Press Release Articles
Texas Restaurant Industry Sales to See Minimum Gains in 2010
1/20/201010:15:45 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Austin, Texas – The Texas Restaurant Association today announced that the Texas restaurant industry is projected to register modest gains in sales growth in 2010 according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2010 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Texas is projected to see sales of $34.8 billion, a 2.7% increase over 2009. Restaurants in Texas will employ 996,300 Texans, a slight decrease from 2009. However, Texas is projected to post the strongest growth in employment over the next decade, growing 16.4% to 1,159,800 employees.
“This has been a challenging year for Texas restaurateurs as effects of the economic downturn were felt across the state,” said Richie Jackson, Texas Restaurant Association CEO. “The good news is that we still see positive overall growth, albeit at a lower level than in years past.”Nationally, restaurant industry sales are expected to reach $580 billion in 2010, a 2.5 percent increase in current dollars over 2009 sales. When adjusted for inflation, 2010 sales will show a 0.1 percent decline, which is an improvement over the 1.2 and 2.9 percent negative growth in real sales that the industry experienced in 2008 and 2009, respectively.“It has been a very challenging time for our industry for the past two years, and while there are still challenges ahead, we are glad to report that the outlook is improving,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “With a total economic impact of more than $1.5 trillion, the restaurant industry is a strong player in the economic recovery and will continue to provide consumers with the choice and convenience they want.”In addition to containing a national, regional and state-by-state sales and employment outlook, the 2010 Restaurant Industry Forecast provides details on the latest economic, consumer, menu, operator and workforce trends. For more information, visit the National Restaurant Association’s web site at www.restaurant.org/forecast or the Texas Restaurant Association’s web site, www.restaurantville.com.Texas Restaurant Association:The Texas Restaurant Association was formed in 1937 to serve as the advocate in Texas and the indispensable resource for the hospitality and foodservice industry. Today, as a leading business association, TRA represents the state’s $34.8 billion restaurant industry, which is comprised of 45,000 plus locations and a workforce of over 996,000 employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, the Association represents, educates and promotes the growing industry. www.restaurantville.com.FS Prep/ProStart Launch First Texas Culinary Competitions
1/13/201011:27:08 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
FS Prep/ProStart Launch First Texas Culinary Competitions
33 High School Culinary Arts Teams to Compete in Regional CompetitionsAustin, Texas - For the first time, students enrolled in Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation FS Prep culinary arts programs in high schools across Texas are eligible to compete in the ultimate high school culinary competition, the National ProStart Invitational.Currently 26 teams have signed up to participate in the regional culinary competitions in Dallas, Houston and Austin in January and February. Seven management teams will compete at the same time the winning regional culinary teams are competing in the state competition at the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin in March.Each year more than $1 million in scholarships is awarded to winning culinary and management teams by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company and many leading colleges and universities.“We are very excited that Texas FS Prep students are competing for the first time in these competitions,” said Dean McSherry, Preferred Restaurant Management Group and TRA Education Foundation chairman. “This is a great showcase for our outstanding culinary arts students and will be a wonderful experience for all teams involved.”Teams participating in the culinary competition must demonstrate their creative abilities through the preparation of a three-course meal in only 60 minutes. Teams participating in the management competition demonstrate their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a restaurant proposal, delivering a verbal presentation, and applying critical thinking skills to challenges managers face in day-to-day operations.Regional CompetitionsDallas – January 23 - Le Cordon Bleu, DallasHouston – February 20 – Westside High School, HoustonAustin – February 27- Texas Culinary Academy, AustinTexas State CompetitionTexas Culinary Academy - March 6 - AustinNational ProStart InvitationalOverland Park, Kansas April 28 – May 2The FS Prep/ProStart Regional Competitions are supported by the following partners: US Foodservice, Auto-Chlor, Preferred Restaurant Services, Tyson, Edward Don, Texas Beef Council, Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Schools and Claes and Greenoe Marketing Group.For media credentials for any of the Texas competitions, please contact Yvonne Loya at 512-457-4100 or yloya@tramail.org.Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation:It is the mission of the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation to serve as the resource arm of the restaurant industry by maintaining educational programs and enhancing the industry’s image to benefit local communities, the state and the foodservice industry. www.restaurantville.com.Texas Restaurant Association Supports Justice Jim Moseley for Texas Supreme Court
11/11/200910:31:07 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Austin, Texas - The Texas Restaurant Association Political Action Committee (TRAPAC) met on Tuesday, November 10 and voted to support Justice Jim Moseley for the Texas Supreme Court.
