINE.COM TO LEARN MORE.

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Alabama

ARHANOW

RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE Restaurants are a driving force in Alabama’s economy. They provide jobs and build careers for thousands of people, and play a vital role in local communities throughout the state.

7,845

185,300

Eating and drinking place locations in Alabama in 2015

Restaurant and foodservice jobs in Alabama in 2017 = 9% of employment in the state

$8.1 billion

And by 2027, that number is projected to grow by 13.3%

Projected sales in Alabama’s restaurants in 2017

= 24,700 additional jobs, for a total of 210,000

HOW BIG IS AMERICA’S RESTAURANT INDUSTRY?

LOCATIONS SALES EMPLOYMENT

1 MILLION+ serving millions every day $799 BILLION = 4% of the U.S. GDP 14.7 MILLION PEOPLE = 10% of the nation’s workforce

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$8.4 billion

$3.2 billion

54,000

12.9 million

occupied room nights annually

guest rooms

Hotel sales (revenue, plus certain taxes) increased to $1.6 billion. The hotel industry supports $2.6 billion of labor income, including $526 million at hotel operations. Hotels support $1.1 billion of federal, state and local taxes. This is equivalent to $612 per household annually.

•

ADDITIONAL STATE FACTS:

contributed to GDP

$4.3 billion

hotel jobs

42,041

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Census Bureau, Oxford Economics, Longwoods International, and STR. For more information, please visit www.ahla.com/who-we-are. Figures based on 2015 data.

in guest spending at hotels, local businesses, and on transportation.

in business sales

73,285

in the hotel industry hospitality jobs

2017 LODGING INDUSTRY BY THE NUMBERS

800 properties

ALABAMA

More than 1 billion occupied room nights in American hotels every year.

1 billion guests

There are 5 million guestrooms across the United States.

5 million guestrooms

There are 54,200+ hotel properties in the United States.

54,200+ hotels

$483 billion in guest spending.

$483 billion

Hotels generate $167 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.

$167 billion in taxes

Hotels support $1.1 trillion in U.S. sales, including hotel revenue, guest spending, and taxes.

$1.1 trillion in U.S. sales

Hotels created 188,000 new hotel jobs in the past 5 years.

188,000 new jobs

Hotels support 8 million hospitality jobs, including 4.5 million hotel jobs.

8 million jobs

Hotels are an integral part of the fabric of each community across the country, advancing lifelong careers, investing in community development and boosting economic opportunities.

NATIONAL DATA

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2017 NRA PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

MARCH 28-29 | WASHINGTON, D.C. On March 28-29, 2017, we invite you to come to Washington, DC, for the restaurant industry’s most important grassroots lobbying event. As the 115th Congress and 45th President take office, the National Restaurant Association’s 31st annual Public Affairs Conference is your chance to make a difference. The Conference is our opportunity to introduce a brand-new Congress and Administration to the restaurant industry. We will go to Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers about top public policy issues affecting our businesses. Our mission is to help Congress understand what it takes to run a restaurant business. Join hundreds of your industry peers and colleagues talking about the issues that matter to your restaurant company. Gain valuable political insights and get a better understanding of how today’s top legislative issues will affect your business -- and your bottom line -- in the coming year. For more information, contact ARHA at 334.244.1320.

2017 AH&LA LEGISLATIVE ACTION SUMMIT MAY 17-18, 2017 | CAPITAL HILTON, WASHINGTON, D.C. AH&LA’s Legislative Action Summit (LAS) remains the most effective way to voice the strength of the lodging industry to key policymakers in Washington, and in recent years we have seen direct and impressive results from our visits to Capitol Hill. Our issues are too important to leave to others; it is your responsibility as a leader in our industry to attend. Co-hosted with AAHOA, LAS educates new lawmakers about the hotel industry and ensure our allies on Capitol Hill are in tune with our industry’s needs. No other conference offers the same level of access, insight, and influence. Join with other hotel owners, general managers, and CEOs to tell Congress why the lodging industry is vital. For more information, contact ARHA at 334.244.1320.

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ARHA Happenings

Local restaurant owners met at Nelson Brothers’ Cafe in downtown Birmingham in recogni�on and honor of Black History Month. The businessmen, joined by Councilman Jay Roberson, ARHA, and the Greater Birmingham Conven�on & Visitors Bureau, received a proclama�on from the City of Birmingham.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg enjoyed dining at the Original Oyster House in Mobile in February.

