MEMBER RESOURCE GUIDE
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PORTAL LOGIN INFORMATION
https://web.ctrestaurant.org/portal
Username: __________________________________________________
Password: __________________________________________________
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.
Dear CT Restaurant Association Members,
In the face of an evolving industry landscape, our members have demonstrated an exceptional level of resilience. The CRA leverages the collective power of our member voices to make sure that we are heard in the halls of government, and that we are providing more robust services and information to our members than ever before.
It’s the mission of the CRA to foster a welcoming environment for the independent owners and operators that comprise 97% of full service restaurants in our state. You are the focus of our advocacy efforts at the State Capitol, where in the past year we’ve worked to make alcohol to-go a permanent part of state law, to expand outdoor dining, and to prevent harmful measures like the elimination of the tip credit and legislation that would have restricted how you schedule shifts with your employees. Together, we continue to remind Connecticut elected officials that we are a central part of the economic fabric of our state, and always will be.
Our Connecticut ProStart team from Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven finished number one in the nation for their management skills! We also launched the #CTCRAvings campaign to highlight the creativity of our hospitality scene, and we continued to provide our members with an annual Member Resource Guide detailing the benefits and resources available.
In addition, our incredible CRA staff continue to provide ongoing, real-time information and resources to restaurants across Connecticut. They responded to hundreds and hundreds of unique member inquiries, serving as a critical industry resource through industry update emails, zoom webinars and social posts.
We know that you and your businesses are facing real challenges. We want you to know that the Connecticut Restaurant Association is proud to be your resource and advocate at every level, helping ensure that we can all thrive in 2024 and beyond.
Scott Dolch President & CEO
Connecticut Restaurant Association
CT Hospitality Educational Foundation
CRA STAFF
PRESIDENT & CEO
Scott Dolch dolch@ctrestaurant.org
FOUNDATION DIRECTOR
Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz conkling@ctrestaurant.org
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Katie Gerber gerber@ctrestaurant.org
PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSISTANT
Andy Pixley pixley@ctrestaurant.org
VP SALES & OPERATIONS
Yvette M. Tavares tavares@ctrestaurant.org
MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS MANAGER
Elizabeth Barry barry@ctrestaurant.org
EDUCATION ASSISTANT
Brianna Vig vig@ctrestaurant.org
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The Connecticut Restaurant Association is a champion serving every restaurant and hospitality business in Connecticut. We unite our industry so that it can speak together with one clear voice. We provide our members with timely information, cost-effective benefits, and a dynamic networking platform. Our industry employs more than 145,000 workers in Connecticut and generates $11.1 billion in annual sales. The CRA works in partnership with the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) to protect, advance, and educate our growing industry.
Your voice as a member is an important part of the success of our community. By investing in membership, you will have a platform to amplify your voice, gain access to business-building tools and develop meaningful relationships with your peers.
ctrestaurant.org | 860.278.8008
CRA Members,
Growing up, I watched 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 familyowned restaurant in Manchester, and it’s become a staple of our local community and region.
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. Recent years have been marked not just by the pandemic, but by continued staffing shortages, inflation and more. All of it has underscored the importance of sticking together as an industry. We must lift one another up and make sure that we all have the best tools at our disposal to benefit our businesses, our employees, and our customers.
In my third year as Chairman of the CRA, I have never been prouder to serve this organization that has been an invaluable resource to me in both good times and bad. It is a touchstone that reminds me I am part of a great community of Connecticut restaurateurs, and that together we can do great things.
The Connecticut Restaurant Association 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 will continue 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 the 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.
Keith Beaulieu Owner of The Main Pub (Manchester, CT)
2024 CRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN
Keith Beaulieu
The Main Pub
SECRETARY
Jonathan Jennings CT Wedding Group
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Dan Meiser
85th Day Food Community
VICE CHAIRMAN
Bill Taibe For the Food Restaurant Group
TREASURER
Phil Barnett
Hartford Restaurant Group
LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN
Tim Adams
J. Timothy’s Taverne
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Steven Abrams
Max Hospitality
A.J. Aurrichio Tanda Hospitality
Suzanne Cannon (Honorary) Formerly Eli Cannons Tap Room
Christina FitzGerald Union League Cafe
Olivia Formica Flanders Fish Market | 374 Kitchen + Cocktails
Jason Guyot Foxwoods Resort Casino
Bryce Hardy The Charles | Bake Market CT
Michael Marchetti Columbus Park Trattoria | Osteria
Applausi | Tarantino Restaurant
Scott Miller
DORO Restaurant Group
Emily Mingrone Tavern on State | Fair Haven Oyster Co. | The Pearl | Provisions on State
Ryan O’Donnell Pullman Comley
Brian Phelps Toad’s Place
Doug Polistena The Amber Room Colonnade
Matt Storch Match | Match Burger Lobster
Don Stevens CohnReznick
Anthony Sullo Joey Garlic’s
Stephen Tagliatela Saybrook Point Resort + Marina | Fresh Salt
Helmar Wolf Mill Restaurant Group
ServSafe Alcohol Course
Safe Alcohol Training for an Empowered Team
Serving alcohol can be highly profitable for restaurants—liquor sales have some of the largest profit margins on any menu at 75-80%. But irresponsible drinking behaviors can put your customers, and your business, at risk.