“We are proud to support someone whom the members of the Texas Restaurant Association know and trust for the highest court in Texas”, said Richie Jackson, TRA executive vice president/CEO. “I’ve known Justice Moseley for many years, dating back to when Jim was still in private practice when he represented some our clients in various situations. I have no doubt that as a member of the Texas Supreme Court, Justice Moseley will rule fairly and consistently on matters important to all Texans.”
Justice Moseley’s experience is unmatched by any of the other candidates for this position. Moseley was appointed to the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas in 1996 by Governor Bush. Since then he has written over 1,000 opinions dealing with all areas of civil and criminal law. He was the highest rated appellate justice (of 13 on his court) in this year’s Dallas Bar Association judicial evaluation poll, with 89% rating his overall performance excellent or acceptable. This is a remarkable number, considering that roughly half of the attorneys appearing before him will be disappointed in the outcome.
Before joining the court, Moseley practiced nine years with the Dallas-based firm of Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (now Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell). From 1983 to 1987, Moseley served as Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission's Dallas Regional office. There he was responsible for enforcing federal antitrust and consumer protection laws in Texas and four surrounding states.
Moseley is a native Texan, born and raised in Eastland County. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Baylor University. He resides in Coppell with his wife of 26 years, the former Marian Bentley of Burkburnett. They have two children--Becky, a second-year law student at the University of Chicago, and Jimmy, a junior at Texas A&M.
For more about Justice Jim Moseley visit, www.JusticeJimMoseley.com.Restaurant Association Grieves Loss of Matt Martinez Jr.
3/16/200910:00:52 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
The Texas Restaurant Association, along with the restaurant industry, mourns the loss of Matt Martinez, Jr. Matt passed away March 13 at 7:30 p.m. "Matt Martinez was a pioneer in the restaurant industry and made invaluable contributions to advancing the business interests of restaurateurs throughout his career," said Gerard Cace, TRA president and owner of Johnny Cace's Seafood and Steakhouse, Longview. "His wife Estella and their family are in our thoughts and prayers. Matt will be missed by all of his dear friends in the restaurant community.
"I have been fortunate to know Matt Martinez, Jr. for more than 30 years, thanks to his involvement in the Texas Restaurant Association," said Richie Jackson, TRA executive vice president/CEO. "While countless Texans enjoyed his pioneering cuisine, the Association benefitted tremendously from his vision, enthusiasm and willingness to share his extensive knowledge of the restaurant business. I have always enjoyed my association wtih Matt and will miss his entertaining stories and strong support of the Assocation and the Texas restaurant industry."
Mr. Martinez owned Matt's Rancho Martinez restaurants in Lakewood and Cedar Hill and family-owned restaurants in Austin. He authored several cookbooks on Tex Mex cooking and served many dignitaries including both former Presidents Bush and former President Lyndon B Johnson and their wives. He is also known for introducing Julia Childs to Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
Mr. Martinez served as Texas Restaurant Association State Director from 1992 through 1995. He served on the TRA Executive Committee from 2000 to 2002 and as Greater Dallas Chapter President from 1996 to 1997. He was inducted into the TRA Hall of Honor in June 2000. Mr. Martinez was awarded the Lone Star Award for Culinary Achievement in 2007.
Most importantly, Matt was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, friend and leader.
Texas Restaurant Association Encourages Texans to Dine at the Sign
3/10/20093:32:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) wants Texans to Dine at the Sign. When Texans choose to dine at local restaurants that have the distinctive TRA member decal in their window, they are supporting their local restaurant economy and a restaurant that is committed to the community and to supporting the future of the industry. TRA is supporting this public awareness campaign with billboards located across the state and an Online Dining Guide found on www.restaurantville.com/diningguide.
