Industry News

The news you want - when you need it.

From legislative updates to late-breaking foodservice news and information, you'll find it all here within the Ohio Restaurant Association's News pages. The ORA will also keep you updated on important events taking place around the state and across the country that affect Ohio's foodservice industry.

News Archive Search

The Deadline to Register for ORA Lobby Day is Approaching

This is your chance to educate lawmakers on how their actions impact Ohio’s business climate

The economic role the restaurant industry plays in Ohio is very powerful, but lawmakers don’t always realize this, which is why you need to attend ORA Lobby Day Jun. 12.

Register Now for the ORA’s May 29 Health Care Webinar

Attendees will gain valuable information related to deadlines, FTE calculations

The ORA’s commitment to health care education is why the association is hosting “Health Care & Your Business: What You Need to Know Now” for members on May 29.

Upcoming Safety Events Fulfill Ohio BWC’s Two-hour Training Requirement

The ORA is hosting an in-person event and a webinar designed to help you improve your safety standards

During the month of June, the ORA will be hosting two safety events: one, an in-person seminar, on Jun. 3 in Cleveland and the other, a webinar, on Jun. 20. Proactive health and safety procedures can help you save money and reduce staff turnover.

Ohio ProStart Celebration of the Stars Event Recognizes Excellence, Leadership

Nearly $45,000 was awarded to the program’s leading students

Last night, the ORAEF and ORA hosted the annual Ohio ProStart® “Celebration of the Stars” banquet; the well-attended event recognized excellence and leadership while furthering the foodservice dreams of countless ProStart students.

Avoid the Pitfalls of Distracted Driving

These tips will help you educate your staff on the dangers associated with this practice

As a business owner or manager, it’s your legal responsibility under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to safeguard drivers at work. Find out how.

Support the Industry by Attending the ORA/NRA Golf Classic

Proceeds from the event are directed at fighting anti-foodservice legislation

The ORA and the NRA utilize proceeds from this annual event to fight laws that would negatively impact restaurants on both the state and national stage. By participating on Jun. 17, you can lend a hand to defend your industry.

NRA Deems National E-Verify System a Critical Component of Immigration Reform

A strong system would preempt a patchwork of state and local laws

Last Thursday, NRA policy experts told two Congressional panels that a nationwide employment verification system that is workable for employers is a top restaurant industry priority in the immigration reform debate.

Spend an Evening with Friends at the Next ORA Member Blender

The complimentary social event is being held in Miamisburg on Jul. 10

Mark your calendar for another ORA Member Blender on Wednesday, Jul. 10, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the Dayton area.

Sysco to Serve as Exclusive Distribution Partner for Kids LiveWell

The company will create recipes specifically focusing on healthful fare

The NRA recently announced that Sysco Corporation will serve as the sole distribution partner of the Kids LiveWell program, an industry-wide initiative to provide parents with a growing selection of healthful children’s menu choices.

Member Benefit of the Week: Industry-specific Health Care Information

The ORA understands that our members are concerned about the future of health care and the responsibilities they will have to their staff under the changes created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Understanding the Value of ORA Lobby Day

The event aims to help you take your concerns to lawmakers where they work

The economic role the restaurant industry plays in Ohio is very powerful, but lawmakers don’t always realize this, which is why the ORA is hosting its first-ever ORA Lobby Day on Jun. 12.

Upcoming Webinar to Address Members’ Burning Health Care Questions

Register now for the May 29 webinar

To keep you informed about the upcoming health care changes, the ORA is hosting a webinar: “Health Care & Your Business: What You Need to Know Now.” Register today.

Ohio BWC’s Buehrer Shares Insights on Workers’ Comp Reform, State’s Business Climate

The bureau is investigating ways to deliver more savings to Ohio’s businesses

Following Governor Kasich’s recent proposed rebate of $1 billion to all BWC customers, Ohio BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer sat down with the ORA to discuss the plan in greater detail and discuss other aspects of the proposal.

Appeals Court Strikes NLRB Poster Rule

The court ruled the regulation violated employers' rights to free speech

In a major victory for restaurants and other employer groups, last week a federal appeals court threw out a National Labor Relations Board rule that would have required all businesses to post workplace notices advising employees of their union-organizing rights.

ORA Member Named to Ohio Secretary of State’s May Business Profiles

Featured businesses fall under the “Women-Owned” theme

Ann Reichle, the owner and operator of Angelina’s Pizza, was named to Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted’s May Business Profiles.

Plan on Attending Next Week’s Celebration of the Stars Event

The annual gala will be held at NorthPointe Hotel & Conference Center on May 20

The event pays tribute to those who have excelled within the Ohio ProStart® program and to those whose commitment makes it a successful program.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Chip Away at Harmful Foodservice Laws

Join industry peers at the ORA/NRA Golf Classic on Jun. 17

On Monday, Jun. 17, 2013, the ORA will host its 16th annual ORA/NRA Golf Classic at the New Albany Country Club.

ECDI Assists with Enrollment in Healthy Start Coverage for Children, Expectant Mothers

The program provides a litany of health care services to those in need

The Economic & Community Development Institute is seeking to help Central Ohio small business owners whose employees would benefit from no-cost healthcare coverage for their children, as well as families who have children not currently covered by health insurance.

NRA, North American LED to Offer Operators Energy-Efficient Lighting Options

The partnership will provide efficient lighting products at discounted prices

In its continuing effort to educate operators about sustainability and reducing operating costs, the NRA has teamed up with North American LED to offer LED lighting solutions to the industry at discounted prices.

Member Benefit of the Week: ServSafe® Food

The Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA) provides its members with discounted access to the ServSafe® Program, the most recognized food safety training program in the country.

DOL Releases Model Language for Required Health Care Notice to Employees

The agency also released templates employers can use to comply with this requirement

Late on May 8, 2013, the Department of Labor (DOL) released temporary guidance regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) notice required by the health care law that employers subject to the FLSA provide notice of the exchanges to their employees. The DOL has also released templates employers can use to comply with this requirement – one for those who offer coverage and another for employers who do not.

Ohio’s Legislators Need to Hear from You

Take advantage of the opportunities ORA Lobby Day will offer

Ohio’s legislators need to understand how valuable the restaurant industry is in driving the state’s economy, which is why the ORA is hosting its first-ever ORA Lobby Day on Jun. 12.

ORA to Host Health Care Webinar on May 29

The educational event will feature insight from Firehouse Subs' CEO Don Fox

To keep you informed about the upcoming health care changes, the ORA is hosting a webinar: “Health Care & Your Business: What You Need to Know Now.” Register today for the May 29 webinar.

Governor Calls for Proposed Workers’ Comp Rebate of $1 Billion to Ohio’s Employers

The proposal includes tripling safety grants and lower rates through modernization

Last week, Governor John Kasich proposed a $1 billion rebate for all 210,000 customers of the Ohio BWC as well as tripling investments in worker safety grants and lowering all rates by modernizing workers’ compensation operations. The ORA heralded the proposal.

Health Care & Your Business: Understanding Employer Penalties Under the Health Care Law

Compliance is the key to avoiding expensive fines

The 2010 health care law subjects "applicable large employers" to possible penalties starting in 2014 if they fail to offer their employees health care coverage, if they coverage they offer is not affordable or if it doesn't provide minimum value.