2022 CRA Member Resource Guide

PORTAL

MEMBERS ONLY PORTAL

As a CRA member, you now have exclusive access to tools and resources available only through the Member Portal.

• View & Pay Invoices

• Edit Your Profile(s)

• Update Company Contacts

• Access Member Exclusive Resources & Savings

1) Log in to the Member Portal

Log in with the username (email) and password provided to you when you joined. If you are unsure of the password, you can use the password reset function on the login screen.

2) Edit Your Profile

Once you are logged in, click “Edit this Profile”. From here you can edit general information, contact info, social media handles, etc.

3) Update Company Contacts

From the top navigation bar, select “Relationships”. On this screen you will see your company contacts as well as your other member locations (for restaurant groups). Here you can edit contacts or click “Add a Profile” to add new contacts.

4) Member Exclusive Resources & Savings

Use the pull down on the main navigation bar to view link to key member resources such as the Member Exclusive Savings Program, CRA Job Board, Submit an Event form, access webinar recordings, and more.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dear CT Restaurant Association Members,

In the face of continued disruptions to our industry from the COVID pandemic, the CRA has continued to harness the collective power of our member voices to make sure we are heard in the halls of government, and that we are providing more robust services and information to our members than ever Inbefore.fact,

working together over the last few years we have provided more than $500,000 in local restaurants grants through the CT Restaurant Relief Fund, established a $165,000 CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund to provide stipends to hospitality employees throughout Connecticut, created a COVID-19 operating guidance for all restaurants, expanded outdoor dining options to allow all restaurants the opportunity to use unique outdoor spaces for additional dining options, and increased consumer confidence in on-premises dining with a national TV and local #saveCTrestaurants campaign.

Our staff at CRA continue to provide ongoing, real-time information and resources to restaurants across Connecticut. In addition to responding to hundreds of phone and email inquiries, we served as a critical industry resource providing collectively more than 350 conference calls, zoom webinars, and industry update emails. And of course, our third annual CRAzies Awards Gala was a huge success for our association as we hosted more than 1,100 guests at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

I know that our industry still has a long way to go in its recovery, and that you are facing real issues like worker shortage, supply chain disruption, and rising costs. The Connecticut Restaurant Association has and will continue to fight for you at every level to secure the resources and support you, our members, need in 2022 and beyond.

I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your dedication to the industry. I look forward to working with you.

Connecticut Restaurant Association

CT Hospitality Educational Foundation

CRA GrowingMembers,up,Iwatched

firsthand as my parents slowly transformed a small tavern in Manchester – one that originally served only beer! – into a thriving restaurant with great food, live music, and a committed base of customers. Now in our 42nd year of business, the Main Pub is still thriving as the longest running family-owned restaurant in Manchester, and it’s become a staple of our local community and region.

It hasn’t always been easy. Like many of you, I’m a single-location restaurant owner and operator, and I know that when times get tough my options for keeping my business afloat can feel slim. Never has that been truer that in the past two years as we’ve navigated the pandemic and the many challenges and changes that came along with it. But here’s something I’ve learned: the best way to survive the tough times and then thrive in the good times is to stick together as an industry, to lift one another up, and to make sure we all have the best tools at our disposal to benefit our businesses, our employees, and our customers.

That’s why I’m so proud to now be serving as Chairman of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. The CRA has been an invaluable resource to me in both good times and bad – it’s a touchstone that reminds me I am part of a great community of Connecticut restaurateurs, and that together we can do great

Whilethings.I

know this has been a difficult couple of years for us all, I am proud to be a part of an organization that supports its members by engaging with stakeholders, impacting legislation at the State Capitol, and building lasting relationships that help give everyone a chance at success. This year, we are continuing to harness our collective voice to communicate our importance to Connecticut’s economy. I look forward to partnering with you in that effort, and I know that our unparalleled staff and Board of Directors at CRA will continue delivering the highest level of service and support to our members.

I hope you find the information in this membership packet helpful. Thank you for all that you do.