ARHA hosted the ﬁrst board mee�ng in January and welcomed the new 2017 Board of Directors in Montgomery. Vintage Year restaurant put on a culinary demonstra�on at Carver High School in Montgomery in an eﬀort to make a connec�on with local students considering a hospitality career.

ARHA’s Montgomery chapter held a mee�ng in early February to discuss the upcoming legisla�ve session.

ARHA’s Mobile chapter mee�ng with Brad Phillips of the Mobile County Health Department.

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BMI and ARHA partnered to bring the "Nashville Comes Home Tour" featuring four up and coming singer/ songwriters from Nashville to several venues across the state. The show featured Kristen Kelly, Jimmy Stanley, and Clint Daniels and was held at Eastside Grille in Montgomery and Wilhagan's/Green Bar in Tuscaloosa.

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Everything to make your operation run

FASTER. CLEANER. BETTER. TASTIER.

WHY SAVE THE DATE? • 200+ Exhibitors • 20+ Educational Sessions • New Products & Services • Show Specials • Tasting Pavilions • Culinary Demos • Booty Lounge Featuring Thousands $$ Worth of Prizes

www.AtlantaFoodserviceExpo.com Supported By:

Media Partner:

ALABAMA RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ALLIANCE

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Education Partner:

at Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business

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LEGAL

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS FROM

DRIVE-BY ADA LAWSUITS. BY ELIZABETH J KANTER, SHAREHOLDER WITH CARR ALLISON

n late January 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) announced that it wants more information from you about your employees. Federal regulations already require employers with one hundred or more employees to report certain information to the EEOC. Presently, the EEOC requires qualified employers to disclose the gender and race of full – time and part – time employees employed as executives, senior level officials, managers, first or midlevel officials and managers, professionals, technicians, sales workers, administrative support workers, craft workers, operatives, laborers and helper and service workers.

n recent years, plaintiff’s attorneys have increasingly targeted restaurants, hotels and other businesses in Alabama and across the country for “drive-by” lawsuits brought under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In Title III lawsuits, disabled individuals claim to have been denied similar access and enjoyment in places of public accommodation due to conditions that do not meet federal regulations for accessibility. In 2016, 6,601 ADA Title III lawsuits were filed in federal court – a 37% increase since 2015. An individual alleging a Title III accessibility violation may never have visited your establishment. A disabled individual, or their attorney, can simply drive by an establishment

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and assess whether the business may be in violation of accessibility provisions. They may also utilize Google to view businesses’ property and identify potential violations without ever seeing the business in person. The Google Maps App provides information on whether a particular location is accessible. Title III requires that public accommodations, such as restaurants and hotels, remove all “physical barriers” to disabled individuals whenever it is “readily achievable” to do so. Barriers could be a stepped entrance, a narrow doorframe, a pathway that does not provide sufficient turning radius for wheelchairs or an improperly striped parking space. Each of these are examples of violations which may be visible to someone driving by the business or perusing Google Maps App or Google Earth. Even if a plaintiff in a Title III lawsuit has never entered your facility, he or she may still allege violations throughout the interior of the premises. Once suit is filed, a plaintiff will often send a compliance expert to evaluate the facility and identify violations. Any violations found could become a part of the lawsuit. Common allegations, particularly against restaurants and bars, include: Failure to provide an accessible path of travel to the entrance due

to the lack of a ramp Failure to provide an appropriately sloped ramp to the entrance from the designated accessible parking spaces Improper hardware on the entrance doors which requires excessive pressure, twisting or grasping to open the doors; Service counters and bars placed too high Lack of accessible tables; No accessible path of travel through the interior of the business Failure to provide accessible restrooms, including (but not limited to) the lack of grab bars, restroom fixtures mounted too high, and restroom stalls too small Lack of adequate floor space to turn a wheelchair around in a restroom or common area of the facility With regard to remedying barriers, Courts usually find that remedies to the above-mentioned deficiencies are “readily achievable” under the ADA’s definition and therefore the changes must be implemented. Readily achievable means “easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.” One common misconception relating to ADA regulations is the idea that ADA accessibility requirements apply

