Why Join?

The Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association (MRFA)

The Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association (MRFA) is the uniting force for Manitoba’s restaurant industry. Bringing together our community, we impact legislation, cultivate relationships and provide valuable resources that support the sector as well as individual businesses.

With our roots dating back to 1944, the MRFA is the recognized leader of Manitoba’s vibrant, growing and eclectic restaurant and food services sector consisting of 2900 businesses that employ over 40,000 people and contribute well over $2 billion to our province’s GDP.

Why you should join?

As a member, your voice is critical to the success of Manitoba’s restaurant and food services community.  Your membership investment provides you with opportunities to:

• Network and develop meaningful relationships with suppliers, industry leaders and your peers.
• Meet and be mentored by people in the know.
• Attend useful and topical information seminars and workshops.
• Access industry leading business-building tools.
• Take advantage of special members-only pricing on products and services that can save you time and money.
• Stay on top of industry trends and issues.
• Ensure that your voice is heard on policy/political concerns and priorities that have the potential to impact your business and our industry in general.

Member Benefit Programs

The MRFA can assist you in improving your bottom line through its various exclusive-to-member benefit programs. Stay tuned to our Member Benefits page  for new and exciting member benefit announcements throughout the course of the year!

• NEW! – Provincial Food Handler’s Certification Program discounts offered by the Manitoba Tourism Education Council (training and exam challenging).
• NEW! – As a member you qualify for a RestaurantOwner.com membership at a special rate of $199 (US) per year (a savings of $100 off the regular annual rate).
• Free inclusion in MRFA’s member directory, the go-to member to member connection resource available online or in print.
• Member discounts from Carlyle Printers, Service & Supplies through the MRFA Buying Group Program.
• Free subscription to Western Restaurant News courtesy of Mercury Publications.
• Payworks payroll run discounts.
• Contractor pricing for building supplies at RONA.
• A 5% discount on all unlisted wines at G.J. Andrews Food and Wine Shoppe for all licensed members.
• Restaurant specific incentives through Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart for business program for installation of equipment such as high-efficiency gas fryers and electric or gas steam cookers.
• Chase Paymentech meets one on one with MRFA members to discuss, assess and identify credit and debit card processing requirements and offer competitive individualized solutions.

LocalFare, MRFA’s Signature Restaurant Industry Magazine

Your membership assures you of preferred advertising access and pricing to LocalFare, MRFA’s acclaimed publication that promotes Manitoba dining opportunities and experiences. Available in hard and electronic copy, LocalFare is delivered directly to over 40,000 homes throughout Manitoba.  In addition it is also distributed by our partners including the Winnipeg Free Press, Travel Manitoba, Tourism Winnipeg, Manitoba border crossing as well as hotels and restaurants throughout the province. The publication is produced in partnership with Del Communications.

Information, Trade and Networking Events

The MRFA is responsible for numerous member events during the course of the year including a signature industry trade show held in partnership with the Manitoba Hotel Association.  The MRFA stages an annual golf tournament that attracts restaurant owners, managers, suppliers and service providers for a day of productive fun.

The MRFA will be introducing a number of seminars and workshops in 2018 with our industry partners.  These members-only events will cover such topics as restaurant finance, strategies for restaurants and businesses to capitalize on Manitoba’s tourism industry, digital security, and multiple sessions that focus on enhancing product knowledge.

Access to a Wealth of Information

Through its various communications vehicles, your membership investment in the MRFA opens your doors to a wealth of information ranging from legislation to new business initiatives and industry trends.

We produce a monthly electronic newsletter that is sent to all our members. The newsletter covers topics of interest to the restaurant industry as well as an accounting of what we’ve been involved with over the past month.  The MRFA also sends out relevant e-blasts to all members on relevant issues or alerts affecting our industry.

Advocacy 

We promote and protect industry interests and practices by monitoring legislative processes and advocating for policies that support our industry. High labour costs, increased exposure to liability and low profit margins in a highly competitive environment leave restaurateurs particularly vulnerable to bad public policy. By working and communicating with elected and senior government officials on a regular basis, the MRFA strives to ensure our industry is represented on all major issues affecting our industry.  We are continually advancing concerns and seeking positive assurances and policy solutions from legislators including:

• Lobbying to ensure minimum wage increases are reasonable and market driven.
• Defining and limiting employer exposure and liability associated with the legalization of cannabis.
• Involving our industry when identifying opportunities associated with the anticipated introduction of cannabis edibles.
• Seeking clarity and balance related to the implementation of Manitoba’s new accessibility laws (introduction set for November 2018).
• The provision of uninterrupted repacking services for licensees from Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (2018 and beyond).

Associate Member Benefits

• Complimentary listing (including company description and contact information) in MRFA’s online and print membership directory. Directory advertisements are also available for purchase at member rates.
• The opportunity to advertise in MRFA’s LocalFare publication at preferred member rates!
• Numerous events that allow you to meet and network with industry leaders.  Build and enhance relationships with restaurateurs and other businesses at our events including:

• • MRFA Annual Golf Tournament
  • MRFA/MHA Trade show
  • Educational Forums

• Utilize our MRFA logo on your collateral promotional materials demonstrating your involvement and support of the industry.
• Contribute content to MRFA’s newsletter, website or LocalFare publication.
• Create member discount opportunities that can be promoted on our website, newsletter and select MRFA events.
• Let your name stand to serve on MRFA’s board of directors.

An MRFA membership is beneficial for your business, whether you are a restaurant, food service operator, or an industry associate. Help grow your business and take advantage of membership; join today!