Restaurants Act

06/17/2026

With restaurants employing 15.7 million people nationwide and close to one million open jobs across the industry, the Association is advocating for a modern immigration system that supports workforce needs and long-term industry growth.

Our immigration principles focus on creating practical solutions, including:
💡 Seasonal workforce visas
💡 Long-term protections for workers
💡 Pathways to citizenship for those who help power the restaurant industry every day

06/16/2026

Hemp-derived THC beverages are rapidly gaining traction—but the policy landscape is anything but simple.

Join the National Restaurant Association on June 23 at 12 PM ET for a deep dive into what restaurants need to know right now. Policy experts will break down federal and state regulations, highlight key legislative trends, and share how operators are approaching THC beverage programs.

✅ Understand the 2018 Farm Bill framework
✅ Get updates from Washington and across the states
✅ Learn how to navigate uncertainty and identify opportunities

Don’t miss this timely discussion.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4xkZO2c

06/15/2026

Restaurant operators are raising concerns about the growing complexity and cost tied to the shift toward streaming live sports.

In a recent interview, Jim Haller—a Texas sports bar owner—outlined how the NFL’s move to a streaming model is creating new technical and financial challenges for restaurants. From expensive equipment upgrades to connectivity limitations, these changes could impact operators’ ability to serve guests and stay competitive.

Restaurants need reliable, affordable options that work in real-world settings.

We’ll continue advocating for policies that support operators and protect the guest experience.
👉 Read more::

Texas restaurateur Jim Hallers warns Congress that NFL streaming fragmentation threatens sports bars, citing $30,000 to $40,000 upgrade costs per venue.

06/11/2026

Members of our policy team was on Capitol Hill this week participating in the House GOP’s District Director Fly-in, connecting with key in-district staff who help shape local engagement for Members of Congress.

During the event, we highlighted our Summer of Action initiative—our annual effort to bring restaurant operators and lawmakers together in communities across the country during the recess period.

These in-person meetings give operators a chance to showcase their businesses firsthand and share the real-world challenges and opportunities facing the restaurant industry. They also help drive meaningful conversations around the policies that matter most.

Engaging district staff is critical to building strong local participation and advancing grassroots advocacy this summer.

06/04/2026

North American trade is evolving, and restaurants are focused on maintaining affordable, reliable, year-round food and beverage supply chains.

This week, restaurant leaders from across the country came to Washington, DC to meet with legislators and regulators, sharing how USMCA helps promote stability and ensures access to fresh agricultural products for American diners.

06/03/2026

With more than 15.7 million restaurant jobs across the country, immigration policy matters.

The National Restaurant Association supports the Dignity Act of 2025 to help protect workers, address workforce needs, and support long-term industry growth.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/43cwQDW

06/01/2026

The National Restaurant Association’s President & CEO Michelle Korsmo was at the White House the other week advocating for the American Franchise Act—critical legislation to protect the franchise model for restaurant operators and small business owners nationwide.

Alongside partners from the International Franchise Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, and leaders from across the restaurant and hospitality industries, the group underscored how franchising fuels economic growth, supports entrepreneurship, and sustains jobs.

Strong coalitions help drive meaningful results for our industry.

05/29/2026

The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) dipped slightly to 99.8 in April, falling back into contraction territory and reflecting continued uncertainty for restaurant operators.

While operators reported modest gains in same-store sales, customer traffic remained soft and concerns about the broader economy persist. Looking ahead, expectations for the next six months also declined, signaling a cautious outlook for the industry.

▶️ Hear more from the Association's Chief Economist, Dr. Chad Moutray, as he breaks down what this means, and dive into the full report: https://bit.ly/4cvY9gt

05/22/2026

Understaffing isn’t just a challenge—it’s expensive. Nearly 8 in 10 operators say being short-staffed limits growth, with some potentially losing up to $100K annually. Investing in hiring, onboarding, and retention isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Read the latest staffing insights in the our Workforce Hiring & Staffing Report, sponsored by
Workday, and take action: https://bit.ly/3QdooB5

05/21/2026

Restaurant sales climbed to $101B in April, up 0.6% from March and marking three straight months of growth.

Despite higher gas prices, consumers continue to spend on dining, highlighting the industry’s resilience. Pricing strategies and steady demand are helping support ongoing growth.

Explore the full insights: https://bit.ly/4wEbEUO