The Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s mission is to celebrate and empower the restaurant community through advocacy, education, marketing, events, and training.
Founded in 1936, the GGRA’s mission is to celebrate and empower the restaurant community through advocacy, education, marketing, events and training. We are a San Francisco-based non profit 501(c)6 organization composed of restaurant members, including many smaller, independent restaurants. We work with elected officials, department heads, and partner organizations on public policy concerns to help shape legislation and reduce potential negative consequences for the industry and the dining public. We provide up-to-date information on all aspects of running a restaurant in San Francisco, as well as provide opportunities to network, learn, and share best practices.
History
GGRA was founded in 1936 by a group of San Francisco restaurateurs who recognized the need for an organization to speak on behalf of the local restaurant industry. It was an instant success: by early 1937, the organization grew so large it incorporated, passed by-laws, and elected officers.
Early issues GGRA addressed included racketeering and collective labor agreements — even the impact of food rationing during World War II. Over time, GGRA moved into marketing, producing the annual Dining Guide & and Purchasing Guide, and education going as far as establishing a scholarship foundation. GGRA made group purchases of insurance and worker’s compensation, before those laws made it difficult for associations to do so. And of course, GGRA brought the concerns of its members to legislators while keeping its members aware of industry-related issues.