SR 923: State Restaurant Day; recognize March 10, 2026

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.