servsafe ad alcohol
The ServSafe Alcohol course covers everything your team needs to know about responsible alcohol sales and service. We stay on top of the various and changing regulatory requirements for every state to ensure that your staff will be prepared to serve alcohol responsibly.
Course components include: Measuring Drinks Real-world testimonials
Preventing AlcoholRelated Incidents
Role-play activities
Regional alcohol regulations Guides and quizzes
STATE-SPECIFIC TRAINING FROM THE LEADERS IN RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL SERVICE
ServSafe courses are designed to fit in with your schedule, giving you unlimited access to the tools you need to provide outstanding responsible alcohol service.
To learn more about ServSafe training and certification, visit servsafe.com.
association resources 2024
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
INDUSTRY’S COMMUNICATION 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.
Text Alerts
Stay informed in real time. Receive important action alerts on legislative issues impacting the industry and reminders on industry events and webinars. Scan QR code to sign up.
Social Media
@ctrestaurant.org
@ctrestaurantassoc
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.
LOCAL, STATE & FEDERAL ADVOCACY
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 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TEAM
Scott Dolch
CRA President & CEO
Tim Adams
CRA Legislative Chair dolch@ctrestaurant.org J. Timothy’s Taverne 860-278-8008 tim@jtimothys.com
Nicole Griffin
Brian Durand
CRA Contract Lobbyist CRA Public Affairs Firm Powers, Griffin & Hill Intersect Public Solutions griffin@lobbyct.com brian@intersectps.com
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
CRA MEMBER BENEFITS
Being a CRA member means having a voice at the table so that your business needs are represented wherever policy decisions are being made. But in addition to the critical advocacy work we do, we serve as your trusted resource, providing tools to help you grow your business, to stay informed, to save money, to get your questions answered, and to network with other restaurant and food service owners and operators across Connecticut.
• Business Promotion
• Information & Resources
• Industry Training & Support
• Discounts & Special Savings
• Networking & Events
• Tools & Resources
• Non-Profit & Culinary
Advocacy & Representation
MEMBER BENEFITS
The CRA is Connecticut’s only trade association representing the interests of our local restaurant and hospitality industries. On behalf of our members, we maintain a dedicated & active presence at the state and local level and work to amplify the voices of small business owners across the state.
Discounts & Savings
Member-exclusive pricing, promotions, & special offers from our industry partners on products and services you use every day! From food safety certification to payroll services, merchant services, legal consults, music licensing, healthcare solutions, technology services, equipment & so much more.
Networking & Events
Annual, widely attended signature events throughout the state, as well as smaller, localized, curated meet ups, giving operators the opportunity to meet, learn and build lasting relationships with fellow restaurateurs and industry professionals in a social environment.
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
CRA MEMBER BENEFITS
Information & Resources
Current and consistent industry-related updates, industry webinars & seminars, access to a dedicated network of industry partners, & a dedicated member helpline whenever industry-related questions arise.
Training & Certification
Weekly in-person ServSafe food safety certification opportunities with discounts for members, online certifications for safe food & beverage service, sexual harassment prevention, allergen safety, alcohol certification, and more.
Skills Training & Workforce Development
Get connected to the future of the hospitality industry through the education & workforce development initiatives supported by our charitable arm, the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation.
Business Referrals & Promotion
Advanced brand visibility & business recognition through featured campaigns, sponsorship opportunities, job board postings, community events calendar, and CRA Member directory.
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
CRA MEMBER BENEFITS
Allied Membership
Allied Members are individuals and organizations who provide products and services to the foodservice and hospitality industry used every day to run your restaurant business.
National Restaurant Association
Your CRA membership includes dual membership in the National Restaurant Association*.
