The Voice of the Restaurant
& Foodservice Industry
Our Shared Vision
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.
Credit Card Competition Act
Interchange or “swipe fees” cost businesses $77.5B in 2021. Unfortunately, lack of competition in the credit card processing network sector continues to drive these fees higher, straining businesses and consumers battling the long-standing effects of inflation.
Processing card transactions is one of the highest operating expenses for restaurants, only behind food and labor.
Despite improvements in payment technology, credit card processing fees have more than doubled over the last decade.
The Credit Card Competition Act of 2022 (S. 4674) would help stem skyrocketing swipe fees by injecting more competition in the credit card processing network sector, helping businesses and consumers pay less.
Take Action Now on CCCA
Swipe fees are one of the highest operating expenses for restaurant operators, just behind food and labor. Tell Congress to pass the Credit Card Competition Act to stem rising swipe fees.
Tipped employees have fought to protect the long-standing tipped income system because of the greater earning potential it creates. Research has shown that tipping helps restaurants with slim profit margins recruit and retain top talent.
Waitstaff at full service restaurants earn a median of $27 an hour, with the highest paid tipped employees making $41.50
Keeping the tip credit and tipping system in place has bipartisan support across the country
The restaurant industry urges Congress to preserve the tip credit and tipping system, which have been a driving force in creating prosperity for both workers and owners.
Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (EWEA)
People are the restaurant industry’s greatest asset. Expanding America’s restaurant workforce is essential to our industry’s success.
Restaurants need to hire 500,000 people this year. Our workforce is more diverse than any other sector in the economy, with more female and minority managers than any other industry.
The non-immigrant temporary worker program would help restaurants fill job vacancies while providing employees with valuable training, experience, and a career path.
The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement (EWEA) Act, introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), expands the available workforce for occupations not requiring a college degree.
Take Action Now on EWEA
People are the restaurant industry’s greatest asset. Tell your Congressional representatives to help small businesses thrive by passing the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act.
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