Hospitality Industry Hosts Annual Hospitality Day

​Members of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association came together on April 20, 2022, to host Oklahoma’s annual Hospitality Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol and “A Tasteful Affair” Legislative Reception at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
 
The day’s events give hospitality leaders a chance to discuss with legislators about key legislation supporting the industry, and the importance of supporting Oklahoma’s hospitality industry, reminding them of its position as a driving force in Oklahoma’s economy.  Overall, the industry generates significant tax revenues, provides jobs for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans, and gives time and money back to communities.

“It’s a pleasure every year to visit with legislators about Oklahoma’s hospitality industry,” said Jim Hopper, CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. “Our industry is still struggling with the effects of the pandemic through supply chain and labor shortages, and lost revenue from being limited in our operations during parts of 2020. It’s important we continue to share our industry’s status with Oklahoma legislature in order to continue down the road to recovery.”
 
Approximately 400 legislators, state leaders and industry professionals gathered safely at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Twenty-eight of Oklahoma’s exceptional restaurants and breweries showcased their culinary and beverage tastings.
 
2022 Culinary and Beverage Tasting Participants:
 
84 Hospitality
Anthem Brewing Company
Boulevard Steakhouse / Sparrow
Cafe 501
Community Coffee Co.
COOP Ale Works
Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing
Gopuram Taste of India
Iron Monk Brewing Co.
Lively Beerworks
Marshall Brewing Co
Milo at the Ellison
Ned's Catering / Ned's Starlite Lounge
Omni Oklahoma City
Pete's Place
Prairie Artisan Ales
Rudy's BBQ
Running Wild Catering
Santa Fe Cattle Co.
Skirvin Hilton Hotel
Steak the Experience
Sushi Neko
The Jones Assembly
The Kitchen by B&B Catering
Urban Management Inc.
Vanessa House Beer Co.
 
The ORA would like to thank the Hospitality Day and “A Tasteful Affair” partners. Congressional partners are Auto-Chlor System, Clearwater Enterprises, Coca Cola, EcoLab, Heartland, McGregor Insurance Group, Republic National Distributing Company, and Superior Linen Service. Advocate partners are Ben E. Keith Co., go fresh, and Smithfield Culinary. Their dedication and contributions benefit ORA members through enhancement of events, special initiatives, and programs.

By Karlie Hart