Working Together to Help
Restaurants & Their Employees Thrive

Giving restaurant operators and employees a seat at the table with policymakers and thought leaders.

Welcome to Restaurants Act!

Local restaurants are the cornerstone of communities across the country. We are the nation’s second-largest private sector employer, creating first time jobs and careers in big cities and small towns. Restaurants are a place for people to gather and celebrate special moments with loved ones.

Restaurant operators face a number of challenges and opportunities in Congress and in state governments across the country. As the voice of the restaurant and foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association advocates for federal policies that help restaurant operators and their employees thrive in a customer-driven business environment

2024 Public Affairs Conference

Register for the National Restaurant Association’s 38th annual Public Affairs Conference, taking place April 15-17 in Washington, D.C., to be part of the industry’s largest grassroots advocacy event.

15 million

Foodservice industry jobs
at the end of 2022

9 in 10

Restaurants have fewer
than 50 employees

80%

Restaurant owners started their industry careers in entry-level positions

Joining Forces to Fight for the Industry as a Whole

The restaurant and foodservice industry has nearly 1 million outlets and employs more than 15 million people. Together the voices in the industry can move lawmakers toward change.

Key Issues
The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) would stem skyrocketing fees, improve security and service, and save American businesses and consumers an estimated $11 billion per year.

New bipartisan legislation would restore expired tax deductions, helping many restaurant operators lower their tax burden when investing in building upgrades, dining room remodels, expansions, and refurbishments.

Maintaining the tip credit and tipping system provides tipped employees with greater earning potential and restaurant owners the ability to reinvest in their non-tipped employees and business.
People are the restaurant industry’s greatest asset. Expanding America’s restaurant workforce is essential to our industry’s success.

Add Your Voice!

Sign up to receive important emails about the issues facing the restaurant industry and the more than 15 million foodservice industry jobs it supports.

Register for the 2024 Public Affairs Conference!

Join us in Washington, D.C., April 15-17, for the industry’s largest grassroots advocacy event.