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only to buildings constructed after 1992, the year the ADA took effect. However, ADA accessibility regulations apply to virtually every publicly accessible structure. In essence, there is no “grandfather clause” that exempts older buildings entirely from the ADA. The cost of implementing changes to a facility to bring it up to the ADA’s standards is generally minor. However, resolving an ADA lawsuit typically requires incurring thousands of dollars in settlement costs and attorneys’ fees. To protect against a drive-by ADA lawsuit, we recommend taking proactive measures to ensure compliance and protect your business from the expense of litigation. The following are general questions to help you determine whether your business is in compliance with ADA Title III regulations. Although these questions address common problems, the list is by no means exhaustive and does not address all Title III requirements.

PARKING AND ACCESS TO YOUR BUSINESS Do you have accessible parking? Do you have enough spaces under the ADA with van accessible signage? Is there a route of travel that does not contain the use of stairs? Is the route of travel into your establishment at least 36 inches wide? Do all ramps longer than 6 feet have railings on both sides? Are railings sturdy, and between 34 and 38 inches high?

ACCESSIBILITY OF PUBLIC RESTROOMS

Are doors equipped with handles that are operable with a closed fist that are no more than 48 inches high? Is there at least a 36 inch wide path to all fixtures? Does your sink provide for knee clearance at least 27 inches from the floor? Are the pipes underneath the sink insulated or protected from contact? Does at least one sink have a 30 inch wide by 48 inch deep clear space in front?

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Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Chairman

OFFICERS Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Secretary

Tony Tony Smith Smith Longhorn Steakhouse, Birmingham Longhorn Steakhouse, Birmingham

Vice Hans Vice Chairman Chairman Hans van van der der Reijden Reijden Tony Smith The Hotel at Auburn University, Longhorn Steakhouse, Birmingham The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn Auburn Hans van der Reijden

Treasurer Duggan The Hotel at Auburn University,Eric Auburn Treasurer Eric Duggan Eastside Grille, Montgomery Eric Duggan Eastside Grille, Montgomery Eastside Grille, Montgomery

Toby Secretary Toby Wilson Wilson Secretary Toby Wilson Wilson Hospitality Management Co., Tuscaloosa Wilson Hospitality Management Company, Wilson Hospitality Management Co., TuscaloosaTuscaloosa

Immediate Past Chairman Brandt Tucker Immediate Past Chairman Brandt Willies Wings and Stuff, Auburn Immediate Past Chairman Brandt Tucker Tucker

Willies Wings & & Stuff, Stuff, Auburn Auburn

Willies Wings President/CEO Mindy Hanan ARHA, Montgomery President/CEO President/CEO

Mindy Mindy Hanan Hanan ARHA, Montgomery ARHA, Montgomery

BOARD MEMBERS Bob Baumhower Aloha Hospitality Intl. Inc. Bob Baumhower Aloha Hospitality Intl. Inc. S&D Coffee Mike Bertani S&D Coffee Mike Bertani Kent Blackinton Renaissance Riverview Plaza Kent Blackinton Renaissance Riverview Plaza Vintage Year Chase Brown Vintage Year Chase Brown Heartland Bryan Caldwell Heartland Bryan Caldwell Yancey Carpenter Yancey Carpenter Sysco Central Alabama Sysco Central Alabama Woody Cheatham Woody Cheatham Merchants Foodservice Merchants Foodservice Spectrum Resorts David Clark David Clark Spectrum Resorts Firehouse Subs David Conklin David Conklin Firehouse Subs UnitedJohnson Brothers of AL LLC. Bob Crawford Bob Crawford UnitedJohnson Brothers of AL LLC. Patti Culp Alabama Travel Council Patti Culp Alabama Travel Council Peter D'Andrea Wind Creek Hospitality Peter D'Andrea Wind Creek Hospitality Sharon Delmar Porch Band of Creek Indians Sharon Delmar Porch Band of Creek Indians Kim DiGilarmo Carrabba's Italian Grill Inc. Kim DiGilarmo Carrabba's Italian Grill Inc. Jeff Fuller Hyatt Regency Bham The Wynfrey Hotel Jeff Fuller Hyatt Regency Bham The Wynfrey Hotel Troy Goldman Grille 29 Troy Goldman Grille 29 Penny Groux Perdido Beach Resort Penny Groux Perdido Beach Resort Stacey Hamilton Mobile Bay CVB Stacey Hamilton Mobile Bay CVB Sara Hamlin Greater Birmingham CVB Sara Hamlin Greater Birmingham CVB Todd Hansen US Foods Todd Hansen US Foods Cynthia Shea Hart Cynthia Shea Hart Cyn Shea's Complete Catering Cyn Shea's Complete Catering Nick Hartmann Alabama Power Company Nick Hartmann Alabama Power Company Matt Hood Hotel Capstone Matt Hood Hotel Capstone Paulie Hufstedler Paulie Hufstedler US Foods US Foods John Krontiras Nabeel's Cafe John Krontiras Nabeel's Cafe

