MA Restaurant Association (MRA)

06/12/2026

MRA Backs the Dignity Act — Here's Why It Matters 🏛️

More than 1 in 5 restaurant workers in the U.S. are immigrants. The restaurant industry depends on a functional immigration system — and right now, that system isn't working.

The Massachusetts Restaurant Association, alongside the National Restaurant Association, is supporting the bipartisan Dignity Act of 2025.

What it does for restaurants:

👷 Protects the Workforce
Provides pathways for Dreamers and workers on TPS and authorized temporary programs who have built lives and careers in our industry.

🔧 Modernizes the System
Establishes legal pathways to meet future labor demand with compliance requirements manageable for small business owners.

🛡️ Safe Harbor for Employers
Protects operators who act in good faith from penalties.

This is a practical, bipartisan foundation for the reform our industry needs.

MRA will continue to advocate for policies that support Massachusetts restaurants and the people who work in them.

How is workforce availability affecting your restaurant right now?

06/11/2026

Did You Know Your MRA Membership Includes Insurance Discounts?

Through MRA's partnership with Hospitality Insurance Group (HMI), members are eligible for significant savings on liquor liability insurance:

✅ 15% off Liquor Liability Insurance
✅ 5% off your Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
✅ An additional 3–5% off Liquor Liability when you participate in approved risk management programs

In an industry where every dollar matters, these exclusive member discounts can add up to real savings — while protecting your business, employees, and guests.

If you haven't reviewed your insurance program recently, now is a great time.

When did you last review your liquor liability coverage?

06/10/2026

It's Official: Massachusetts Enacts Alcohol Service Changes

Massachusetts has enacted temporary alcohol service changes through July 31, 2026, giving communities new tools to support restaurants and bars during peak tourism season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What's now available in your community:

🕒 Extended Hours (up to 3AM): Municipalities may authorize on-premises alcohol service until as late as 3:00 a.m.
🍺 Social Consumption Districts: Municipalities may establish designated outdoor areas where patrons can purchase and consume alcohol from licensed establishments.

Both provisions are subject to local approval and oversight. The next move is local restaurants and bars should stay engaged with their municipal licensing authorities as implementation moves forward.

Full bill language: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5478

06/09/2026

06/05/2026

Massachusetts House Passes Alcohol Service Bill ⚽

The bill has cleared the House — and now heads to the Senate. If passed and signed by Governor Healey (who has indicated her support), it takes effect June 8 through July 31 — right during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What's in it for restaurants and bars:
🕒 Extended Hours Up to 3AM
🍺 Social Consumption Districts

This is moving fast. Now is the time to get informed and start talking to your local licensing authority.

Full bill: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5478

Would extended hours change your game plan for the World Cup?

Photo Credits: Bleacher Bar

06/05/2026

April Restaurant Industry Trends- Black Box Intelligence 📊

The latest national data is in. Here's what Massachusetts operators need to know:
📉 Restaurant Performance Index edged down 0.1% in April
📊 Operators reported mixed sales and traffic readings
💸 Consumer inflation jumped in April — consumers dipped into savings to boost spending
📈 U.S. economy grew 1.6% in Q1, but signs of caution remain

The full Black Box Intelligence report covers sales, traffic, segment and regional performance — one of the best national snapshots available to restaurant operators.

Recommended reading for anyone tracking the trajectory of the industry.

Full report: https://blackboxintelligence.com/blog/restaurant-industry-in-review-trends-from-april-2026/?w_email=kmiller%40themassrest.org&utm_campaign=Content%20Promo%3A%20Insights&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ce23rX5EO8ZBX2IygRQ3Zmf5sHZfDGWkcFfZ8ihUXv2rDt9BSoDt6De3iz0OCsQgPsfYu7TuS13W5qT4FkYS-k_9fqQ&_hsmi=421185404&utm_content=421185404&utm_source=hs_email

How did April look for your restaurant?

06/04/2026

Did You Know Your MRA Membership Includes BMI Music Licensing Discounts?🎵

If your restaurant plays music — and most do — you need a BMI license to stay compliant.

BMI licenses give you:
✅ Legal coverage to play music in your business
✅ Access to one of the largest music catalogs in the world
✅ Peace of mind on compliance

As an MRA member, you get this at a discounted rate.

One more way your membership pays for itself.

Full details and 1-pager:https://files.constantcontact.com/0d5bb3c6be/7c4106ab-4ee7-425d-9c77-c0ea6a76c49e.pdf

Did you know this benefit existed?

06/03/2026

2026 Ernie Tremblay Scholarship Awards Celebration🎓

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Danversport — Danvers, MA

Registration & Cocktails: 4:45PM
Program & Dinner: 5:45PM

An evening dedicated to the future of our industry.

We'll be awarding scholarships to the next generation of hospitality leaders — and proudly presenting:
🏆 The 2026 Raphael Oliver Leadership Award
🏆 The 2026 ProStart Educator of Excellence Award

These students represent the best of what Massachusetts hospitality has to offer. Come celebrate them.

Tag someone who should be in the room!

05/29/2026

Summer Season is Almost Here — And MRA Has You Covered

Patios are open. Guests are booking. The busy season is officially on.

MRA members have access to tools and resources designed to make this your most profitable summer yet:
💳 Free CC Processing Audits — lower fees, real savings
⚖️ MRA Legal Center — compliance support when you need it
📋 ServSafe Training — staff certified, guests protected
📊 Restaurant Valuation Tool — know what your business is worth
📣 Advocacy — fighting for your bottom line in Boston and Washington

This is why thousands of Massachusetts restaurants choose MRA membership.

Not a member yet? Now is the perfect time: https://themassrest.org/membership/

What's your #1 priority heading into summer?

05/28/2026