The Hospitality State celebrates the hospitality industry

First appeared in the May 28 edition of the Laurel Chronicle

I’m not sure if it’s the recent “Parts Unknown” episode in which Anthony Bourdain samples southern staples on national television or the fact I spent a good deal of time talking about chicken in this space last week. For whatever reason, my brain – and, hence, this column – remains focused on Mississippi cuisine.

Mississippi’s culinary heritage will continue to be on display when the state’s Hospitality and Restaurant Association celebrates its 60th anniversary later next month. Their party will be a “Summer of Seafood Extravaganza” held at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson on June 23. If you’re interested in enjoying any number of innovative seafood dishes – from shrimp to crab, oysters to various finfish – be sure to visit www.msra.org.

The Association was originally formed in the mid-50s as a forum for Jackson restaurant owners to discuss business issues they faced, but the group quickly expanded to include members from across the state. Today, the MHRA has grown into one of the largest membership organizations in Mississippi, including local members like Bop’s, West Quality Foods (mmm…chicken), and Sweet Pepper’s Deli.

The organization provides a variety of services to its members: Supervisory skills training, financials evaluations, credit card processing and music licensing guidance, and even health and workers compensation insurance. The organization says its “core of endorsed services is sure to bring more money to [restaurants’]” bottom lines.

Over the years, the MHRA has seen its scope of work expand. Smart employers recognize the value of working in partnership with local educational entities, and the restaurant industry is no different. MHRA has sponsored “ProStart,” a two-year high school curriculum that teaches high school students the fundamentals of restaurant management and culinary skills. To date, over 40 high schools are participating with more than 1,200 students enrolled in the program.

I’m a big fan of workforce training in any sector (and at any work-appropriate age), so this is a good move by the MHRA. Teaching high school students the mechanics of this industry not only equips them for the workforce immediately upon graduation, it also leads to improved restaurant quality.

As an added benefit to its members, the MHRA plays an active role to ensure restaurants aren’t forgotten when the Legislature rolls into town. “We have been much more active and successful in the legislative arena and have stepped up our election contributions to key candidates,” says executive director Mike Cashion.

The government affairs arm of the MHRA works to protect restaurants “from harmful legislation while promoting legislation that will benefit the industry,” according to their website. Over the past two legislative sessions, the MHRA estimates its key issues have had a positive economic impact of $17,000 per restaurant location in the state.

When you’re a small business owner living off pretty thin margins, $17,000 can be a boost to your entire operation.
No surprise here, but I’d point out their legislative successes wouldn’t be possible without the strong leadership of Republicans fighting efforts to raise your taxes (such as an increased excise tax on sugared beverages that some Democrats keep pushing).

Food is such a large part of the Mississippi experience, so it’s not surprising the trade association devoted to it touches so many aspects of daily life: Making mealtimes possible (who always has time to cook? Not this girl.); working with the Legislature on bills important to small business owners; investing in the local community; partnering with high schools on workforce training; and so on.

The restaurant industry in particular will always hold a special place in my heart. After all, restaurants have been the sites of many a first date during my teenage years (and beyond). But more importantly, my very first job was at the Laurel McAlister’s – a job that taught me the value of a dollar and the importance of service with a smile. I often tell people it’s the only other job I had prior to working in the Governor’s Office, so it must have been pretty good job training.

Cheers to all the Mississippi restaurants out there, and congrats on your 60th anniversary as an association.