Company Research Report: Texas Restaurant Association

Company Overview

• Name: Texas Restaurant Association (TRA)

• Mission: To serve as the advocate in Texas and indispensable resource for the hospitality and foodservice industry.

• Founded: 1937

• Key People:

• Chris Aslam, Association Chair

• Ellis Winstanley, Association Vice Chair

• Lupita Corbeil, Association Treasurer

• David Cole, Foundation Chair

• Melissa Doolin-Koehne, Foundation Vice Chair

• Kirk Greenwood, Foundation Treasurer

• Headquarters: 512 E. Riverside Dr. Ste, 250, Austin, TX 78704

• Number of Employees: Over 1.4 million (indirectly through the restaurant industry)

• Revenue: No direct revenue information is available.

• Known For: Being the leading business association for Texas’ foodservice industry, spanning upwards of 57,000 locations and employing a workforce of 1.5 million.

Products

Educational Programs and Initiatives

• Texas ProStart Program: An industry-based, two-year high school culinary arts and restaurant management program reaching over 27,000 students across more than 260 high schools in Texas.

• Description: Provides students with essential skills, tools, and certifications for a career in the foodservice industry.

Crisis Support Programs

• TX Restaurant Relief Fund: Established in 2020 to raise and distribute funds to support independent restaurants and their employees through the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Description: Distributed over $3.5 million to support over 800 independent restaurants.

Workforce Development Programs

• Second Chances Program: Focuses on reducing employment barriers for justice-involved individuals through job training and resources.

• Description: Aims to provide pathways to success and meaningful careers in foodservice.

• Pathways Program: Connects students and workers with education, skills training, and opportunities for career advancement in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Recent Developments

New Leadership Announcements

• As of January 29, 2025, TRA and TRF have announced new officers and directors, with 18 new board directors and 4 new foundation board trustees serving from January 1, 2025.

• Association Chair: Chris Aslam

• Foundation Chair: David Cole

Initiatives and Partnerships

• Food in Fashion Fundraiser (February 4, 2025): A high-energy event combining fashion, food, and philanthropy to support culinary and hospitality education for local high school students. The event was sponsored by EcoLab.

• $10,000 Donation from Buchanan’s Scotch Whisky (January 6, 2025): The Texas Restaurant Foundation was awarded a donation from the Buchanan’s Whisky 200% Futuro Fund to support the Second Chances and Pathways programs.

Events

• Upcoming Events:

• Waco Chapter Meeting (February 11, 2025)

• GDTRA Food In Fashion: Studio54 Edition (February 18, 2025)

• Texas Capitol Day (February 24, 2025)

No new product launches or new features were specified beyond educational and support initiatives. No information on new partnerships, except event sponsors and funders.

Conclusion

The Texas Restaurant Association has continued to advance education, workforce development, and support initiatives within Texas' vibrant foodservice industry. Through strategic leadership, robust programs, and impactful partnerships, the TRA remains an advocate and resource for its members, driving industry growth and innovation.