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Colorado Restaurant Foundation

Educating Tomorrow's Industry Leaders Today

Established in 1987, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization governed by a board of directors made up of restaurants, industry experts, K-12, and post-secondary hospitality educators. As the philanthropic foundation of the Colorado Restaurant Association, the CRF's mission is the training of all individuals in the foodservice industry and those individuals entering the industry.

We do this through:
  • ProStart® - Providing education in the foodservice and hospitality industry to high school and higher education students.
  • Scholarships - Awarding scholarships to encourage professional development with students and educators.
  • ServSafe - Providing industry education and training to current industry employees.
  • Workforce Development - Providing resources to educate and train industry employees.
  • Angel Relief Fund - Providing emergency assistance grants to industry employees.
Building up a skilled and educated workforce is crucial to the future of the industry's growth. The Foundation's Colorado ProStart® Program, Scholarships, and ServSafe® programs bridge the gap for the employment needs of the industry, fostering talented students who are passionate about pursuing meaningful foodservice and hospitality careers.

See what our partners at UnitedHealthcare provide to our members - health and mental health care options, some are free!


Colorado Restaurant Foundation Contacts:

Laura Shunk
Laura Shunk

President

(303) 830-2972 ext. 147

First Restaurant Job: Chipotle Mexican Grill


Stacy Griest

Program Manager

(303) 830-2972 ext. 149

Manages workforce development programs including Apprenticeship and coordinates the Health and Wellness resource center. 

First Restaurant Job: Cavalari’s Italian Restaurant, Aurora

Mark Antonation
Mark Antonation

Communication Manager

(303) 830-2972 ext. 117

Public relations, marketing, and communications activities for the CRF.

First Restaurant Job: Panhandler's Pizza

Alexander Peck
Alexander Peck

Programs & ProStart Coordinator

(303) 830-2972 ext. 151

Coordinates activities associated with ProStart and other CRF programs.

First Restaurant Job: On the Border


Become a Member

Stay up to date on legislative issues important to our industry, connect with the Colorado hospitality community, and take advantage of significant member resources and savings. 

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