Katie Gerber, Communications & Engagement Manager, Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association.
By Katie Gerber, Communications & Engagement Manager, Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association
From industry advocacy and workforce initiatives, to awards and member opportunities, here’s what’s happening at the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association!
It’s official: Introducing the CRHA!
The Connecticut Restaurant Association has officially become the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association (CRHA).
Connecticut’s hospitality community extends far beyond restaurants. Hotels, bars, caterers, inns, event venues, and countless other businesses all help create the experiences that give our state its character, while facing many of the same workforce, economic, and legislative challenges.
As the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, we’re expanding our voice and strengthening our commitment to the entire hospitality industry. Whether advocating at the Capitol, delivering valuable member resources, supporting workforce development, or celebrating industry achievements, CRHA is here to amplify the voices of hospitality businesses, minimize the challenges they face, and champion an industry that deserves to be recognized.
Check out our new look at hospitalityct.org.
Nominations Are Open for the 2026 CRAZIES Awards
Do you know an outstanding restaurant, hotel, chef, service team, or hospitality professional who deserves recognition? Now’s your chance to celebrate the people and businesses that make Connecticut’s hospitality industry shine.
Nominations for the annual industry celebration, the CRAZIES Awards are open through midnight, Sunday, September 20, 2026. Nominate now at CRAZIESAwards.com.
DIRECTV Will Continue Streaming NFL Sunday Ticket for Restaurants & Bars
DIRECTV and EverPass have reached a new multiyear agreement that ensures DIRECTV for Business customers can continue offering NFL Sunday Ticket to guests.
This is a major win for restaurants, bars, and other hospitality businesses that rely on game-day traffic. Without an agreement, many operators would have faced costly equipment upgrades — potentially as much as $40,000 — along with additional streaming subscriptions to continue showing games.
The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association joined the National Restaurant Association and restaurant associations across the country in advocating for a solution that protected hospitality businesses. Those efforts included bipartisan meetings with congressional staff and restaurant operators to highlight the impact on small businesses.
In addition to retaining NFL Sunday Ticket, DIRECTV for Business customers will also have access to additional premium sports programming through EverPass, while continuing to offer NFL RedZone, ESPN+, MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, and MLS Season Pass.
Thank You for Supporting CHEF
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, donors, golfers, chefs, volunteers, and everyone who supported the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) during this year’s CRHA Annual Golf Classic and Chef Farm Dinner.
$7,300 was raised to support workforce development programs, scholarships, and hospitality training initiatives across Connecticut. Your generosity is helping strengthen the future of our industry by investing in the next generation of hospitality professionals.
The CRHA exists to support, represent, and fight for Connecticut’s hospitality industry so the businesses that feed our economy, build our community, and define our state can focus on what they do best. Learn more at hospitalityct.org.
If you’re interested in getting more involved with the CRHA, email info@ctrestaurant.org or visit ctrestaurant.org to find out more about how you can help amplify our voice through membership.
