Join us for a fun day outdoors that supports MRAPAC and helps strengthen the voice of Memphis’ hospitality industry. Enjoy shooting stations, a light lunch, happy hour & apps after the shoot, contests, raffles, and great prizes—all while making an impact locally.
As we get more teams involved, we will open up to do 2 separate flights!
📍 Venue: Memphis Sports Shooting Association 📍 Address: 9278 Old Brownsville Rd, Lakeland, TN 38002
💵 Registration: • $500 per 4-man team • $135 per individual shooter
🍽️ Light lunch served | 🍹 Happy hour & appetizers after 🎯 Contests include Whiskey Pull, Long Shot, and 5-Stand Game 🎟️ Raffles, prizes & auction items available day-of
BYO shotgun, shells, and eye/ear protection. Come shoot, connect, and support the future of our industry!
On February 24, the Memphis Restaurant Association hosted the Shelby County Mayoral Forum, bringing together candidates and members of the hospitality community for an important conversation about the future of our county. The forum gave restaurant owners and industry partners the opportunity to hear directly from candidates on issues that impact our businesses every day — from economic development and public safety to permitting timelines and the broader business climate in Shelby County.
Events like this are part of the ongoing advocacy work the MRA does to ensure the restaurant industry has a seat at the table when important decisions are being made in our community. As the organization representing Memphis’ restaurant industry, the MRA is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between our members and the leaders shaping our local business environment.
This forum is just the beginning. Throughout the year, we will continue to host more conversations, educational forums, and resource-driven events designed to help our members stay informed, connected, and supported as they navigate the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.
We appreciate the candidates for participating and our members for engaging in the discussion.
📌 A full recap of the forum — including summarized responses from each candidate — will be shared with members within the next week.
Nominate a Leader in Our Industry
Each year, the Memphis Restaurant Association honors two outstanding individuals in our community: Distinguished Restaurateur of the Year and Associate Member of the Year. These awards recognize leaders who have gone above and beyond to strengthen Memphis’ restaurant industry through innovation, service, and dedication.
We invite you to submit nominations for deserving individuals who have made a lasting impact on our hospitality community.
All nominees must be active MRA members and have at least five years of experience in the foodservice industry. The Awards Committee will review all submissions.
⏰ Submit your nominations by Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
On March 1, the Memphis Restaurant Association brought the energy to Studio 901: A Culinary Session, and what an incredible night it was. Surrounded by an amazing crowd of guests who truly love Memphis food and hospitality, the evening was a celebration of the creativity and talent that make our restaurant community so special. Our food and beverage vendors delivered an outstanding experience—serving up unforgettable bites, craft cocktails, and bold flavors that kept the crowd buzzing all night long.
From the music and atmosphere to the incredible culinary showcases across the room, the night was a true reminder of the strength and spirit of our industry. Here are just a few images from our amazing evening!
To every vendor, sponsor, and guest who joined us—thank you for helping make this year’s festival such a memorable success. We’re already looking forward to the next one.
⚖️ Memphis Day on the Hill — April 1, 2026
Advocacy works when we show up.
Join your peers in hospitality, restaurants, and local business for Memphis Day on the Hill on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, a dedicated day of civic engagement and grassroots advocacy in Nashville. This event gives our industry a unified voice at the State Capitol — an opportunity to meet with lawmakers, share the real impact of our businesses, and champion policies that support vibrant, sustainable hospitality and local economy.
Whether you’re an owner, manager, or industry supporter, your presence matters — informed advocacy starts with boots on the ground. Together we make Memphis hospitality stronger and more heard.
🗳️ Be Voter Ready: Key Shelby County Election Dates
The Shelby County Democratic and Republican Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Several local offices that directly impact our community and business environment will be on the ballot.
Important dates to know:
Voter registration deadline: April 6, 2026
Early voting begins: April 15, 2026
Last day to request an absentee ballot: April 25, 2026
Early voting ends: April 30, 2026
Election Day: May 5, 2026
We encourage all MRA members to stay informed, check their voter registration status, and make a plan to vote. Local elections matter—and your voice helps shape the future of Shelby County.
MRA Friends & Family Night at the Overton Shell
Join us for one of our favorite summer traditions — MRA Friends & Family Night at the Overton Park Shell on Thursday, June 4. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and your favorite people for an evening of great music, good food, and relaxed Memphis vibes with the restaurant community.
We’ll be enjoying live music from East Nashville Grass, a high-energy bluegrass group known for their modern spin on traditional roots music and crowd-pleasing performances. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a summer night under the stars.
Your ticket includes access to the exclusive MRA deck, where we’ll have a cash bar and food available (restaurant partner TBD). Prefer to picnic on the lawn? Feel free to spread out and enjoy the show your way.
Gather your team, bring the family, and come hang out with the MRA community.
The Shelby County Health Department has released its 2026 Food Handlers Training Class schedule, and these sessions are a smart way to ensure your team stays informed, compliant, and confident in the kitchen.
Hosted by the Environmental Health & Food Safety Program, these classes are offered throughout the year and designed specifically for food service professionals in Shelby County.
Whether you’re onboarding new hires or reinforcing best practices with seasoned staff, proactive training protects your business and your guests.
Let’s keep Memphis kitchens strong, safe, and operating at the highest standard.