Owner of The Main Pub (Manchester, CT)

EXECUTIVE

CHAIRMAN

Keith Beaulieu

SECRETARY

Jonathan

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Dan

VICE CHAIRMAN

Bill

For

TREASURER

Phil

LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN

Tim

Steven

Suzanne

William

Olivia

Cary

Jason

Michael

Scott Miller

Ryan O’Donnell

Brian Phelps

Robin Selden

Matt

Don

Anthony

Stephen Tagliatela

Helmar

INDUSTRY’S LEADER

The Connecticut Restaurant Association is your trusted point of contact for information relative to your hospitality business. From industry updates and alerts, to our membership hotline, our team serves as a dedicated source of information to you, our members.

Email Newsletters & Updates

Members receive our CRA eNewsletter and exclusive updates to keep you informed on what’s happening in our industry. Visit the Member Portal to add email contacts to your profile.

Stay in real time. industry QR

Voice of the Industry

While our government affairs effort takes place inside the halls of the State Capitol, it’s critical that it is supported by a broader outside communications effort. This communications work helps our industry maintain a consistent narrative and brand with key stakeholders, so that when it comes time to make our voice heard at the Capitol, that voice is loud, clear, and united.

Every day, decisions are made at a local, state and federal level that can change the outlook for small business owners throughout Connecticut. It is the job of our association to build strong relationships with each of our elected officials to make sure that they have your best interest in mind.

The CRA works tirelessly to improve the business climate for its members. We work to safeguard and advance the interests of our members, closely monitoring a broad range of key issues that span the legislative spectrum. CRA keeps its members up to speed on relevant topics by offering round tables, webinars, press events, CRA Day at the Capitol, email newsletters, text alerts and much more.

CRA MEMBER BENEFITS the table that in addition as

CRA LAW CENTER

The CRA Law Center was developed to help protect and educate association members about key areas of the law. So often, restaurateurs are on their own as they try to navigate the complexities of employment law, immigration law, legal contracts, and more. You’re here to run a restaurant, not practice law. With this program, CRA Members are eligible to call upon the CRA Law Center and receive a free, 30 minute consultation with a lawyer to address their concerns.

The CRA has partnered with FordHarrison LLP Hartford to launch the Law Center. Led by partner, Ryan O’Donnell, FordHarrison serves as labor and employment counsel to the Connecticut Restaurant Association and specializes in issues unique to the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Law Center Resources

• Employment

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The ServSafe® program is developed by the National Restaurant Association with the help of foodservice industry experts who face the same risks you do every day. All restaurants in Connecticut are required to have a certified food protection manager on staff. The ServSafe Manager course will certify you as a Certified Food Protection Manager, formerly known as the QFO. The CRA offers two different options for certification:

• In-Person Classes

• Online Classes with Take Home Exam

*Both options meet the state requirement for certification

MEET OUR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTORS

The CRA hosts weekly ServSafe Manager training classes throughout the state in a one day, 8-hour session in a professional, conference atmosphere. Our instructors have an excellent record of success, with 90% of learners passing the ServSafe Manager exam on their first attempt.

Dennis Chavoya

Since 2002, Dennis has been Connecticut’s most soughtafter ServSafe instructor, teaching the course in both Spanish and English. A graduate from SMU in Dallas, where he opened his first restaurant, Dennis expanded to the New England market opening two successful restaurants in Southern Connecticut. Utilizing real life current events and personal experiences, Dennis makes ServSafe both relatable and fun while driving home the importance of food safety.

Nicki Chavoya

With over 20 years of restaurant experience and 10 years of ServSafe instruction, Nicki teaches with a passion for the industry, dedication to hospitality and a commitment to food safety education. Having managed award-winning restaurants in Manhattan and worked alongside a variety of restaurant personalities, she approaches ServSafe with a respect for the business and its players.

