Quick Bites | August 2022
A Growing Workforce: HOPES Program Teams Up with Chef Tee to Provide More Opportunities for Individuals Reentering Society After Incarceration
The Hospitality Opportunities for People (re)Entering Society program (HOPES) Program continues to generate interest as new partnerships arise. The HOPES Program program partners with Departments of Corrections, community-based organizations, state restaurant associations and workforce entities as part of a community collaborative model. These partner organizations provide case management services and industry-recognized credentials and training focused on the competencies needed to enter the restaurant and hospitality industry.
To show the true value behind the HOPES Programs and others like it, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (MRLAEF) is teaming up with Chef Terrelyn “Tee” Wallace, founder of The Turn Around Place (TAP) to provide more culinary training and mentorship opportunities to justice-involved adults. The HOPES Program is currently only available in Lansing and Detroit, but with the help of Chef Tee, the MRLAEF plans to bring the HOPES Program to the Grand Rapids area.
As a result of a crime, Chef Tee was sentenced to serve time in prison. It was in prison that he enrolled in a similar culinary program that allowed him to flourish as a professional chef upon his release. In establishing The Turn Around Place (TAP), Chef Tee is honoring his promise to give back and help others find a pathway to success. For those who have reached their “turnaround place” and are ready to TAP into their true potential, he continues to share the advice given to him by his mentor, Chef Hill,“You’re going to hear “no” a lot, but the when you hear “yes”, you better take full advantage.”
This partnership will allow individuals to see the long-term benefits these types of programs provide by sharing Chef Tee's journey to success, inspiring many to follow the same path. The next step in the process is to secure a facility equipped for kitchen based classes and training. Chef Tee is actively looking for the right location. If you are in the Grand Rapids area and want to learn more about this initiative, please contact Mario Gonzales at [email protected].
To show the true value behind the HOPES Programs and others like it, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (MRLAEF) is teaming up with Chef Terrelyn “Tee” Wallace, founder of The Turn Around Place (TAP) to provide more culinary training and mentorship opportunities to justice-involved adults. The HOPES Program is currently only available in Lansing and Detroit, but with the help of Chef Tee, the MRLAEF plans to bring the HOPES Program to the Grand Rapids area.
As a result of a crime, Chef Tee was sentenced to serve time in prison. It was in prison that he enrolled in a similar culinary program that allowed him to flourish as a professional chef upon his release. In establishing The Turn Around Place (TAP), Chef Tee is honoring his promise to give back and help others find a pathway to success. For those who have reached their “turnaround place” and are ready to TAP into their true potential, he continues to share the advice given to him by his mentor, Chef Hill,“You’re going to hear “no” a lot, but the when you hear “yes”, you better take full advantage.”
This partnership will allow individuals to see the long-term benefits these types of programs provide by sharing Chef Tee's journey to success, inspiring many to follow the same path. The next step in the process is to secure a facility equipped for kitchen based classes and training. Chef Tee is actively looking for the right location. If you are in the Grand Rapids area and want to learn more about this initiative, please contact Mario Gonzales at [email protected].
Mackinac Island Voted #1 Best Island by Continental U.S Travel + Leisure
Congratulations to Mackinac Island for being named the #1 Best Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure Magazine! If there was any secret left to the beauty of Michigan’s Mackinac Island as a destination trip, it’s pretty safe to say this latest accolade being laid at its shore will take care of that.
Eighty percent of this roughly four-square-mile island on Lake Huron is protected as a state park. The family-friendly downtown has many restaurants, fudge shops, and galleries. There are also several golf courses, one of which, known as "Wawa," lies on a battlefield where the British captured the island from the Americans in the War of 1812. You can explore the island by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage, but no cars are allowed. Accommodations include the Grand Hotel, which dates back to 1887 and earned the No. 6 spot on this year's list of the Best Hotels in the Midwest.
Eighty percent of this roughly four-square-mile island on Lake Huron is protected as a state park. The family-friendly downtown has many restaurants, fudge shops, and galleries. There are also several golf courses, one of which, known as "Wawa," lies on a battlefield where the British captured the island from the Americans in the War of 1812. You can explore the island by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage, but no cars are allowed. Accommodations include the Grand Hotel, which dates back to 1887 and earned the No. 6 spot on this year's list of the Best Hotels in the Midwest.
MI Restaurant Operators Endure Weaker Business Conditions Amidst Uncertain Operating Future
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) released state-specific results of a recent nationwide restaurant business conditions survey. Key findings reveal how current economic conditions and soaring costs are limiting restaurant operations and further disrupting the industry in Michigan.
