SR923: SR923 State Restaurant Day; recognize March 10, 2026

26 LC 112 3855 Senate Resolution 923 By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Parent of the 44th, Jackson o f 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 State1 Restaurant Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the restaurant industry plays a vital role in Georgia's economic prosperity and3 the quality of life for all Georgians; and4 WHEREAS, Georgia's restaurant industry comprises nearly 24,000 food and drink5 establishments and generates more than $45.7 billion annually, providing more than 500,0006 jobs statewide; and7 WHEREAS, numerous national restaurant industry brands are headquartered in Georgia; and8 WHEREAS, the Georgia Restaurant Association is dedicated to pro viding a voice in9 advocacy, education, and awareness for the restaurant industry throughout the state to10 express to residents and visitors the great value, quality, and services provided by local food11 establishments; and12 S. R. 923 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3855 WHEREAS, the Georgia Restaurant Association works with state an d local agencies to13 promote food safety and job skills through the ServSafe® and Pr oStart® educational14 programs as well as the industry mentoring of young professionals; and15 WHEREAS, fifty percent of all adults in Georgia have worked in the restaurant industry,16 thereby providing jobs skills that serve as a launching point for careers; and17 WHEREAS, the contributions and efforts of the professionals wor king in the restaurant18 industry to provide the highest quality food and drinks in Georgia, to promote small business,19 and to contribute billions of dollars to local and state tax re venue to stimulate economic20 growth are worthy of recognition; and21 WHEREAS, the Georgia Restaurant Association, in partnership wit h Georgia Grown, has22 established the Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program to promote and foster relationships23 between chefs and farmers, creating a mark of honor and distinction for participating chefs24 while increasing awareness among restaurateurs and consumers ab out the availability of25 quality, locally sourced products on Georgia's restaurant scene; and26 WHEREAS, this body proudly recognizes the 2026 class of Georgia Grown Executive Chefs27 for their leadership in championing Georgia agriculture and inc orporating locally sourced28 ingredients into their culinary programs, including: Hudson Terrell of The Animal Farm &29 Gabagool; Holden McKinstry of Vice Kitchen Group; Taylor Mead o f Atlanta Botanical30 Garden; Kyle Bryner of Blue Hound BBQ; Christian Bell of Oreatha's at The Point; Burns31 Sullivan of 5 & 10; Ben Vaughn of White Oak Kitchen and Cocktai ls; Gary Caldwell of32 Marcus Bar & Grille; and Laura Orellana of Osteria Mattone.33 S. R. 923 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3855 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body34 commend the restaurant industry as critical to the economic vitality of the State of Georgia35 and recognize March 10, 2026, as State Restaurant Day at the state capitol.36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed37 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Georgia38 Restaurant Association.39 S. R. 923 - 3 -