The Connecticut Restaurant Association works closely with our partners at the National Restaurant Association on numerous important advocacy issues - issues that impact CT restaurants at both the state and federal level. The National team are a critical resource to the CRA, and we make sure the resources, tools, and information they offer is brought to bear for our members here in Connecticut.
Other benefits include:
• Advocacy and Representation on National/Federal Issues
• Research and Insight (surveys, reports, economic indicators, etc)
• Discounts and Offers
• Education and Connection
• Complimentary Ticket to National Restaurant Association Show
• Annual State of the Industry Report (complimentary member download)
* Dual membership does not apply to Allied Membership
Promote your restaurant with
C CRAVINGS #CTCRAVINGS
#CTCRAvings is all about promoting the creativity of the industry and capturing the individual talents of restaurants across CT through quarterly themes - from specific ingredients to locations, cuisines to cocktails. In essence, we want to promote what your business is best at!
Simply submit your restaurant under one of the themes, and we ’ll promote you to our foodie audience.
Better still, members can take advantage of this promotional tool for FREE! Find out more at: ctrestaurant.org/ctcravings
CRA Law Center
Legal Concerns
The CRA Law Center helps protect association members by educating them about key areas of the law, including employment law, contract review and drafting, landlord/ tenant disputes and retail and commercial property leasing. With this service, CRA members are eligible to receive a free, 30-minute consultation with a lawyer to address their legal concerns.
Attorney Ryan O’Donnell of Pullman & Comley, LLC and chair of its Hospitality Practice is available to take your calls for a consultation. Ryan routinely works with restaurants to help them remain compliant and to achieve compliance with an array of legal challenges unique to the restaurant industry, including:
The Handbook serves as a vital resource for restaurant owners, providing answers to urgent questions regarding labor and employment issues that often require immediate attention. Pullman & Comley’s Hospitality attorneys are trusted sources of guidance and advocacy for the hospitality industry and their deep understanding of the issues restaurants face on a daily basis is demonstrated throughout the book. Topics include:
Equal Employment
■ At Will Employment
The Handbook will be available in early 2024. For additional information, please contact Ryan O’Donnell at rodonnell@pullcom.com or Maria Rapp at mrapp@pullcom.com. ■ Wage and Hour Law –minimum wage, overtime with tip credit, nature of gratuities
Visit ctrestaurant.org/healthcare for
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
We understand the many challenges business owners face in providing robust and affordable health care solutions for employees. Through our relationships, CRA members have exclusive access to health care solutions including health insurance, pharmacy discounts, tele medicine, mental health resources and more.
MEMBER SPECIFIC HEALTHCARE PLANS
Pricing and solutions for CRA Members through different Healthcare Providers.
TELADOC MEMBER PRICING
Member pricing on virtual visits (telemedicine) with a medical or mental health professional from TelaDoc.
PHARMACY DISCOUNTS
Free pharmacy discount program for members from Optum Rx, which helps employees save up to 80% on prescription medications.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Hospitality-focused resources for mental health, substance use disorder and suicide prevention.
For questions, email us at membership@ctrestaurant.org
Save up to 80% on prescriptions
Optum Perks cards are accepted at thousands of pharmacies nationwide, from the large chains to the local pharmacy around the corner.
Who can use Optum Perks?
Pharmacy Discount Card
Anyone can use Optum Perks™. No one can be denied because of age, medical history, where they live, or how often they use it.
Optum Perks is here to help you save
• Your card is pre-loaded with discounts on most FDA-approved medications.
• Save up to 80%* simply by showing the pharmacist your Optum Perks card
• Use your card at thousands of pharmacies nationwide.
• Anyone in the United States can use this card, no matter your age, medical history.
• There is no limit to how often you can use your card.
Scan here to start using your card right away.
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
SERVSAFE TRAINING & EDUCATION
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.
For questions, email us at
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit 501(c)3, philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA). Its 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 for the restaurant industry.
EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY
CHEF’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 3,00 Connecticut high school students each year through a curriculum designed by the National Restaurant Association, and culminates with the Connecticut ProStart Invitational. Winning teams compete at the National ProStart Invitational, with students from all 50 states, Guam and Washington, DC.
ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
RESTAURANT READY: WORK READINESS
CHEF has partnered with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to bring the Restaurant Ready program to Connecticut. Restaurant Ready is a national program dedicated to helping people acquire the basic work and life skills necessary to pursue jobs in the hospitality industry and jumpstart a pathway to independence.
Additionally, we work to create apprenticeships, offer professional development opportunities for our members and promote the restaurant industry as a viable career path.