The concerning data comes amidst an uncertain time for Michigan restaurants, particularly full-service restaurants that employ tipped servers. A recent Court of Claims ruling would, if upheld, make Michigan one of just eight states to operate without a tipped minimum wage. The challenge for operators is exacerbated in that it would happen suddenly, without time to transition, increasing their labor costs 156 percent overnight.
Survey highlights include:
The concerning data comes amidst an uncertain time for Michigan restaurants, particularly full-service restaurants that employ tipped servers. A recent Court of Claims ruling would, if upheld, make Michigan one of just eight states to operate without a tipped minimum wage. The challenge for operators is exacerbated in that it would happen suddenly, without time to transition, increasing their labor costs 156 percent overnight.
Survey highlights include:
- 91 percent of operators say their other operating costs (supplies, G&A, etc.) are higher than 2019.
- 90 percent of operators say their restaurant is less profitable than it was in 2019.
- 89 percent of operators said their total food and beverage costs are higher than 2019 and across the board, many other costs are up.
- 67 percent of operators say their total utility costs are higher than 2019.
- 57 percent of operators say their total occupancy costs are higher than 2019.
- 42 percent of operators say business conditions for their restaurant are worse now than they were three months ago.
Submit Your Nominations for the Stars of the Industry Awards!
Stars of the Industry Awards
Wednesday, November 9
6:30 p.m.
Saint John's Resort, Plymouth
The MRLA is searching for the state's Stars of the Industry to be honored at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner. We want to recognize the outstanding individuals who go above and beyond their roles to contribute to the positive image of our hospitality industry.
Does your restaurant, hotel or supporting business have an employee who stands out with exceptional leadership, creativity, perseverance, and deserves to be recognized? Nominate them today as a Star of the Industry!
Honorees are nominated by their peers and then selected as winners by a panel of industry leaders. Entering or nominating someone for the Stars of the Industry Award is free, and all nominees must have worked in the hospitality industry for at least two years and be employed by restaurants, hotels or other supporting businesses that are MRLA members.
Application Guidelines
Wednesday, November 9
6:30 p.m.
Saint John's Resort, Plymouth
The MRLA is searching for the state's Stars of the Industry to be honored at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner. We want to recognize the outstanding individuals who go above and beyond their roles to contribute to the positive image of our hospitality industry.
Does your restaurant, hotel or supporting business have an employee who stands out with exceptional leadership, creativity, perseverance, and deserves to be recognized? Nominate them today as a Star of the Industry!
Honorees are nominated by their peers and then selected as winners by a panel of industry leaders. Entering or nominating someone for the Stars of the Industry Award is free, and all nominees must have worked in the hospitality industry for at least two years and be employed by restaurants, hotels or other supporting businesses that are MRLA members.
Application Guidelines
- All honorees must be employed by restaurants, hotels, or other supporting businesses that are members of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
- Honorees should have served our industry for at least two years
- The Awards Nomination Form should be completed and submitted with a letter of recommendation (500 words maximum) and support materials
- Support materials may include: headshot, photos, videos, letters of commendation, guest comment cards, news clippings, testimonials, etc.
Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2022
Take Advantage of 25% Off ServSafe Alcohol Training Until October 31
ServSafe Classes
ServSafe Classes are now available for registration! Due to limited class sizes and social distancing mandates, spots fill up quickly, so register yourself and your staff today!
Member Pricing: $125 per person
Non-Member Pricing: $195 per person*
*New Members also receive $100 off your first ServSafe purchase
ServSafe Classes are now available for registration! Due to limited class sizes and social distancing mandates, spots fill up quickly, so register yourself and your staff today!
Member Pricing: $125 per person
Non-Member Pricing: $195 per person*
*New Members also receive $100 off your first ServSafe purchase
ServSafe Alcohol Responsible Training – 25% Discount Available!
The ServSafe Alcohol® responsible alcohol service program gives restaurant and foodservice industry managers and employees the knowledge, confidence and tools to think and react successfully and responsibly when serving alcoholic beverages. ServSafe Alcohol Responsible Training meets Michigan’s training requirements for this bill and all the other requirements of the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998, act 58.
The ServSafe Alcohol® responsible alcohol service program gives restaurant and foodservice industry managers and employees the knowledge, confidence and tools to think and react successfully and responsibly when serving alcoholic beverages. ServSafe Alcohol Responsible Training meets Michigan’s training requirements for this bill and all the other requirements of the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998, act 58.
Discount Code: MRLA25