National Restaurant Association

Unifying America's nascent foodservice industry since its establishment in Kansas City in 1919, the National Restaurant Association today represents over 380,000 restaurant locations across the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in Chicago, its core mission advances and protects the industry through comprehensive advocacy at national, state, and local levels – addressing critical issues like minimum wage, paid sick leave, and tax deductions for charitable food donations. The association drives talent development and education through its Educational Foundation (NRAEF). This includes ServSafe for food safety and allergen certification, ProStart for high school culinary and management education, and scholarships for hospitality students and military personnel transitioning to civilian careers. Beyond workforce initiatives, it conducts extensive research on industry trends, publishing reports such as the "What's Hot Culinary Forecast" and "State of the Restaurant Industry Report." The National Restaurant Association also hosts the annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, a significant trade event for foodservice innovation and networking, and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion through initiatives like the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance.