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
Peter Webster

Peter Webster

General Manager

Columbus Coffee & Columbus Coffee Mitre 10 Mega

National Franchise Head Office

“

The cost of the membership is less than one lawyer's letter if you were to get a personal grievance claim.

We find our relationship with the Restaurant Association to be invaluable and have been members for several years. All of our franchisees are encouraged to become members and that is now part of the setup procedure we follow with all new franchisees.

The benefits are huge with franchisees able to get great rates on banking and insurance, but of most use is the amazing support the association gives to our franchisees for HR advice. We sell the cost of the membership as less than one lawyer's letter if ever they were to get a personal grievance claim against them.

The recent Kaikoura Earthquakes showed the true value of the association as they motored into gear offering all members assistance and reaching out to non members to offer help too.”

Latest news

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

Hyper-local and meat-free: Our changing dining out habits

posted on 17 Feb 20

Coronavirus: Big collapse of Chinese restaurants looms as customers stay away over virus fears

posted on 17 Feb 20

Sir Des Britten, restaurateur, TV chef and priest, has died

posted on 14 Feb 20

Upcoming events

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

Business Strategies to Overcome Wage Increases

10am-12pm, 2nd March 2020

Auckland Golf Day 2020

12:30pm-7pm, 5th March 2020

Wellington MeetMe member briefing March

2:30pm-4pm, 10th March 2020

First Aid for Hospitality - 3hr workshop - Auckland

9am-12pm, 16th March 2020

Emerging Managers Workshop

10am-12pm, 31st March 2020

Canterbury MeetMe member briefing April

2:30pm-4pm, 6th April 2020

food hui

9:30am-4pm, 19th - 20th October 2020

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