PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS. ADVANCING OUR INDUSTRY.
Who we are
Texas’ food and beverage industry is incredibly important. Not only is it our state’s largest private-sector employer and a key component of our food supply, but also it holds a special place in people’s hearts and in our culture. Whether you operate a restaurant, bar, catering business, hotel, food truck, or supplier, we’re honored to protect your foodservice business and advance our industry.
What we do
Every day, lawmakers and regulators are making decisions that can help or hurt your business. You don’t have time to monitor thousands of bills and agency actions. That’s where we come in.
By uniting food and beverage voices from across our state, the TRA advocates for local, state, and federal policies that help operators succeed. When government decisions threaten your business, we’re in the room. When opportunities arise, we’re leading the charge. We are your shield, your voice, and your partner in advancing the future of our industry.
For nearly 90 years, we’ve delivered results for Texas foodservice businesses. From securing major legislative victories to leading one of the nation’s most successful restaurant reopenings during COVID-19, we’ve helped operators save money, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand their operations. With your help, we can accomplish even more together.
Join TRA Today
| Recent Wins |
Current Priorities |
| Secured dozens of wins in the 2025 Texas Legislative Session, saving foodservice businesses hundreds to thousands of dollars every year on permit fees and property taxes, shielding restaurants from extensive menu labeling requirements, creating free childcare resources to support working families, and more.
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Advocating for pro-growth policies at the local, state, and federal levels, including protecting the tip credit, reducing insurance costs, and streamlining regulations. |
| Worked with the National Restaurant Association to pass every federal tax priority for the foodservice industry in 2025, including permanent tax deductions for pass-through businesses, capital expenses, and interest expenses. |
Driving immigration and work permit reforms for foodservice and agriculture workers who have contributed to our industry for years, paying taxes and following the law. |
| Partnered with the Restaurant Law Center to win national lawsuits on the joint employer standard, 80/20/30 tip credit restrictions, and overtime thresholds. |
Fighting back against rising credit card swipe fees at the state and federal levels. |
| Delivered 70 wins in 70 days during the 2023 Texas legislative session, including tax relief, more predictable restaurant regulations, and fewer permit fees. |
Strengthening our workforce through innovations in childcare, ProStart, second chance hiring, healthcare, and more. |
| Passed 6 of 8 priority bills at the Texas Capitol in 2021, making alcohol to-go permanent, shielding federal relief dollars from state taxes, creating pandemic liability and third-party delivery protections, and more. |
Reducing costly tariffs and supply chain bottlenecks. |
| Led one of the most effective restaurant reopenings of the pandemic with the Texas Restaurant Promise, the PPP Flexibility Act, and $180M in Texas hospitality grants. |
Maintaining strong relationships policymakers across the political spectrum so the industry's voice is heard before decisions are made. |
NEXT STEPS - GET INVOLVED!
Every advocacy win starts with engaged operators. We have a strong track record of success, and with your support, we can accomplish even more.
Whether you’re an independent restaurant, a multi-unit operator, a bar, caterer, hotel, food truck, educator, supplier, or other industry partner, your engagement helps us:
• Lower costs and reduce unnecessary regulations
• Protect and expand our workforce
• Improve the business climate for foodservice operators
• Ensure policymakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions
Please support our industry’s continued success by:
• Becoming a TRA member if you haven’t already. Joining the TRA ensures you are covered at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Investing in our advocacy work. Recurring contributions help us maintain a strong presence at the Texas Capitol, in city halls, and in Washington, D.C.
• Building relationships with policymakers. Participating in programs like Advocacy Ambassadors and Coffee with a Councilmember helps educate decision-makers about our industry. Learn more below.
• Following our efforts in real time. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here and follow us on social media @TXRestaurants.
Our voices are stronger together. Thank you for supporting the future of Texas foodservice.