Senate Resolution 923
By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Parent of the 44th, Jackson of the 41st, Anderson of the
43rd, Walker III of the 20th and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending the restaurant industry of Georgia and recognizing March 10, 2026, as State
Restaurant Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the restaurant industry plays a vital role in Georgia's economic prosperity and
the quality of life for all Georgians; and
WHEREAS, Georgia's restaurant industry comprises nearly 24,000 food and drink
establishments and generates more than $45.7 billion annually, providing more than 500,000
jobs statewide; and
WHEREAS, numerous national restaurant industry brands are headquartered in Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Restaurant Association is dedicated to providing a voice in
advocacy, education, and awareness for the restaurant industry throughout the state to
express to residents and visitors the great value, quality, and services provided by local food
establishments; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Restaurant Association works with state and local agencies to
promote food safety and job skills through the ServSafe® and ProStart® educational
programs as well as the industry mentoring of young professionals; and
WHEREAS, fifty percent of all adults in Georgia have worked in the restaurant industry,
thereby providing jobs skills that serve as a launching point for careers; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and efforts of the professionals working in the restaurant
industry to provide the highest quality food and drinks in Georgia, to promote small business,
and to contribute billions of dollars to local and state tax revenue to stimulate economic
growth are worthy of recognition; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Restaurant Association, in partnership with Georgia Grown, has
established the Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program to promote and foster relationships
between chefs and farmers, creating a mark of honor and distinction for participating chefs
while increasing awareness among restaurateurs and consumers about the availability of
quality, locally sourced products on Georgia's restaurant scene; and
WHEREAS, this body proudly recognizes the 2026 class of Georgia Grown Executive Chefs
for their leadership in championing Georgia agriculture and incorporating locally sourced
ingredients into their culinary programs, including: Hudson Terrell of The Animal Farm &
Gabagool; Holden McKinstry of Vice Kitchen Group; Taylor Mead of Atlanta Botanical
Garden; Kyle Bryner of Blue Hound BBQ; Christian Bell of Oreatha's at The Point; Burns
Sullivan of 5 & 10; Ben Vaughn of White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails; Gary Caldwell of
Marcus Bar & Grille; and Laura Orellana of Osteria Mattone.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
commend the restaurant industry as critical to the economic vitality of the State of Georgia
and recognize March 10, 2026, as State Restaurant Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia
Restaurant Association.