texas border operations
Written by Roberto Hugo González
The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) Annual Meeting was held at the McAllen University Draft House in Fireman’s Park in downtown McAllen, Texas. The gathering, held on October 11, 2024, was an important gathering that provided deep insight into the current state of the Texas restaurant industry while addressing key challenges facing restaurateurs. Led by prominent industry players, the conference brings together local restaurateurs, sponsors, and TRA members to provide a comprehensive view of the industry’s health, legal priorities, and future outlook. Ta.
The event began with Jerry Maddox, president of the Rio Grande Valley Restaurant Association, setting the tone for the evening with a lighthearted yet serious take on the challenges of restaurant ownership. Maddox acknowledged that “our industry is full of trials and tribulations,” emphasizing the continued struggle with fluctuating food costs, regulations and labor shortages. His remarks highlighted the important role TRA plays in supporting the industry, saying: And they have supported us for a long time. ”
Keynote speakers included Tony Abruscato, TRA’s Chief Marketing Officer, and TRA Chairman Skeeter Miller, a restaurant industry veteran and owner of County Line Barbecue. He emphasized the importance of advocacy and legislative efforts to ensure this. . Tony’s presentation primarily focused on the association’s financial health, advocacy accomplishments, and upcoming events such as the Texas ProStart Invitational. He noted that TRA is financially above budget and focused on supporting educational programs and expanding the reach of its members. “Financially, we are ahead of budget. Our investments are at record levels,” Tony said, reflecting TRA’s strong financial management.
Maddox also pointed to the critical role of industry partnerships, particularly those with sponsors, which are key to sustaining TRA’s efforts. Sponsors include L&F Distributing, F&P Brands, Delgado Collective, Fazoli’s, Santa Fe Steakhouse and more
and Komori/Mori’s contribution was recognized. This collaborative approach between restaurateurs, Alliance members and TRA has enabled us to continue to support the industry through this difficult period, including through regulatory responses. CMHS Kirk Greenwood, Senior Vice President on behalf of Title Sponsor Auto-Chlor Services
Much of the meeting was devoted to discussing the legislative landscape and how recent advocacy efforts protect the interests of restaurateurs. Skeeter highlighted important victories at both the state and federal level, including stopping local governments from banning natural gas and passing legislation to invest in career and technical education for high school students. “TRA has progressed in recent years to the point where we are building relationships in state capitals, federally, stately and locally,” Skeeter emphasized. His anecdote about his experience testifying at the state Capitol was a reminder of the sacrifices industry leaders made to ensure the health of the industry.
Workforce development is a recurring theme, and both Tony and Skeeter emphasized the importance of expanding programs like ProStart, which provides culinary training to high school students. The initiative, along with second-chance recruitment programs and support for older students leaving foster care, is aimed at addressing the labor shortage plaguing the restaurant industry. Tony noted that the future of the sector lies in “continuing to grow our workforce and get more young people involved.”
The conference also addressed the significant impact of regulation on fluctuating food costs, credit card fees, and restaurant margins. Skeeter’s detailed explanation of credit card swipe fees illustrates the financial burden restaurant owners face. He revealed that his business paid out “$2.5 million in credit card fees” between 2018 and 2023, a figure that reflects how external costs impact already thin profit margins in the restaurant business. This clearly shows how it can be eroded.
In addition, bringing Michelin Guide restaurants to Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston in Texas was discussed as an opportunity to increase the state’s culinary profile. However, concerns arose about ensuring that smaller regions such as the Rio Grande Valley were included. Rather than focusing solely on Michelin-certified cities, calls have been made to broadly include areas outside major metropolitan areas to ensure “visitors from Mexico continue to drive to the Valley” Ta.
The evening’s fundraiser supported TRA’s Traction Fund and demonstrated the community spirit within the organization. Albert Rego and others pledged support and helped the TRA continue its lobbying and industry advocacy efforts.
The meeting ended with a focus on the future. TRA remains committed to advocacy, workforce development, and building stronger relationships with legislators to continue protecting the interests of Texas restaurant operators. The participation and dedication of members like Albert and Sonny Rego, who also advocate for industry growth, demonstrates the collaborative effort essential to the continued success of the Texas restaurant industry.
The 2024 TRA Annual Meeting was informative and engaging, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the Texas restaurant industry. Through advocacy, workforce development, and strong community partnerships, TRA supports restaurant owners and operators across the state, ensuring their voices are heard, and businesses thrive in an ever-changing landscape. We allow you to thrive.