REGISTER CTRESTAURANT.ORG/SERVSAFE

For questions, email us at servsafe@ctrestaurant.org

CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit 501(c) (3), philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. The mission is to promote the health and prosperity of Connecticut’s hospitality industry through education, scholarships and financial assistance. CHEF works to attract, develop and retain a career-oriented professional workforce.

PROSTART PROGRAM

The Foundation’s cornerstone program, ProStart, is a two-year, nationwide program that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. ProStart serves more than 1,800 Connecticut high school students each year and culminates with the CT ProStart Invitational in March. The winning teams have the opportunity to compete in the National ProStart Invitational each year against high school programs that represent each and every state, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

WORKFORCE, EDUCATION & WELLNESS

CHEF, in coordination with the CRA, supports workforce development opportunities including ServSafe Manager, ServSafe Alcohol, ServSafe Workplace and ServSuccess. Additionally, the foundation works to create apprenticeships, offer professional development opportunities, promotes the restaurant industry as a viable career path and provides mental health awareness/wellness opportunities for our members.

JOE DACOSTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

CHEF awards scholarships each year to students pursuing careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry. In 2019, the fund was renamed in honor of the late Joe DaCosta, who was a member of the CRA Board of Directors and had spent more than 35 years in the food service industry, most recently at Sysco Connecticut. The fund will help to honor Joe’s passion of giving back to future leaders of our industry.

WINE & SPIRITS DISTRIBUTOR

Brescome Barton, Inc. is the largest distributor of spirits, wine and beer in the state of Connecticut. We have been in business for over 70 years and have grown significantly through acquisitions and new supplier relationships.

Brescome Barton, Inc. is the most efficient and effective distributor of adult beverages in Connecticut. We continually meet and exceed the expectations of our suppliers and customers, while always being mindful of our social responsibilities.

CONTACT: Stephen (203)slentz@brescomebarton.comLentz239-4901

PAYROLL SERVICES

Datapay has proudly provided payroll services for over 40 years. We are one of southern New England’s top payroll providers. And we are different from the competition. Here’s how:

• Competitive pricing

• of doing business

• turnaround time from question to resolution

• High retention rate

• reliability and success

• Streamlined payroll processing

• Focus on efficiency & accuracy

CONTACT: David (860)david.kaletski@datapay.comKaletski751-9057

For businesses who need to easily manage the day-to-day and prepare for the future, Clover provides all-in-one, customizable point of sale and business management solutions. From accepting payments, to tracking inventory, running loyalty programs – and everything in between - we help businesses thrive and grow. With support inperson, online or via phone, our customers always get the best value as Clover’s solutions help businesses focus on driving sales and achieving their goals, at any time and from anywhere.

CRA PRIME PARTNERS

FOOD DELIVERY & TAKEOUT

DoorDash is a technology company that connects people with the best of their neighborhoods across the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Germany. We enable local businesses to meet consumers’ needs of ease and convenience, and, in turn, generate new ways for people to earn, work, and live. By building the last-mile logistics infrastructure for local commerce, we’re fulfilling our mission to grow and empower local economies.

CONTACT: Sarah slh@doordash.comLocke-Henderson

CONTACT: Pauline (989)pauline.lieber@fiserv.comLieber522-3362 info@ctrestaurant.org

LAW FIRM

FordHarrison is a law firm with a national practice serving clients in all areas of labor and employment. Our attorneys understand that organizations must operate in a highly regulated, litigious business climate. We help employers minimize the legal risks involved in making employment decisions without compromising business needs. Our attorneys work with clients to devise strategies to lessen the risks associated with employee claims and ensure compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations. Through our global practice group and membership in the global employment law firm alliance, Ius Laboris, FordHarrison also provides clients that have multinational operations with a broad range of services related to labor and employment law in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Our diverse legal team allows us to provide costeffective, quality service in all areas related to labor and employment law.

