Restaurants Act

10/02/2026

📈 The Restaurant Performance Index rose again in August, marking its fourth consecutive monthly increase and its highest reading since February.

Watch our very own Chad Moutray, Chief Economist break down the latest industry trends, then read the full report to see what operators are saying about sales, traffic, and the months ahead.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cvY9gt

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Keith Sonderling on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Throughout his career, Sonderling has demonstrated a strong understanding of labor policy and the real-world impact regulations have on employers and workers alike. His experience at the Department of Labor and commitment to clear, commonsense workplace standards position him well to lead the agency.

The restaurant industry looks forward to working with Secretary Sonderling on policies that support workforce development, regulatory clarity, and a strong hospitality workforce.

10/01/2026

What's behind today's biggest celebrity restaurant deals?

At Restaurant Legal Summit, Riley Lagesen of Greenberg Traurig will explore the contracts, investments, joint ventures, and partnership models fueling brand growth across the industry.

Get an inside look at how these partnerships are structured and the key legal considerations restaurant leaders should understand.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3SKTDVv

09/29/2026

Restaurants contribute more than $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy and support communities across the country. That’s why passage of the Common Cents Act matters. The bill provides much-needed clarity for cash transactions when exact change isn’t available, giving restaurant operators greater certainty and protection.

The legislation now heads to the White House, where it awaits the President’s signature before becoming law.

Thank you to Reps. Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Robert Garcia (D-CA) and Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for their bipartisan leadership in helping get this commonsense solution across the finish line.

This is advocacy at work and a win for an industry that continues to power jobs, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

09/28/2026

Restaurants are one of America's most powerful workforce development engines.

Every day, restaurant jobs help people build essential skills, gain real-world experience, and develop the confidence needed to succeed. That benefits not only workers, but the broader economy by creating a stronger talent pipeline and preparing the next generation of leaders.

With more than 20,000 career pathways across 70+ professions, the restaurant industry creates opportunities for long-term growth, advancement, and economic mobility.

Explore the findings in Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/research-reports/industry-careers-in-america

09/25/2026

Last call for early bird savings!

The legal landscape for restaurants is constantly evolving. Join industry experts and peers at the Restaurant Legal Summit for insights on the issues shaping the business. Register now: https://bit.ly/3ThjaWR

09/24/2026

High credit card swipe fees don’t just hurt small businesses—they hit your wallet too. The average American family pays more than $1,200 a year in higher prices because of these fees. It’s time for real reform with the Credit Card Competition Act.

09/23/2026

The latest economic outlook shows a resilient U.S. economy, with the National Restaurant Association forecasting real GDP to grow 2.2% in 2026. But restaurant operators still face significant challenges, including consumer caution, labor market uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and higher energy costs. Understanding these economic trends is critical as policymakers consider decisions that impact restaurants and the communities they serve.

Read the full outlook from the National Restaurant Association's economists:

National Restaurant Association’s Economic Outlook report: Explore current trends in U.S. economic indicators and forecasts for the restaurant industry

09/22/2026

Restaurants are one of the country's most powerful engines for opportunity.

They create jobs, develop talent, strengthen local economies, and help millions of people build skills that serve them throughout their careers.

Behind those numbers are real people whose lives were shaped by restaurant work.

Through , we're celebrating those stories and the lasting impact of our industry.

How did restaurants help shape your path? Share your story at madeinrestaurants.org.

09/18/2026

Heat is becoming a bigger challenge for restaurant operators, and policymakers are taking notice.

The House Committee on Education & Workforce recently advanced the Heat Workforce Standards Act, legislation supported by the National Restaurant Association that recognizes the need to protect workers while preserving flexibility for employers.

At the Restaurant Legal Summit, experts from Fisher Phillips and Papa Johns will discuss how restaurant operators can prepare for evolving heat-related workplace requirements while supporting employees, maintaining operations, and managing risk.

Register today: https://bit.ly/3ThjaWR