James November-December 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 43
he Georgia Restaurant
Association (GRA) not
only represents the
state’s diverse food
and beverage industry
but also shapes its future through
advocacy, education and community
engagement. From big city iconic
eateries to family-owned diners, the
association’s influence permeates
every corner of the state.
With a rich history and a mission
to serve as the “unified voice of Georgia’s restaurants,” the GRA is committed to protecting and promoting
the interests of its members at the
local, state and federal levels. The association is well known for lobbying
for fair regulations and policies that
ensure the sustainability and profitability of the industry.
It’s no exaggeration to say that
the GRA’s work has especially been
instrumental in influencing labor
laws, food safety regulations and
hospitality standards— thus allowing
restaurants to focus on what they do
best: serving great food and providing memorable experiences.
A HISTORY OF ADVOCACY & SUPPORT
The GRA has been the face and
voice of Peach State restaurants
since 1906. In 1972, under the leadership of Marge McDonald, it joined
with the Georgia Travel Association
and the Georgia Hotel and Lodging
Association, which then fell under
the umbrella of the Georgia Hospitality & Travel Association as its food
service division. It was a merger that
quickly became highly successful.
This past January, president
and CEO Karen Bremer retired after
13 years with the organization and
50 years in the hospitality industry.
During her GRA tenure, Bremer tirelessly worked to heighten awareness
of the restaurant industry’s positive
impact on the state’s economy.
The group is now under the
leadership of Stephanie Fischer.
She officially took over on January
17 after beginning service on
the GRA board in 2017 and later
becoming chair in 2022. “When I
learned that Karen was retiring, I
decided to throw my hat in the ring,”
said Fischer. “I was fortunate to
earn this new position. Karen did a
“We want to identify
what else we can bring
to the table for all of
our members”
STEPHANIE FISCHER
N OV EM B E R /D EC E M BER 2024
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