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.
Referral Program
We’re excited to introduce a fantastic opportunity for you to make a difference and share the benefits of being part of the CRA community. Refer today and help us build a stronger, more united restaurant industry in Connecticut!
Simply refer a fellow industry professional to become a first-time CRA Member
The referred individual will receive a $50 discount off their initial membership dues upon joining the CRA.
You, as the referrer, will receive a $50 credit toward your next year membership dues.
For full details & how to refer, scan the QR code or visit ctrestaurant.org/referrals:
prime partners 2024
CRA PRIME PARTNERS
WINE & SPIRITS DISTRIBUTOR
Brescome Barton, Inc. is one of the leading distributors of spirits, wine, and beer in the state of Connecticut offering an amazing choice of products. Brescome has been in business for over 70 years by providing excellent customer service --our salespeople, office staff, warehouse crew, and drivers are committed to providing first in class service with a smile to our valued restaurant customer base as well as to our supplier partners.
CONTACT:
Stephen Lentz slentz@brescomebarton.com (203) 239-4901
CRA PRIME PARTNERS
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
• Ease of doing business
• Quick turnaround time from question to resolution
• High retention rate
• Proven reliability and success
• Streamlined payroll processing
• Focus on efficiency & accuracy
CONTACT:
David Kaletski david.kaletski@datapay.com (860) 751-9057
MERCHANT SERVICES & POS
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 in-person, 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.
CONTACT:
Pauline Lieber
pauline.lieber@fiserv.com (989) 522-3362
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: Darrell Davis darrell.davis@doordash.com
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 Basileo matt@gonation.com (203) 767-5686
CRA PRIME PARTNERS
CRA PRIME PARTNERS
PACKAGING & CLEANING SUPPLIES
Imperial Dade is the leading independent distributor of foodservice packaging and cleaning products in North America. Our foodservice experts have been helping restaurants improve their operations, save money, and increase customer satisfaction since 1935. From sustainable takeout packaging to restroom dispenser systems, we have all of the non-food supplies you need to keep your operation running smoothly.
Imperial Dade also offers dish machine programs including sales and leasing options along with 24/7 emergency service. 3-compartment sink systems are also available including the proper detergents and sanitizers.
CONTACT:
Mike Matteo michael.matteo@imperialdade.com (203) 627-5632
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 Page
Mike.Page@pfgc.com (800) 388-0257
CRA PRIME PARTNERS
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 LaCava
lizl@powerstationevents.com (203) 250-8500
LAW FIRM
Pullman & Comley attorneys represent many of the region’s most recognized and established restaurants, hotels and tourism-related businesses on a multitude of matters including a full range of labor and employment issues, complex regulatory proceedings, the acquisition or sale of liquor licenses, as well as litigation. For expansion opportunities, we help to secure financing, acquire or sell assets, review commercial leases and related transactions, and negotiate and enforce franchise agreements. We also offer guidance on intellectual property, zoning and land use, design and construction contracts and tax structuring. Our team includes attorneys practicing in labor and employment, corporate, real estate, construction, litigation, energy, intellectual property, marketing, advertising, social media, and technology law and are trusted sources of guidance and advocacy for the hospitality industry.
CONTACT: Ryan O’Donnell rodonnell@pullcom.com
CRA PRIME PARTNERS
CRA PRIME PARTNERS CRA PRIME PARTNERS
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 Loos loos.donny@ct.sysco.com (860) 571-5633
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.
To become a customer, scan the QR code.
advantage partners 2024
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
FINANCIAL SERVICES
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With more than 8,500 people, nearly 130 U.S. locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you.
For more information, visit CLAconnect.com. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.
CONTACT:
James Kelly
James.Kelly@CLAconnect.com 860-231-6645
CRA PRIME PARTNERS
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
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.
CONTACT:
Bill Clark bill@cha-cpas.com
CONTACT:
Jason Hirth jason@cha-cpas.com
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
ACCOUNTING
FIRM
CohnReznick LLP provides industryleading 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:
Don Stevens
Don.Stevens@Cohn.Reznick.com
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
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, Jr. jerry@ctliquorlaw.com (203) 774-5002 ctrestaurant.org
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
INSURANCE
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
CONTACT: Michael Forlivio tgerard@jmg.com mforlivio@jmg.com (203) 721-8109 (203) 956-2463
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
FURNITURE
New England Seating Company, LLC is a privately owned and operated contract furniture manufacturer specializing in the fabrication of booths, banquette seating, and tables for commercial use. With over 75 years of experience, our family-owned company prides itself on utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to manufacture the highest quality products. We pride ourselves in accommodating orders of all sizes and styles.
