Is your business facing the dog days of summer? With more and more travelers packing their pooch, restaurants and hotels are finding ways to welcome every member of the family with a safety-first mindset while also prioritizing the highest level of hospitality. Here are a few tips for business owners to show proper "petiquette." 
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2. Service Animals Are a Vital Part of the Hospitality Experience. Michigan’s food code allows clear exceptions for service animals, and Michigan's hotels and restaurants are happy to provide full hospitality experiences to every guest who walks through the door. Service animals are animals, usually dogs, that are trained to support someone who has a disability like blindness, hearing loss, epilepsy, or other conditions. Food establishments must allow service animals on premises. However, service animals must be on a leash or harness if possible, controlled by their handler, and housebroken. To learn more about greeting service animals, click here.  If you have any other questions about how to create incredible experiences for your guests, visit the MRLA Legal Center for guidance on ADA compliance and more. ​

3. Communication is Key. Each hospitality business can set their own policies around pets. If you are a dog-friendly business, say so! If you have policies or boundaries in place to keep your business and employees safe, make sure those are communicated firmly as well. Being transparent, upfront, and clear about pet policies is an integral part of showing every guest “paws-pitality.”  
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4. If Your Business Can’t Welcome Pets, Connect Guests with Other Resources. If your business doesn’t have the space to accommodate furry friends, directing your guests to nearby dog parks or dog-friendly public places can still demonstrate hospitality. Make sure your front desk staff can tell guests where to take their pets as well as other amenities in the area!  
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5. While Dogs are Not Allowed on Patios, Take-Out Options are More Popular Than Ever. Currently, Michigan health codes dictate that dogs avoid outdoor seating areas, including patios, outdoor breweries, and other common gathering spaces in foodservice establishments. Thanks to advocacy work by the MRLA, cocktails-to-go and social zones have been approved as easy, enjoyable ways to experience Michigan hospitality without having to sit down and sip. Brush up your cocktails-to-go menu and have it on-hand for dog owners!  
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6. Special Pet Packages Can Deliver an Extra Layer of Hospitality. In an article published in The MRLA Magazine, many hotels described positive results from offering dog-friendly accommodations and experiences. Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island curated the “Pooch at the Point” package, which kicked off with a complimentary goodie bag at check-in, featured in-room dog beds, customized dog tags, and other fun-themed amenities. Other hotels, like the Element Hotel in Detroit, partnered with dog-friendly restaurants to offer even more experiences to Fido and Family.  
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Studies show it, but you don’t need data to back up the fact that feeling appreciated makes people happier and more engaged. In honor of Hospitality Worker Appreciation Day on February 23, 2025, consider a few ways to extend appreciation to the people who work in our restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses. 
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As an employer, taking the time and energy to make sure your hard-working team members receive positive attention for their efforts can have an incalculable effect on your business. When workers feel genuinely valued, a business is more likely to see productivity and profitability rise.   

For younger employees, encouragement and gestures of appreciation can help build self-confidence, direct their motivation, and build goodwill within your company. For established team members, however, recognition can strengthen positive relationships within the company, boost morale, and keep up engagement.  
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After a legal tug-of-war that spanned six years and three state courts, not to mention left thousands of Michigan hospitality workers and owners in suspense, Michigan’s tip credit is once again on the verge of elimination.

​On July 31, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General, which inspected the constitutionality of a specific legislative maneuver used by state lawmakers nearly six years ago. While not directly ruling on the issues of minimum wage and paid sick leave, the decision nonetheless had a direct - and immense - impact on the way Michigan hospitality businesses operate.  ​

​What is your business’ niche/specialty?
Conifer Insurance Services specializes in providing A-rated, customized insurance programs for niche and underserved industry groups. We focus on delivering comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of these markets, often overlooked by larger national and international insurance companies.

Our key specialty areas include:
Food & Beverage:  Property and liability Insurance solutions for restaurants, bars, taverns, private clubs, and other entities in the food and beverage industry, supported by over three decades of industry experience.

Liquor Liability:  As Michigan’s leading provider of liquor liability insurance, we leverage our extensive experience to offer robust coverage for establishments serving alcohol.

Cannabis:  One of the nation’s first comprehensive insurance programs tailored to the cannabis sector, addressing the unique risks and requirements of plant touching businesses.

Mainstreet: Property and liability insurance solutions for classes that are generally hospitality related but do not meet the definition of a restaurant, bar or tavern.  These miscellaneous classes consist of vape stores, smoke shops, hookah lounges, cigar stores and cigar lounges.
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By: The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund

Ensuring the safety of both employees and guests in Michigan's restaurant and lodging industry is vital due to the numerous hazards inherent in these environments. Maintaining a safe work and service environment not only protects your employees and reduces worker’s compensation claims, but it also enhances the overall guest experience.  
 
Proactively understanding and addressing common hazards is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. Below are the five most common injuries for the hospitality industry and the measures to mitigate them effectively. 
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In both hotels and restaurants, employees often handle cleaning chemicals and hot cooking equipment, posing serious risks such as chemical burns, respiratory issues, and thermal burns. 
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Prevention: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and heat-resistant gloves. Ensure proper labeling and storage of chemicals and provide training on their safe use. 
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