Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association

06/02/2026

The CRHA Hospitality Reception hit the road again last night - this time landing at Hotel Marcel in New Haven!📍

A great crowd of restaurateurs, hoteliers, hospitality business owners and more joined us to network and strengthen their industry connections. We took over the beautiful Hotel Marcel lobby space, and even got to take a behind-the-scenes peek at the inner workings of the hotel, learning about its history and eco-friendly design.

We were also joined by the Bear's Smokehouse BBQ team to spread the word about the Linked 4 Life program, showcasing our current partnership through the Eversource Hartford Marathon!🏃

Thank you to our generous sponsors, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. and Clover for your ongoing support of the CRHA.

Thank you to the wonderful team at Hotel Marcel for your hospitality, and Chef Megan Gill & the BLDG New Haven team for putting on a delicious spread!😋

06/02/2026

A 1/8-inch difference in Connecticut law has been costing restaurants and diners up to 20% more for lobster than neighboring states.

This year, lawmakers approved a common-sense fix that aligns Connecticut with regional standards, reduces unnecessary costs, and supports our restaurant and seafood industries.

Read more here:

For anyone dining out in New England, it doesn’t come as a shock that lobster can be expensive. What may be surprising to Connecticut consumers, however, is that they are […]

06/01/2026

Tonight's the night! Join us at Hotel Marcel in New Haven for a Hospitality Reception!🥂 This is a great opportunity to meet fellow hospitality professionals and expand your network.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, Clover and Connecticut Distributors, Inc., for supporting this event.

See you at 4pm!

05/29/2026

The CRHA Industry Job Board is LIVE and designed to connect employers in the Connecticut restaurant and hospitality industry with potential employees.

The Jobs Board is live 24/7 via our website, and is promoted weekly via our industry newsletter.

PLUS, CRHA can take advantage of unlimited, ✨FREE✨ basic postings!

🔍 View the Job Board or create a listing here: ctrestaurant.org/jobs

05/28/2026

Join us in celebrating the THREE CT James Beard Foundation Award finalists as they prepare to head off to Chicago for the 2026 James Beard Awards!

✨Outstanding Chef: David Standridge of The Shipwright's Daughter , Mystic
✨Outstanding Wine & Other Beverages Program: The Port of Call , Mystic
✨Best Chef Northeast: David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante, Bantam

Considered the Oscars of the culinary world, the James Beard Foundation Awards are the highest honor for American chefs and culinary professionals.

The James Beard Awards have recognized excellence across the hospitality industry since 1990, spotlighting the chefs, restaurants, and hospitality leaders shaping American cuisine. Connecticut talent has been consistently represented in recent years, proving the state’s culinary scene is a serious force on the national stage.

Winners will be announced at the Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

This event is in partnership with Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Visit Litchfield CT, and the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association.

05/27/2026

UPCOMING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY: The Hospitality Reception is headed to Hotel Marcel in New Haven! Designed for hospitality operators, this event attracts a crowd of restaurant owners, hoteliers, and hospitality business operators to meet and mingle, forging new relationships within our industry.

On June 1, a crowd of restaurant owners, hoteliers, and hospitality operators are heading to Hotel Marcel to network with peers and expand their relationships within the industry.
This complimentary gathering is coming right up on June 1. RSVP here: ctrestaurant.org/events/hospitality-reception-new-haven

Thank you to our generous sponsors, Clover and Connecticut Distributors, Inc.

05/26/2026

The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association continues to grow - there truly is power in numbers! Join us in welcoming our new members:

✨ Da Capo of Litchfield - Litchfield
✨ Avon Da Capo - Avon
✨ Bradford's Grill - Stamford
✨ ION Restaurant - Vegan, Organic - Middletown
✨ Waters Edge at Giovanni's - Darien
✨ The Makerie Cafe - Greenwich
✨ The Haven - Norwalk
✨ Saybrook Point Resort & Marina - Old Saybrook
✨ Lost Fox Inn - Litchfield
✨ Great Wolf Lodge - Mashantucket
✨ Fresh Salt - Old Saybrook
✨ DORO Marketplace - Avon
✨ The Whaler's Inn, Mystic CT - Mystic
✨ Choo Choo Lounge - Old Saybrook
✨ Wolf Den - Mohegan Sun
✨ Todd English's Tuscany - Mohegan Sun
✨ The Lodge - Mohegan Sun
✨ Crafty Slice - Mohegan Sun
✨ Crafty Cafe - Mohegan Sun
✨ 203local - Allied Member
✨ Incrementum - Allied Member

JOIN THE CRHA TODAY: The Connecticut Restaurant Association has evolved to the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, uniting an integrated industry, with fundamentally similar goals.

Whether it is a boutique hotel with a premier dining room or a local tavern supporting the tourism trail, the hospitality sector is the backbone of this state’s economy. Together, we are a sector that contributes over $1 billion annually in state taxes through meals, beverages, and occupancy.

Become a member today ➡️ ctrestaurant.org/join

05/19/2026

TOMORROW: Legislative Session Summary webinar!💻

We'll be covering the key outcomes from the 2026 session, and what they mean for your business.

This is an important webinar to tune into, giving you the latest information and an opportunity to ask questions.

➡ ctrestaurant.org/events/webinar-2026-legislative-session-summary

05/18/2026

Hospitality operators are invited to attend our upcoming Hospitality Reception, presented by Clover and Connecticut Distributors, in New Haven!

On June 1, a crowd of restaurant owners, hoteliers, and hospitality operators are heading to Hotel Marcel to network with peers and expand their relationships within the industry.

This complimentary gathering is just TWO WEEKS AWAY! RSVP here: ctrestaurant.org/events/hospitality-reception-new-haven

05/16/2026

Need to renew your ServSafe certification? We've got you covered!

Our instructors are excellent - over 90% of students pass on their first attempt! Options start from just $89pp.

Want to register your team in bulk? Email us for group discounts: [email protected]

➡ www.ctrestaurant.org/servsafe