Educating Current & Future Restaurateurs

ARA is dedicated to educating Arizona’s current restaurateurs and their employees on the industry’s latest trends, management techniques and regulations. But ARA also cares about the food-service industry’s future. That’s why it takes an active role in the training of future industry leaders through support of the ProStart Food Service Management curriculum, which is taught in a number of high schools throughout Arizona.

This educational outreach is administered by the Arizona Restaurant Association Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit. The foundation also provides scholarships for students wishing to study culinary arts at institutions of higher learning, such as the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff or through the many community colleges throughout the state that offer culinary and restaurant management programs.

Training Arizona’s Workforce

Here in Arizona, the food-service industry represents a major portion of the Arizona workforce, employing more than 136,000 people within the industry. ARHA helps Arizona restaurateurs train their employees through a variety of different programs, including: Training in the latest in food safety through the nationally accredited ServSafe program; Training in alcohol service; Management training; A wide variety of different seminars and roundtable discussions where employees can expand their knowledge.

Member employees also can benefit from ARA’s endorsed vendor programs, including reduced cost health insurance and credit union membership. In addition, our new payroll program allows employees to receive “electronic paychecks” on debit cards to avoid excessive check-cashing fees.

Lobbying for its Members

ARA acts as the industry’s legislative advocate at the local, state and national levels of government. Through its working relationship with the National Restaurant Association, ARA serves as a watchdog for the industry, preserving the rights of restaurateurs.

ARA uses a number of different tactics, including opposing unnecessary regulatory burdens and supporting sensible small business policies. With a strong and capable legislative team, ARA has been extremely successful in achieving its public policy platform for many years. This successful advocacy has saved the entire industry millions of dollars and helped to create untold numbers of new jobs throughout the years.

Saving Members Money

Another way ARA provides value to members is by improving their bottom line. Specifically, members are entitled to special rates on credit- card processing, which can save a restaurant owner thousands of dollars over the course of a year. This type of preference rate has allowed many restaurants to grow faster and become more competitive.

Payroll processing is another product ARA debuted this past year, and it has been met with great success. The program takes the monthly hassle of payroll and deductions away from restaurant owners, allowing them to do what they do best – entertain their guests. It’s both simple and inexpensive to members.

In addition, by utilizing the buying power of its membership with ARA and the National Restaurant Association, restaurant owners are able to offer an ever-expanding menu of insurance options as well.

Raising the Bar for the Industry

As part of its mission to increase the stature and professionalism of the food-service industry, ARA has reached out to industry partners that are suppliers to and supporters of the restaurant community in Arizona. Through corporate partnerships the ARA is able to provide new and expanding programs to its members on an ongoing basis.

The association also offers opportunities for members to network and share ideas and solutions to common challenges at a variety of different events each year. Whether by attending the annual STAR Gala, an event where ARA members are recognized for their current or past contributions to the food-service industry; through participation in one of the association’s golf tournaments; or by attending a meeting of their local chapter, members share knowledge and experiences to make their industry stronger.

Leadership in the association is provided by an executive committee and board of directors that is as diverse as the industry itself. From Yuma to Pinetop, from Flagstaff to Sierra Vista, and all points in between, ARA board members give their time and money to help make their industry a healthy, vibrant part of the Arizona business landscape.

A Symbol of Assurance

Customers can be assured that when they dine at a restaurant displaying the ARA logo, they have chosen an establishment that is engaged and involved in their business and their industry. That’s why we hope you will look for the membership logo and Dine at the Sign.