Georgia Restaurant Association

Congratulations to Melissa Libby on her retirement! 🎉

Throughout her career, Melissa has been a tireless advocate for Georgia’s restaurant industry, helping restaurants and hospitality brands tell their stories while generously sharing her expertise as a member of the GRA Board of Directors.

We are grateful for her leadership, partnership, and commitment to strengthening our industry. Thank you, Melissa, for the lasting impact you’ve made on Georgia’s restaurant community!

Photo credit: Joey Ivansco

Have you nominated your team yet? 🏆

From standout restaurants to exceptional industry leaders, the GRACE Awards recognize the people and businesses shaping Georgia hospitality.

Help us recognize those who are making an impact every day! Submit your nominations before July 31: https://www.garestaurants.org/grace-awards-nominations

Don’t miss our Navigating Child Labor Laws webinar this Monday, June 22!

Hiring young workers can be a valuable way to strengthen your workforce, but it’s important to understand the rules that come with employing minors. Join the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for an informative session covering federal child labor requirements, hours restrictions, prohibited occupations, compliance best practices, and common employer mistakes.

The webinar will also include a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to get answers directly from Department of Labor experts.

Register today to secure your spot: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lcI9H5UHTy6S3_LHgq-JWA?_gl=1*4v8zgz*_gcl_au*MzA2MzcyOTQ3LjE3ODA0MTQ0NjI.*_ga*Mzk3NDc1NTc3LjE3ODA0MTQ0NzI.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3ODA0MjEyMzgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODA0MjEyNzQkajI0JGwwJGgw #/registration

You work hard to distinguish your business from the rest. GRA Corporate Partner Society Insurance protects it accordingly with a solid base of coverages and customized details that provide meaningful protection for your unique operation. 🤝

Find a local Georgia agent: https://societyinsurance.com/find-an-agent/

Georgia restaurant industry, this one's for you! Join us for an evening of friendly competition, great food, drinks, and games at Industry FUN Night on Monday, October 26 at Your 3rd Spot!

Your ticket includes:
✅ Food and drinks from hospitality partners
✅ Unlimited gaming experiences
✅ Networking with industry professionals from across Georgia
✅ Access to the Industry After Party

Register your team today: https://www.garestaurants.org/industry-fun-night

✨ The countdown to the 2026 GRACE Awards begins now!

Join us on December 7 as we celebrate the leaders and innovators shaping Georgia's hospitality industry. Nominations are officially open, and we invite you to help recognize those making a lasting impact across our industry.

Submit a nomination and secure your table today to take advantage of early bird pricing: https://www.garestaurants.org/grace

Join us Monday, June 22 at 3PM for a webinar covering child labor laws, hours restrictions, prohibited duties, recordkeeping requirements, and common compliance mistakes employers should avoid.

The session will also include a live Q&A with Wage and Hour Division experts, giving you the opportunity to get answers directly from the source.

Perfect for restaurant owners, operators, managers, and HR professionals responsible for hiring and scheduling employees.

Register today and make sure your team understands the rules: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lcI9H5UHTy6S3_LHgq-JWA?_gl=1*4v8zgz*_gcl_au*MzA2MzcyOTQ3LjE3ODA0MTQ0NjI.*_ga*Mzk3NDc1NTc3LjE3ODA0MTQ0NzI.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3ODA0MjEyMzgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODA0MjEyNzQkajI0JGwwJGgw #/registration

Is Your Back-of-House a "Black Box" Where Margins Disappear?

Join Gordon Food Service for a high-impact webinar where they'll show you how to combine cutting-edge technology with deep operational expertise to solve the industry’s toughest mystery: Where is the Bacon?

When: Tuesday, June 16 l 8:30AM
Register in advance for this webinar: https://gfs.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lA3dcqPuRIuQ3jzk2Krneg

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is kicking off in Atlanta on June 15!

Restaurants and hospitality teams can expect increased traffic, international visitors, and heightened security awareness throughout the tournament. We're sharing resources to help operators and staff stay informed, prepared, and ready to create a safe and welcoming experience: https://www.garestaurants.org/world-cup-resources

Hospitality and front-line staff are also invited to join a virtual Conflict Prevention training hosted in partnership with World Cup security coordinators and CISA regional staff.
📅 Wednesday, June 3
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register today: 87c38f51-ff04-4c58-b88a-7132dfee9dec@69c613d2-b051-4234-8ed1-fd530b70d5d3" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/87c38f51-ff04-4c58-b88a-7132dfee9dec@69c613d2-b051-4234-8ed1-fd530b70d5d3

Join us in Dunwoody for our next GRA CEO Roundtable.

After meaningful conversations in Augusta and Marietta, we’re continuing the series by bringing together restaurant leaders for an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

We look forward to gathering with industry peers at Message in a Bottle on Tuesday, June 9.

Learn more and RSVP today: https://www.garestaurants.org/ceo-roundtable
This event is open to restaurant members only.