CONTACT: Ryan

CRA

INSURANCE AGENCY

John M. Glover Insurance Agency is built on the principles of providing superior customer service and quality insurance solutions for our clients, and we work hard to uphold these values today. Our team strives to make the insurance process as simple as possible for our clients. As one of our clients, we will be there for you when you need us most. If an emergency occurs and you need to speak with one of our agents, you will be able to reach them at any time. We thrive on the trust that our clients place in us, and we hope to build long-lasting professional relationships with each one. As an independent agent, JMG Insurance Agency works closely with numerous insurance companies that have proven their reliability, stability, and performance over the years. Through our partnerships with these carriers, we are dedicated to getting you the best insurance products and services available today to protect you, your family, and your business.

CONTACT: Tina Gerard Michael Forlivio tgerard@jmg mforlivio@jmg.com (203) 721-8109 (203) 956-2463

DIGITAL MARKETING

GoNation empowers the hospitality industry with a superior digital presence to connect and engage with customers. The company makes it easy to get a beautifully branded mobile-amazing website that can be updated in two taps on the phone and offers an end-to-end modern marketing solution to maximize success online. From next-generation websites, innovative content streaming TVs, and seamless e-commerce to pro online presence management, industry-leading media creation, and exceptional graphic design. GoNation is designed to grow small businesses with unmatched quality at scale.

CONTACT:

Matt (203)matt@gonation.comBasileo767-5686

CRA PRIME PARTNERS

FOOD DISTRIBUTOR

Performance Foodservice is a leading national distributor servicing all of New England with over 11,000 products. Fresh Seafood daily, Custom Cut Steaks from T.F. Kinnealey Meats, fresh conventional and NAE poultry and one of the best produce programs in New England define our commitment to quality. Add in our full line of fresh, frozen and dry grocery, non-foods/disposables and warewash/chemical program and Performance Foodservice Springfield is your single stop solution to all your foodservice needs.

CONTACT:

Mike (800)Mike.Page@pfgc.comPage388-0257 860.278.8008 info@ctrestaurant.org

EVENT PRODUCTION

Powerstation Events is CT’s leader in event design, production and coordination. Virtually every event venue in the state has put Powerstation Events at the top of their list of trusted resources. Powerstation Events’ unique combination of in-depth knowledge, unmatched experience, tasteful style and attention to detail are what set them apart. This is why organizations like ESPN, XL Center, Rentschler Field, The Travelers Championship, UConn Athletics and many others consistently call upon the Powerstation Events experts for their special events, meetings, concerts, galas and more.

CONTACT: Liz (203)lizl@powerstationevents.comLaCava250-8500

CRA

HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to improving the value health care consumers receive by reducing the total cost of care, enhancing the quality of care received, improving health and wellness and simplifying the health care experience.

CONTACT: Amy (269)amyhathaway@uhg.comHathaway792-1207

FOOD DISTRIBUTOR

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food and non-food products to restaurants, healthcare, and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers around the world who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 58,000 associates, the company operates 343 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 650,000 customer locations.

CONTACT:

Donny (860)loos.donny@ct.sysco.comLoos571-5633

CRA PRIME PARTNERS

FOOD DISTRIBUTOR

US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, we provide our customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions.

CONTACT:

Adam (860)adam.gootnick@usfoods.comGootnick425-3000

Mental ResourcesHealth

A wide range of benefits are always on the menu.

In today’s market you’re more likely to attract and retain the right talent when you make affordable, flexible health care solutions part of your hiring plan.

UnitedHealthcare offers product and network flexibility on medical, dental, vision and life & disability benefits.

Offer employees unlimited medical, mental health, dermatology, neck and back care, and nutritional guidance. Full-time, part-time, H-2B, 1099 employees

Saveeligible.upto

manage their mental health with free and low-cost resources.

Coming Soon

Help your team find trusted caregivers for their every need with exclusive member pricing and solutions.

ACCOUNTING FIRM

CohnReznick LLP provides industry-leading advisory, assurance, and tax services to growth-focused businesses. Dedicated, hands-on service, deep industry expertise, and the power of an award-winning firm— that’s what clients get when they choose the CohnReznick team.

