Coastal Bend Chapter - Texas Restaurant Association

02/13/2026

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟯𝘁𝗵… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱. 👀

Not of bad luck. And definitely not of legislation.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 already... 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 that hit your bottom line every single day. The good news? We don’t sit back and hope for luck. 𝐖𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞.

At this year’s Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., we’re calling on our local chapters to 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬. When lawmakers hear directly from operators, it makes an impact. Your story is powerful — and it matters.

Our 2026 advocacy priorities focus on three critical issues:

• Lowering swipe fees through the Credit Card Competition Act
• Advancing meaningful immigration solutions to stabilize our workforce
• Protecting USMCA to maintain affordable, reliable North American supply chains

This is the work the Texas Restaurant Association leads every day — but 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿.

So on this Friday the 13th, don’t fear the headlines. Join us in D.C., 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬, and help shape the future of our industry.

𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=852362

02/12/2026

🚨 Coastal Bend — We’re Coming to You! 🚨

Join Emily and Kelsey for the Texas Restaurant Association's 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟕 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟏𝟎:𝟎𝟎–𝟏𝟏:𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐌 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐁𝐐 𝐌𝐚𝐧!

If you own, operate, or work in a restaurant, bar, or food & beverage business — this is your chance to get in the room and be part of the conversation shaping our industry.

🔥 Here’s what you’ll gain:

✅ Hear about our latest advocacy wins — and what they mean for your business
✅ Connect directly with your lawmakers and local health department officials
✅ Share your feedback and help shape the TRA’s legislative agenda

Your voice matters. Your business matters. And the policies impacting you are being discussed right now.

🎟️ Attendance is FREE (advocacy contributions are encouraged and appreciated!)

Let’s work together to keep Texas the best place to operate a food or beverage business.

📍 The Bar-B-Q Man Restaurant
🗓️ March 17
⏰ 10:00–11:30 AM

Tag a fellow operator and make plans to attend — we’ll see you there!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/emily-and-kelseys-texas-tour-coastal-bend

02/11/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 — 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬.

Del Mar College is hosting its upcoming Culinary, Hospitality & STEM Career Fair and Expo, and this is your chance to connect directly with students who are preparing to enter the hospitality workforce. Participate to showcase your business, recruit future team members, and build relationships with Del Mar’s culinary and hospitality programs.

Participants will also have the opportunity to tour Del Mar College’s state-of-the-art Culinary Arts facilities.

Culinary, Hospitality & STEM Career Fair and Expo
Monday, February 23
1:30 – 4:30 PM
Del Mar College – Oso Creek Campus
7002 Yorktown Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78414
Culinary Arts Building, Tres Grace Room (2nd Floor)

Cost to participate is $50, which includes a 6-foot table and chairs. Additional tables are available for $15 each. Hospitality snacks, drinks, and coffee will be provided.

Spots are limited, so register now and make sure your business is represented at this important workforce development event.

For payment questions, contact Monica Maya at (361) 689-2692.
Registration link: [INSERT LINK]

🔗 Registration link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Rx0VL6vZR06wMKZ5eQv_3JHbiE1xkkFEhgYKipW0OpRUNVI1OVBXNjJDSkZQQ1pJUVFTRk9TUE4yRC4u&route=shorturl

02/10/2026

Restaurant owners and operators — if your website isn’t showing up in search results, you’re losing customers before they ever see your menu.

Join us for 3 Proven Ways to Improve Your SEO, a TRA member-only webinar designed specifically for restaurants that want to get found online and turn searches into real guests and real revenue. This session breaks down SEO in a clear, practical way — no tech jargon, no headaches.

Thursday, February 12, 2026
2:00 PM (Central Time)

You’ll learn:
• How SEO directly impacts traffic, online orders, and reservations
• The top three SEO must-dos every restaurant website should have in place
• Common mistakes that keep restaurants buried in search results

You’ll also learn how Owner helps restaurants grow, see their AI-powered Restaurant Grader in action, and have the opportunity to ask questions — with a chance for a live website review.

This is a member benefit designed to give you actionable tools you can use right away to drive more business.

Do not miss out — register and take advantage of your membership.

Panelists:
Ben Knorr, VP of Strategic Initiatives, Texas Restaurant Association
Enga Stanfield, Head of Community, Owner | Co-owner, Mattenga’s Pizzeria
Tina Glickman, Vice President of Partnerships, Owner

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mkpojD1uToW62c0mOJC86A #/registration

02/09/2026

Restaurant owners, operators, and managers — this is an industry event you don’t want to miss.

