Food for Thought.

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Good food is one thing.
Good business is something else.

Our mission is to be the bridge between good food and good business so that your restaurant or cafe can become great. We’re passionate about our vibrant industry, which is full of interesting, talented and entrepreneurial people…people just like you.

Tell me more

Become a member

Whether you need advice on an employment dispute or help navigating the terms of your lease, our industry and legal experts have got your back.

Thousands of restaurants and cafes consider the Restaurant Association their secret weapon for success.

Your link to better business

We’re like your silent business partner - available at a moment’s notice to answer questions, offer advice or advocate on your behalf.

Weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions and a 24-hour Helpline are all part of the package.

Join us to join them
Liz Buttimore

Liz Buttimore

Co-owner

Arbour Restaurant

Blenheim

“

For me, the primary reason to join was the savings.

We know how to manage our food costs and how to get people through the door, but as a small, rural property, the bottom line is important. I pay back my membership with in the first two months with the low credit card commission, the power and telecom savings and the insurance packages.

I would have been a life member just for the cost savings, but now that I’m in a more rural area, the peers support network has become incredibly valuable. By ourselves, we’re not that strong, but as a group we have a really great offering to visitors and so we work together to show that Marlborough is a really strong food region.

After the earthquake in 2016, we were able to pull together and really support our members in Kaikoura. We had a helicopter on the ground on day six and we’ve pulled together some food and accommodation holiday packages for our members to get out and have a break.”

Latest news

Navigating regulation and legislation for the hospitality industry is a minefield. We track the latest news and developments for our members.

RA Responds to immigration minsters comments on hospitality industry

posted on 5 Jul 22

Bay Hospitality Awards: 14 Awards given at sell out event!

posted on 4 Jul 22

Nominations for the inaugural Otago Hospitality Awards are open

posted on 1 Jul 22

Upcoming events

From celebrating success to up-skiling and training, our events are designed to give your business a boost.
See all events

Emerging Managers - leading new managers to success

10am-12pm, 18 July 2022

Helpline: Variations (Relating to Employment Agreement, Pay, Duties)

10am-10:30am, 19 July 2022

First Aid for Hospitality: 3hr workshop - Auckland 26 July

9am-12pm, 26 July 2022

Shopping therapy

Have a browse.

From wage pads to signage to sample contracts, we’ve curated a collection of products you need to run your business more efficiently. Members receive discounts on all of this stuff.

Shop here