CONTACT: Katie (973)Katie.Levy@CohnReznick.comLevy403-6978

REFRIGERATION & BEVERAGE SYSTEMS

Soda Service & Alpine Refrigeration provides high-quality and affordable sales, service, leasing and rentals of restaurantssystemsequipmentrefrigeratedandbeveragetoservingbarsandthroughoutConnecticut. Our beverage products include brand name syrups, and we manufacture our own craft soda, juices and gases for beverage-dispensing system as well. We also sell and rent parts for a wide range of beverage dispensing and cooling systems.

CONTACT: Nick (860)sodas10@aol.comLococo666-7845

ACCOUNTING FIRM

ClarkHirth is a boutique firm located in Greater Hartford, Connecticut. Providing accounting, tax, and consulting services, the firm is one of the largest accounting practices in the restaurant and hospitality services in New England. Besides hospitality, the firm also services construction and real estate industries and nonprofit organizations.

CONTACT: Bill Clark Jason Hirth bill@cha-cpas.com jason@cha-cpas.com

CT LIQUOR LAW

Law Offices of Jerry Farrell, Jr. assists clients who are interested in opening and operating a restaurant, package store, brewery, or any establishment that’s involved in the liquor industry. This includes determining which of 60 different types of liquor license a client should apply for, obtaining necessary approvals and gathering the documentation that must accompany each new application before it can be submitted to the Liquor Control Commission. This may also include applying for a provisional liquor permit, which could allow your business to start serving liquor before the final permit is issued.

CONTACT: Jerry Farrell, (203)jerry@ctliquorlaw.comJr.774-5002

• ALLSTATE Fire Equipment

• Al’s Beverage Company

• Baronet Coffee

• Bennett & Company

• Bentobox Broadcast Music, Inc.

• Buyer’s Edge City Line Distributors

• Classic Restaurant Supply Comcast Connecticut Distributors, Inc.

• Corporate Building Services

• Crown Uniform & Linen Service

• CT Lottery Corporation

• Deb Aguda Hospitality Group

• Drum Rock Specialty Company

• Ecolab

• Eder Brothers Inc.

• Falvey Linen & Uniform Supply

• Feenix Venture Partners

• FK Restaurants & Hospitality

• Forge City Works

• FreshPoint CT

• Globe Equipment Company

• Gordon Foodservice Gulf Shrimp Co.

• Harborfield Management Co. LLC Hartley & Parker Ltd Inc.

• Hocon Gas Hospitality Insurance Group Ideal Fish

• Jackson Lewis P.C. Litchfield Distillery

• Lombardo Insurance Agency, Inc.

• Marcum LLP

• Miles Insurance Agency, Inc. Minuteman Press

• Murphy Distributors New England Preferred Energy

•

New Haven Awning

• Nicola, Yester & Company P.C.

• Nobby Beverages

• Omar Coffee Company Opentable OptumRx PepsiCo

Powers, Griffin, & Hill LLC Prime Source Purchasing Restaurant City Warehouse Restaurant Equipment Paradise Rewards Network Russell Hall Company Sardilli Produce & Dairy Shift4 Shoreline Menus

Slocum & Sons Distributors Specialty Beverage Concepts, Inc. SpotOn Connecticut Sprague Star Distributors, Inc. State Choice Insurance The Beverage Journal The Chef’s Warehouse The Recipe of Success The Redwood Tax Specialists Thiel Architecture + Design Thurston Foods, Inc. Toast POS Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group TriMark United East Trinchero Family Estates Trumbull Group Benefits Turnkey Processing VB Enviro Care Wade’s Dairy, Inc. Wareck D’Ostilio Commercial Real Estate Waypoint Spirits Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of CT, Inc. Zeichner Ellman & Krause LLP

Serving Every Restaurant

We know every restaurant has a unique set of needs that require creative solutions to help each business thrive.

We have solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenge – workforce.

From benefits packages to career path programs, we can help you recruit and retain talent. As members of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, you have membership benefits in the National Restaurant Association. Find out more at Restaurant.org.