The Texas Restaurant Show in San Antonio is 𝐚 𝐓𝐑𝐀 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭, and 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞. This is your opportunity to explore the latest products and trends, connect with peers from across the state, and gain insights you can put to work in your business immediately.

From the show floor to educational sessions and networking opportunities, the Restaurant Show is designed to help your restaurant grow, adapt, and stay competitive.

Take advantage of this member benefit and make plans to attend.

Register here:
https://www.txrestaurantshow.com/attend

02/06/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 — 𝐢𝐟 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞.

Join us for a free live webinar and learn 3 Proven Ways to Improve Your SEO, with practical tips designed specifically for restaurants. This session will show you how SEO impacts traffic, online orders, and reservations—and what simple steps you can take to improve your visibility.

Thursday, February 12, 2026
2:00 PM (CT)

This webinar includes clear, actionable takeaways, live Q&A, and potential website reviews.

Register now and secure your spot:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mkpojD1uToW62c0mOJC86A

02/06/2026

02/05/2026

Make plans to join the Texas Restaurant Association Coastal Bend Chapter this Monday for an evening of networking and conversation with fellow restaurant and hospitality professionals.

The Coastal Bend Mixer is your chance to connect with local operators, strengthen relationships, and stay engaged with the issues impacting our industry. We’re also excited to welcome special guest speaker Lisa Pollakis, who will share updates on Del Mar College’s culinary majors and curriculum, along with important insights on workforce development.

Coastal Bend Chapter Mixer
Monday, February 9th
5:30 PM
Special Guest Speaker: Lisa Pollakis

All industry members are encouraged to attend.

Register now and join us Monday night: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/coastal-bend-member-mixer-february--2026

02/02/2026

📣 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 & 𝐛𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬/𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬!

This is your chance to be in the room and make sure our region’s voice is heard before the next legislative session.

Emily and Kelsey are bringing the Texas Tour to Corpus Christi to connect directly with food and beverage businesses, public health officials, and lawmakers — and we need strong participation from the Coastal Bend hospitality community.

✅ Coastal Bend Town Hall
📅 March 17th
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 The Bar-B-Q Man Restaurant – Corpus Christi

These town halls are free to attend and are an important opportunity to share what’s happening in your business so we can shape an advocacy agenda that truly supports Texas restaurants and bars.

Let’s show up together and make the next legislative session impactful for our industry.

🔗 Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/emily-and-kelseys-texas-tour-coastal-bend

01/30/2026

📣 Coastal Bend Chapter Members — Don’t Miss This Hiring Opportunity!

Del Mar College is hosting its upcoming Culinary, Hospitality & STEM Career Fair and Expo, and this is a great chance for local restaurants and hospitality businesses to connect with the next generation of talent.

Come showcase your business, meet students ready to enter the workforce, and tour Del Mar’s impressive state-of-the-art Culinary Arts facilities!

📅 When: Monday, February 23 | 1:30–4:30 PM
📍 Where: Del Mar College – Oso Creek Campus
7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414)
Culinary Arts Building, Tres Grace Room (2nd floor)

☕ Hospitality snacks, drinks, and coffee will be provided!

💼 Cost: $50 (includes a 6ft table + chairs)
Additional tables available for $15 each.

👉 Spots are limited — register today and represent the Coastal Bend restaurant community at this exciting event!

For payment questions, contact Monica Maya at (361) 689-2692.

🔗 Registration link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Rx0VL6vZR06wMKZ5eQv_3JHbiE1xkkFEhgYKipW0OpRUNVI1OVBXNjJDSkZQQ1pJUVFTRk9TUE4yRC4u&route=shorturl

01/26/2026

Support local restaurants from home today ❤️

Stay safe. Stay warm. Support local.

With much of Texas homebound during the winter storm, it’s more important than ever that we band together and support local restaurants affected by the freeze, many of which have lost out on critical business.

Your purchase of a gift card to local restaurants helps support them while their doors are closed or their businesses are impacted during this storm.

Visit https://www.giftcardmarket.com/?ref=tra&utm_source=tra to purchase a gift card to your favorite eateries and give back to restaurants that have been feeding your community for years. ❤️