Greater Austin Chapter - Texas Restaurant Association

11/05/2025

Only one week to go until the 2025 Chairman’s Dinner — the night we gather to honor excellence and celebrate the spirit of Austin’s hospitality industry.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Peached Social House for an evening of connection, recognition, and community.

10/31/2025

We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 Chairman’s Dinner speakers – Christopher Aslam and David Cole!

Christopher Aslam, CEO of Rock Strategic Restaurant Group, brings over 25 years of experience leading 70+ locations across three brands and three states. A longtime TRA Board Member and past Dallas Chapter Chair, Chris is a dedicated advocate for Texas restaurants and the communities they serve.

David Cole, co-founder of i Fratelli Pizza, has been in the food service industry for 46 years. Since launching i Fratelli in 1987 with his three brothers, he’s helped grow the brand to 21 locations across Texas. A TRA Hall of Honor inductee (2020) and active leader on both the TRA and TRF Boards, David is a tireless supporter of workforce development, especially through the Texas ProStart program.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, community, and the future of hospitality at the 2025 Chairman’s Dinner on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Peached Social House in Austin.

⚠️ VIP tickets are SOLD OUT, and general admission is going fast — grab yours while they last!

Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Peached Social House, Austin, TX
Time: 5:15 PM - 9:00 PM
Get tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-greater-austin-chapter-chairmans-dinner

10/22/2025

We’re just weeks away from the 2025 Chairman’s Dinner — the premier night to celebrate Austin’s incredible hospitality community!

Join us on Wednesday, November 12 at Peached Social House for an evening of connection, recognition, and celebration.
Raise a glass, enjoy a beautiful dinner, and honor the leaders who make our industry shine.

Seating is limited — get your tickets now before they sell out!
👉 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-greater-austin-chapter-chairmans-dinner

10/17/2025

Austin friends — your voice matters this week.

On Thursday, October 23, Austin City Council will vote on Item #51, which would keep the city’s existing restaurant permit system in place.

The current nine-tier, risk-based model was built with community input, protects public health, and already meets state requirements. It works — for both restaurants and Austin Public Health.

If Item #51 isn’t adopted, restaurants could face major fee increases that many small and independent operators simply cannot afford. These added costs would strain local businesses, threaten jobs, and hurt the local restaurants that make Austin’s dining scene so special.

We’ve worked with Austin Public Health and city leaders since August to get this right — now it’s time to ensure the Council hears from the community before Thursday’s vote.

Let’s protect Austin’s restaurants, support public health, and keep the permit process fair and affordable for everyone.

➡️ Add your voice here: https://p2a.co/BzXeHlo

I just emailed Austin City Council asking them to support Item #51 and keep the current restaurant permit system in place. It works, it’s fair, and it protects small local restaurants. Please join me!

10/10/2025

The City of Austin is reviewing restaurant permit fees and is asking for community feedback.

The current 9-tier system (Option 1) — created by the Austin restaurant community — is a fair, transparent, and balanced structure for Austin’s diverse restaurant community.

We’ve been working with the City since August to ensure local restaurant voices are represented in this process, and we support keeping the 9-tier system in place.

Your feedback matters! Take a few minutes to complete the City’s survey and make your voice heard:
👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F3TWNG3

10/08/2025

You’re Invited!

Join us for the 2025 Chairman’s Dinner — the premier night for Austin’s hospitality community!

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Location: Peached Social House

Enjoy a reception, elegant dinner, and inspiring recognition of industry excellence — including the Restaurateur of the Year and scholarships for future hospitality leaders.

🎟️ Seating is limited — reserve your spot at the link below!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-greater-austin-chapter-chairmans-dinner

10/01/2025

The 2025 Swing for Scholarships Golf Tournament wasn’t just about a great day on the course, it was about giving back to the future of hospitality.

On site, we proudly awarded $3,000 in scholarship funds:
- $2,000 to the Hutto ISD Culinary Arts Program to support their incredible program.
- $1,000 to an individual student to further his education and career in hospitality.

These scholarships are more than just financial support, they’re an investment in the next generation of hospitality leaders. Events like this make a real difference, and we’re so thankful to everyone who played, sponsored, and supported.

Together, we’re building a brighter future for our industry.

09/30/2025

Big shoutout to all of our amazing sponsors who helped make the 2025 Swing for Scholarships Golf Tournament such a success! ⛳💛

A special thanks to ECOLAB, our Title Sponsor, for leading the way - and to every other amazing sponsor. From drinks to drives, none of it would’ve been possible without you.

We’re so grateful for your support in helping us raise funds for hospitality scholarships!

09/09/2025

Our airport is growing—and we want Austin’s small businesses to grow with it. As part of the Journey With AUS expansion, the airport will have new concession opportunities for restaurants, retailers, and service providers.

To help eligible businesses prepare, the City of Austin’s Small and Minority Business Resource Department is hosting information sessions this September. These sessions cover key steps like ACDBE certification and City vendor registration—critical for participating in upcoming opportunities.

If you’ve ever thought of seeing your business at the airport, now is the time to get started.
https://www.austintexas.gov/page/concession-opportunities

09/03/2025

We’re excited to join Southerleigh Fine Foods & Brewery for the Whiskey Stroll tomorrow! Delicious pairings, Texas flavor, and a great cause - supporting TRA advocacy efforts through the TRAction Fund.

08/27/2025

Yesterday’s joint happy hour with Austin Hospitality Partners was a wonderful success! We came together for meaningful conversations, new connections, live music, and fantastic drinks - all in the spirit of strengthening our hospitality community.

A heartfelt thank you to Austin Hospitality Partners and everyone who joined us and helped make this event possible. We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and collaborative community.

08/26/2025

Happy hour is happening TODAY!

We’re joining forces with ATX Hospitality Networking to bring together two amazing communities for one afternoon of great conversations, fresh connections, and plenty of hospitality energy.

📅 Tuesday, August 26
🕒 3:30 – 5:30 PM
📍 Hill Country Ice House – 9201 US-290, Austin, TX 78736

If you’re in the hospitality world - whether running a restaurant, supplying the industry, or just passionate about the scene, this is your chance to meet new people and strengthen Austin’s network.

Join us for an afternoon of networking, collaboration, and community.

👉 RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hospitality-uncorked-a-tra-central-affair-tickets-1571491386039?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=31658d6692&mc_eid=305b2cd8b0