What Is The National Restaurant Association And How Do Restaurants Join?

According to Zippia, there were 660,936 restaurants throughout the US as of 2021. Of these dining establishments, 103,323 were a part of restaurant chains, meaning multiple locations all operating under the same name. Conversely, seven out of ten establishments are "single-unit," meaning they only consist of one location. In 2021, the total restaurant industry earned $731.5 billion in sales, a decrease of $132.8 billion compared to 2019.

Based on these figures, it's clear to see the industry is thriving in this nation, despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because restaurants play such a crucial role in the economy and employ a substantial number of people, the right support is crucial to ensure operations thrive. That's precisely where the National Restaurant Association (NRA) comes in.

The NRA was established in 1919. For more than a century, the association has supported food-service establishments to ensure they have the resources necessary for success. Accordingly, the NRA provides a wide range of benefits to its members.

Per the "join us" page of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) website, the association offers many essential services to all sorts of restaurants. When it comes to networking with other restaurant owners, the NRA facilitates connections, so staff have access to continuous education and insight. The association also closely monitors market conditions that could potentially affect the industry and passes this information onto its members. As a result, restaurant owners can make smart decisions regarding how they operate.

The NRA also provides members with options when it comes to health care benefits, as well as discounts on essential services to ensure the industry workforce remains healthy and happy. Because the restaurant industry is highly regulated, the association even provides assistance in the form of legal advocacy. This ensures that new laws and regulations are designed to serve the best interests of the industry. 

The benefits of these services can't be overstated, especially for smaller establishments that lack the capital of larger chains. However, joining the association isn't as straightforward as one might think.

On the NRA website, the membership FAQ page goes over a few of the important basics. First, the restaurant owner must determine the correct category for their establishment. There are six categories in total, including restaurants (table service, quick service, etc.), allied (businesses that provide supplies to the industry), hospitality/restaurant educators, students in hospitality/restaurant educational programs, food service facilities funded by the government, and businesses that supply food services internationally but have no locations in the United States.

Of course, deciding on the most appropriate category is really just the first step. As for gaining membership, Eater explains the somewhat convoluted process employed by the association. Chain establishments that operate in numerous states or earn more than $50 million annually can join the NRA directly by filling out a membership form, which will then provide additional information on the details of the membership. When it comes to smaller establishments, they must join their respective state association, which is affiliated with the NRA. In this case, enrolling in the state association also establishes membership on the national level. 

While complex, most restaurants find an NRA membership to be in their best interest, as it allows them to focus on the most important aspects of running their business.