CONTACT: sales@newenglandseating.com 203-776-1116
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
COOKING OIL COLLECTION
Phibro RenewOil is a reliable Connecticut-based company specializing in used cooking oil collection. They offer fair market prices, theft-resistant containers, transparent payments, and quarterly cleanings for a hassle-free experience. Transitioning to Phibro RenewOil is effortless, and by choosing their services, you are contributing to the renewable energy transition. Their dedicated professionals guarantee effective disposal methods making them your reliable and conscious partner for grease management.”
CONTACT: Tom Eckert teckert@phibro.com 203-767-1854
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
At Provi, we’re on a mission to solve your workday challenges with modern technology solutions built for an extraordinary, rapidly evolving industry. Whether you’re a bartender, sommelier, shop owner, distributor manger, sales rep, importer or brand manager, everything we offer is designed to bring efficiency to a fragmented purchasing system with easy-to-use technology solutions that are fully three-tier compliant.
CONTACT: Ian Griffith ian.griffith@provi.com
BEVERAGE ORDERING
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
BEVERAGE EQUIPMENT & SYSTEMS
Soda Service & Alpine
Refrigeration provides high-quality and affordable sales, service, leasing and rentals of refrigerated equipment and beverage systems to serving bars and restaurants throughout Connecticut. 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 Lococo sodas10@aol.com (860) 666-7845
CRA ADVANTAGE PARTNERS
Workstream is the leading HR management platform for the hourly workforce. Its smart technology automates and accelerates HR tasks so QSR and franchise businesses can hire serious workers, retain them longer, and improve operational efficiency.
More than 20,000 franchise businesses—including Burger King, Jimmy John’s, Taco Bell, and more—trust Workstream’s suite of HR management tools to help them build and manage a stronger workforce.
CONTACT:
Emily Hancock emily.hancock@workstream.is 801-597-3135
HR MANAGEMENT
allied members 2024
• eb3.work
CRA ALLIED MEMBERS
• Allan S. Goodman, Inc
• Bennett & Company
• BentoBox
• The Beverage Journal
• Brescome Barton, Inc
• Broadcast Music, Inc
• City Line Distributors
• CLA
• ClarkHirth
• Clover
• CohnReznick LLP
• Connecticut Distributors, Inc
• Crown Uniform & Linen Service
• CTBites
• Datapay
• DoorDash
• Drum Rock Specialty Company
• Ecolab
• Eder Brothers Inc
• Evergreen Consulting Group
• Falvey Linen & Uniform Supply, Inc
• Fiserv
• Flavor Smart Beverage Group
• Forge City Works
• FreshPoint Connecticut
• Gary’s East Coast Service Inc
• GoNation
• Gordon Food Service
• Gulf Shrimp Co.
• Hartford Distributors
• Hartley & Parker Ltd Inc
• Ideal Fish
• Imperial Dade
• InGroup Creative
• John M. Glover Insurance Agency
• Law Office of Jerry Farrell, Jr
• Law Offices of Michael F Freeman, LLC
• Litchfield Distillery
• Lombardo Insurance Agency, Inc
• Marcum LLP
• Minuteman Press
• Murphy Distributors
• New England Ice Cream
• New England Seating
• New Haven Awning
• Omaha Beef Company, Inc
• Omar Coffee Company
• OpenTable
• OptumRx
• PepsiCo
• Performance Foodservice
• Phibro RenewOil LLC
• Pi Restaurant Consulting
• Powers, Griffin & Hill LLC
• Powerstation Events
• ProStart
• Provi
• Pullman & Comley LLC
• Response Marketing
• Restaurant City Warehouse
• Restaurant Equipment Paradise
• Rewards Network
• Sardilli Produce & Dairy
• SkyTab
• Slocum & Sons Distributors
• Soda Service, Alpine Refrigeration & Bulk CO2 Dispensing
• Speciality Beverage Concepts, Inc
• SpotOn
• Sprague
• Star Distributors, Inc
• Sysco Connecticut, LLC
• Teledoc
• The Chef’s Warehouse
• The Recipe of Success
• Thurston Foods, Inc
• Toast POS
• Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group
• TriMark United East
• Trinchero Family Estates
• Trumbull Group Benefits
• UnitedHealthcare
• US Foods
• Waypoint Spirits
• Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of CT, Inc
• Workstream
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.
