Quick Bites | October 2022
Made in Michigan: Building Your Epicurean Career Symposium
Draws in Nearly 400 ProStart Students
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (MRLAEF) proudly hosted Made in Michigan: Building Your Epicurean Career Symposium, a one-day event for ProStart students to explore opportunities in the hospitality industry. Students gathered at Little Caesar's Arena to learn firsthand from industry employees as they toured about the facilities.
This year’s record-setting Symposium brought in roughly 400 students from across the state. Throughout the day, students rotated through various stages of the food and beverage operations within the Arena, learning about operations from hot dog stands to elite suites. A major highlight was the tour of the facilities where attendees got to experience the magic of two legendary sports teams blended together in the heart of Detroit. The day concluded with a professional career panel of culinary and food service experts where students were able to ask questions and hear directly from industry professionals.
The opportunities for ProStart Students are endless and we are so excited to support them on their journey to becoming the next generation of industry leaders!
This year’s record-setting Symposium brought in roughly 400 students from across the state. Throughout the day, students rotated through various stages of the food and beverage operations within the Arena, learning about operations from hot dog stands to elite suites. A major highlight was the tour of the facilities where attendees got to experience the magic of two legendary sports teams blended together in the heart of Detroit. The day concluded with a professional career panel of culinary and food service experts where students were able to ask questions and hear directly from industry professionals.
The opportunities for ProStart Students are endless and we are so excited to support them on their journey to becoming the next generation of industry leaders!
Safety Button Resources
Employee safety devices, commonly known as hotel panic buttons, are small devices that can be carried or worn by employees and dispatch emergency alerts that provide exact locations of employees who may need help. In September 2018, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced the 5-Star Promise, a voluntary commitment by AHLA members to enhance policies, trainings, and resources, including employee safety devices, that together are aimed and strengthening safety and security for hotel employees and guests. In order to provide MRLA Members with the best resources and irreplaceable value, we have aggregated safety button resources with some offering exclusive member-only discounts.
TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants Wins Abe Gustin Franchisee of the Year Award
Congratulations to TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants on being awarded Abe Gustin Franchisee of the Year Award! This award is in honor of the man who helped Applebee’s become one of the nation’s most iconic brands in casual dining and recognizes a franchisee that embodies what it means to be Eatin’ Good and Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood. This year’s Franchisee of the Year is TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR) - a 10-year franchisee - for its continued commitment to people, brand and leading sales performance.
With a priority on development and career-pathing for every level of the organization, TSFR leads the way, guided by its core purpose to “create opportunities that make lives better.” Their efforts have led to industry recognition as an employer of choice and statewide Top Workplace in their markets across Michigan for the past four consecutive years as well as national recognition this year as a Top Workplace USA.
With a priority on development and career-pathing for every level of the organization, TSFR leads the way, guided by its core purpose to “create opportunities that make lives better.” Their efforts have led to industry recognition as an employer of choice and statewide Top Workplace in their markets across Michigan for the past four consecutive years as well as national recognition this year as a Top Workplace USA.
National Food Safety Month
September was National Food Safety Month and this year's theme focused on food safety at every level. Restaurant employees at every level of an enterprise are essential to making the foods they serve safe. That’s why the goal of this year's National Food Safety Month was to help everyone — from frontline food handlers to executives — focus on the skills and knowledge that create a culture of food safety. Weekly resources were distributed to coincide with the theme and can be found on the website.
The Michigan Food Safety website has been entirely redesigned so that you have easy access to the information and resources available to you. Do you need a handwashing poster? Do you need an on-premise class for new employees? Are you wondering if your leftovers are safe to eat? The Michigan Food Safety Website is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to keep you kitchen safe.
The Michigan Food Safety website has been entirely redesigned so that you have easy access to the information and resources available to you. Do you need a handwashing poster? Do you need an on-premise class for new employees? Are you wondering if your leftovers are safe to eat? The Michigan Food Safety Website is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to keep you kitchen safe.
Grand Rapids Restaurant Week 2022
Experience Grand Rapids invites you to participate in Restaurant Week GR 2022 from November 4-12. This year's event will return to its traditional format of offering special menus created expressly for Restaurant Week. Last year’s “everyday menu” format proved successful for participating restaurants – but there were countless diners who missed the opportunity to taste what happens when chefs get to really strut their stuff.
We know that staffing and supply issues are still impacting operations, but those who are able to participate will further their reputation for culinary excellence and attract first-time customers who can be turned into regulars.
As always, Restaurant Week GR 2022 will raise funds for a scholarship at the GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, which helps prepare students for careers in your industry. However, in recognition of current industry challenges, Experience Grand Rapids will donate $1 per check-in, up to $5,000 instead of asking restaurants to donate from their sales.
We know that staffing and supply issues are still impacting operations, but those who are able to participate will further their reputation for culinary excellence and attract first-time customers who can be turned into regulars.
As always, Restaurant Week GR 2022 will raise funds for a scholarship at the GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, which helps prepare students for careers in your industry. However, in recognition of current industry challenges, Experience Grand Rapids will donate $1 per check-in, up to $5,000 instead of asking restaurants to donate from their sales.
Upcoming MRLA Events
Holiday Dinner PAC Fundraiser
Monday, December 5 at Meadow Brook Hall
Join MRLA and your industry colleagues for a holiday celebration at
the historical Meadow Brook Hall! Enjoy the lavishly decorated
Meadow Brook Hall, entertainment, holiday surprises and more. MRLA’s annual holiday dinner is the perfect opportunity to bring your family, friends, coworkers, and employees as a holiday thank you!
By supporting the MRLA PAC by attending events, MRLA is able to continue to support you, your business, and your team by maintaining our VOICE at the Capitol.
Monday, December 5 at Meadow Brook Hall
Join MRLA and your industry colleagues for a holiday celebration at
the historical Meadow Brook Hall! Enjoy the lavishly decorated
Meadow Brook Hall, entertainment, holiday surprises and more. MRLA’s annual holiday dinner is the perfect opportunity to bring your family, friends, coworkers, and employees as a holiday thank you!
By supporting the MRLA PAC by attending events, MRLA is able to continue to support you, your business, and your team by maintaining our VOICE at the Capitol.
ServSafe Classes
ServSafe Classes are now available for registration through the end of the year! Ensure your food manager and alcohol certifications are up to date and register 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 through the end of the year! Ensure your food manager and alcohol certifications are up to date and register 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 Until October 31!
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