“Texas is projected to lead the nation in restaurant sales growth this year, with a 5% increase resulting in sales of $35 billion,” said Richie Jackson, Texas Restaurant Association executive vice president/CEO. “Dining out continues to be an important part of people’s lives and our members are working hard to provide value and great experiences to their customers. This public awareness campaign and online dining guide will support their efforts and give Texans a great resource for finding local restaurants in their communities.”Dine at the Sign billboards are located in areas of the state where TRA has active local chapters including:Abilene Midland
Amarillo Odessa
Austin San Angelo
Beaumont Temple
Belton Tyler
Bryan Victoria
Corpus Christi Waco
Longview Wichita Falls
McAllenTexas Restaurant Industry First in Nation in Restaurant Sales in 2009
12/31/20081:57:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
The Texas Restaurant Association today announced that Texasrestaurant industry sales growth leads the nation at 4% with total sales expected to reach $35 billion in 2009, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Restaurants in Texas will employ more than one million Texans in 2009 and the number of restaurant jobs in the state is projected to grow 23.4 %by the year 2019, resulting in 1.2 million jobs.
“Even in these tough economic times, it is clear that the Texas restaurant industry is the best place to do business in the nation,” said Richie Jackson, TRA executive vice president/CEO. “While our country is coping with the weakest economy in decades, Texas restaurateurs continue to buck the trends and post positive sales and job growth.”
Nationally, restaurant industry sales are expected to reach $566 billion in 2009, with the industry employing 13 million individuals in 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets nationwide. The Forecast projects that while overall restaurant industry sales will increase in current dollars by 2.5 percent over 2008, the number translates to an inflation-adjusted decline of 1.0 percent. Despite the economic downturn, the industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, representing 4 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product and employing 9 percent of the U.S. workforce.
“The restaurant industry is both innovative and resilient,” said Dawn Sweeny, president/CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “In the year ahead, the industry’s sales are projected to continue to increase, with a total economic impact that exceeds $1.5 trillion, yet at the same time, the industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the economic recession and elevated food prices.”
In addition to containing a national, regional and state-by-state sales and employment outlook, the 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast provides details on the latest economic, consumer, menu, operator, and workforce trends. For more information visit the National Restaurant Association's Web site at www.restaurant.org/forecast
Expo Announces Major Sponsors
4/24/20082:18:44 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
The Texas Restaurant Association today announced that The Coca-Cola Company and US Foodservice have joined the Southwest Foodservice Expo as major sponsors. The Southwest Foodservice Expo, produced by the Texas Restaurant Association, scheduled for June 22-24 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, is the largest foodservice trade show in the region. It is the only show where foodservice professionals have the opportunity to see all of the products and services available to help them run their businesses profitably under one roof.
“We are delighted to welcome The Coca-Cola Company and US Foodservice as major sponsors,” said Richie Jackson, TRA executive vice president/CEO. “These two leaders recognize the importance of events such as the SW Foodservice Expo to the foodservice industry. We appreciate their support and value their involvement.”
"While US Foodservice is a large national company, we maintain a distinctly local focus that is based on the needs of the communities we serve and we are honored to sponsor such a wonderful event. The Southwest Foodservice Expo will help us become more exposed to our community and provide opportunity to connect with business partners,” said Steve Guberman, president, US Foodservice Houston Division. “Now more than ever restaurateurs and foodservice operators need solutions to help improve their businesses and we are delighted to be given the opportunity to help them achieve their goals. Our sponsorship of this event is just another way that U.S. Foodservice strives to be a ‘partner beyond the plate’ for our customers.”
"Texans have a strong affinity for Coca-Cola and we have a long and important relationship with the restaurants in Texas who make our product available to customers," said Bill Adams, area vice-president, The Coca-Cola Company. "We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the SW Foodservice Expo and participating in Expo is a great way for us to give back to the industry and continue to build strong relationships with restaurateurs."
The SW Foodservice Expo is open to the trade only. No one under the age of 16 is admitted. For more information or to register, visit www.swfoodexpo.com.
Texas Restaurant Association
The Texas Restaurant Association was formed in 1937 to serve as the advocate in Texas and the indispensable resource for the foodservice industry. Today, as a leading business association, TRA represents the state’s $33 billion restaurant industry, which is comprised of 50,000 plus locations and a workforce of over 995,000 employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, the Association represents, educates and promotes the growing industry. www.restaurantville.comAbout The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five nonalcoholic sparkling brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta® and Sprite®, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light beverages, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees, energy and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our Web site at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.About U.S. Foodservice
U.S. Foodservice is one of the largest national broadline distributors in the United States. It is a full service distributor with more than 27,000 associates in over 70 locations nationwide. The company distributes food and related products to 250,000 customers across the U.S. including restaurants, hospitals, hotels, schools, government and other establishments where food is prepared outside of the home.
