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The Colorado Restaurant & Bar Show is Back! April 2 & 3

Join us at the Colorado Convention Center for two days of industry networking, learning, and discovery, featuring over 130+ exhibitors — from the national heavy hitters to local up-and-coming businesses.

 
 

CRF Scholarship Applications Are Open!

Until March 18, Colorado students can apply for a CRF scholarship to help fund their post-secondary culinary and hospitality educations. Apply today!

 
 

ServSafe Manager Certifications Available En Español!

ServSafe Manager certification classes are now offered in Spanish so we can help train more industry workers.

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About the Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation

Founded in 1933, the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) is the leading trade organization for the state’s dynamic foodservice industry, which is a driving force for the Colorado economy. Our sole purpose is to protect restaurant businesses and help them thrive. The CRA is run by restaurateurs, for restaurants.

The Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) was established in 1987. As the philanthropic foundation of the CRA, the CRF’s mission of service is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s workforce training and education, career development, and the overall well-being of the industry and its employees.

Advocacy

The 2023 Colorado State General Assembly session ran from January 9 to May 8. Click below to learn about the CRA’s legislative accomplishments this year.

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Compliance Center Resources

Ever-changing laws – at both federal and state levels – can hurt your business if you don’t understand the laws or know how to comply. Click below to find tools and templates that you can use to bring your business into compliance.

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CRF Health & Wellness Resource Center

The Colorado Restaurant Foundation has compiled industry-specific resources to help local workers further their mental, physical, and financial health and wellness. Click below for hotlines, affordable healthcare providers, community groups, podcasts, and more!

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About Colorado’s Restaurant Industry

We are proud to serve as the representative voice for Colorado’s dynamic restaurant industry. Imbued with tradition and bursting with innovation, foodservice is a leading driver of Colorado’s economy.

The Colorado hospitality industry at-a-glance:

  • 12,400+ eating and drinking locations in Colorado
  • 69% percent of Colorado restaurants — and 89% of our dues-paying members – are independently owned and operated.
  • Restaurants accounted for 10 percent of the state’s workforce prior to the pandemic.
  • Annually, restaurants drive $14+ billion in retail sales and $323 million in state sales tax revenue to the Colorado economy.

Thank you for all of the work you are doing on behalf of restaurant owners. I appreciate the updates as I feel someone is making our voice, our financial struggles, and overall fear of the unknown a little more bearable.

Rick M., Winter Park and Denver pizzeria owner

Over the years, I’ve worked with numerous restaurant associations throughout the U.S. and have to say that your leadership, communication, references, resources, and educational (virtual) meetings have truly been remarkable. I cannot properly articulate the degree to which your efforts have aided us. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you for your outstanding leadership.

Bob S., Colorado restaurateur

I’d like to thank you for being such a great resource to our community during this trying time. Your leadership is a beacon of reason.

Patrick H., Colorado museum restaurant operator