George Lane George Lane Bill Lloyd Bill Lloyd Pedro Mandoki Pedro Mandoki Leo Maurelli Leo Maurelli Steve Miller Steve Miller Joseph Mitchell Joseph Mitchell Mark Nelson Mark Nelson Alvin Niuh Alvin Niuh Eric Oden Eric Oden Bob Omainsky Bob Omainsky Nanda Patel Nanda Patel Alan Patel Alan Patel Rikesh Patel Rikesh Patel Mike Powell Mike Powell Jay Prater Jay Prater Wayne Reaves Wayne Reaves Tami Reist Tami Reist James Robinson James Robinson Bob Rogers Bob Rogers Robert Smith Robert Smith Rick Smith Rick Smith Gil Stiff Gil Stiff Van Sykes Van Sykes Clayton Taylor Clayton Taylor Brandon Thrash Brandon Thrash Chris Townsley Chris Townsley

Wood Fruitticher Food Service Wood Fruitticher Food Service Wilhagan's of Tuscaloosa Wilhagan's of Tuscaloosa Gulf Shores Plantation Gulf Shores Plantation Hotel at Auburn University Hotel at Auburn University Sheraton & Westin Birmingham Sheraton & Westin Birmingham Jeff State Community College, Culinary & Hosp. Jeff State Community College, Culinary & Hosp. Westin Hotel Huntsville Westin Hotel Huntsville University of Alabama University of Alabama AutoChlor Services LLC AutoChlor Services LLC Fried Stewed Nude Inc Fried Stewed Nude Inc Fort Payne Lodgings LLC Fort Payne Lodgings LLC Comfort Inn Homewood Comfort Inn Homewood Tuscaloosa Hospitality LLC Tuscaloosa Hospitality LLC Royal Cup Royal Cup RAM Hotels RAM Hotels Manna Enterprises Manna Enterprises Mountain Lakes Tourist Assn. Mountain Lakes Tourist Assn. Alabama Gas Corporation Alabama Gas Corporation Huntsville/Madison CVB Huntsville/Madison CVB Alabama Power Company Alabama Power Company Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa TSC Associates LLC TSC Associates LLC Bob Sykes BarBQ Bob Sykes BarBQ Alabama Insurance Exchange Alabama Insurance Exchange Faulkner State Community College Faulkner State Community College Birmingham Marriott Birmingham Marriott

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Drive your business and profits with the right solutions. Heartland provides fair, transparent pricing and data security that sets the industry standard. Our innovative payment processing solutions help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

Heartland Secure™

Faster Cash Deposits

Heartland Secure is the most secure card

Optimize cash flow with quick access to funds.

processing solution in the industry, backed by

Weekend card sales are deposited on Monday,

a comprehensive warranty. We use EMV, end-

and card sales batched before 8 p.m. EDT and

to-end encryption and tokenization to protect

weekday card sales go to the bank the next

your customer’s credit card data.

morning.

Interchange Plus Pricing

Eliminate the Middleman

Heartland offers full disclosure into how much

Buy direct from Heartland and pay the whole-

you are paying to us and how much goes

sale interchange rates that are right for your

to the card brands. This protects you from

business. Removing the middleman creates

arbitrary price increases and ensures that you

cost savings that are passed on to you. It also

receive the full benefit of cost reductions.

provides a level of transparency unmatched in the industry.

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The awards dinner that honors the “best of the best” in Alabama’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, Contact rebecca@arhaonline.com or call 334.244.1320.

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