MA Restaurant Association (MRA)

10/29/2026

Less than a week from today. Are your seats reserved?

The 2026 MRA Restaurant Leadership Conference is Monday, November 2nd at Apex Entertainment in Marlborough a full day of executive-level leadership development and networking built for Massachusetts restaurant operators.

Sessions cover leadership and culture, AI in restaurant operations, and financial acumen. Registration opens at 8:00 AM. Networking Reception at 4:30 PM.

Register here: https://web.themassrest.org/atlas/events/mraef-restaurant-leadership-conference-a-one-day-symposium-1467/details

10/28/2026

The October economic picture is out and for restaurant operators, there is reason for cautious optimism.

Restaurant sales rose for the eighth consecutive month in September. Consumer prices jumped, driven by gas prices, with menu price growth continuing. Wholesale food costs rose month-over-month but stayed below last year's levels.

The National Restaurant Association's Monthly Economic Briefing has the full breakdown:https://files.constantcontact.com/0d5bb3c6be/1bae5ff9-5b93-4773-8f96-13dfd1ef7bf7.pdf

What trends are you watching heading into the holidays?

10/27/2026

An MRA Member Made National Headlines for All the Right Reasons.

David Forgit, co-owner of Goodstuff Smokehouse and Coldstuff Ice Cream in Blackstone, spoke out publicly after customers mistreated his teenage employees. His message that his team deserves respect resonated far beyond Massachusetts.

The response was overwhelming: community support poured in from across the country, and a fundraiser raised more than $5,000 for his young staff.

This is what it looks like when a restaurant owner puts his people first.

Read the full story:

Coldstuff Ice Cream’s GoFundMe has raised more than $5,000 after the owner spoke out about customers "yelling" at his young employees.

10/25/2026

This Week in the Restaurant Economy 📊

Restaurant sales rose for the eighth consecutive month in September a sign that momentum in the industry is holding even as broader cost pressures build: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/total-restaurant-industry-sales/

Consumer prices jumped in September, driven in part by higher gas prices, with solid menu price growth continuing: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/menu-prices/

Wholesale food prices rose month-over-month but remained below year-ago levels offering some relief on the input side: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/food-costs/

10/19/2026

This Week in the Restaurant Economy 📊

Personal spending rose solidly in August even as inflation and consumer uncertainty persist a sign that demand is holding, even if guests are watching their wallets more closely: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/pce-deflator/

U.S. job growth slowed in September but stayed resilient overall: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/total-u-s-jobs/

For the restaurant industry specifically, employment remains on a modest growth trajectory heading into the final stretch of the year: https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/total-restaurant-industry-jobs/

What are you seeing on the floor heading into the end of the year?

10/16/2026

The U.S.-Canada trade dispute is now affecting restaurant and bar beverage programs directly.

A U.S. ban on Canadian spirits and w**e is in effect, adding pressure to an already strained supply chain. The National Restaurant Association and coalition partners are urging both governments to reach a resolution before costs rise further and product availability tightens.

Has this affected your operation?

Read more: https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/j7TeC8277kh8N34uwuggiyLOJJ?domain=email.restaurant.org

10/15/2026

Two bills that could directly affect Massachusetts restaurants are now in conference committee.

The Economic Development Bill includes provisions MRA supports expanded Sunday alcohol service, airport alcohol flexibility, and Social Consumption Districts. At the same time, the Environmental Bond Bill contains provisions we are monitoring closely: restrictions on pest control, single-use utensil rules, a black plastic ban, and a paper bag fee.

MRA is actively engaged in both processes.

What provisions are you watching most closely?

10/14/2026

At the MRA Fall Board Meeting, restaurant operators heard directly from candidates for statewide office.

The conversation covered energy costs, credit card processing fees, local-option policies, taxes, and regulations issues that touch restaurant operations every single day.

MRA continues to make sure that anyone running office in Massachusetts understands what it takes to run a restaurant here.

10/11/2026

Less than amonth until November 2nd in Marlborough 📅

If you have not registered yet for the MRA's Restaurant Leadership Conference, now is the time. Registration opens at 8:00 AM at 21 Apex Dr., and the Networking Reception starts at 4:30 PM.

This is a day worth showing up for.

Will we see you there?

Register here: https://web.themassrest.org/atlas/events/mraef-restaurant-leadership-conference-a-one-day-symposium-1467/detail

10/09/2026

A practical win for restaurant operators just cleared Congress.

The Common Cents Act passed unanimously by the Senate allows businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel and protects operators from nuisance lawsuits when following the new framework.

Less friction at the register. Clearer legal footing. It now heads to the White House for the President's signature.

What do you think will this make a difference for your operation?

Read more:

https://email.restaurant.org/MDc4LVpMQS00NjEAAAGkjhoT0vhMFx8RpswfVY6W5BfzGToZ2GL0W4GIk0ulZa_ySKQgFEU5P2RskODS81lc_O3xeBs=