Texas Restaurant Association

Austin, TX · Founded 1937

Most trusted partner for foodservice operators championing success through advocacy and resources

Primary audience
Professionals
Work area
Industry Support
Topic
Member Services
Contact
Emily Williams Knight

About Organization

Based in Austin, TX, Texas Restaurant Association serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the hospitality and foodservice industry. Founded in 1937, the organization reported $8.5 million in revenue for 2024, supporting the industry through deep relationships, world-class advocacy, and unmatched resources with 32 employees and 62 volunteers.

What They Focus On

Industry Advocacy

Represents member interests in policy processes and advocates for legislative and regulatory positions supporting industry success.

Member Education

Delivers professional development programs, conferences, and resources advancing member knowledge and competencies.

Standards Promotion

Develops and promotes industry standards, best practices, and quality improvement initiatives enhancing professional excellence.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$8.5M

+35.2% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$6.1M

-0.7% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$13.2M

+8.2% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

32

+0% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $8,495,064 $6,107,435 $13,162,628 32
2023 $6,281,528 $6,150,491 $12,164,989 32
2022 $6,735,129 $5,494,963 $10,871,956 32
2020 $3,600,921 $4,529,049 $9,994,533 39
2018 $5,244,739 $6,463,329 $12,490,010 72
2017 $6,036,145 $6,927,337 $12,911,425 72

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Serve Members

    Recruit and engage members providing value through advocacy, education, resources, and networking opportunities.

  • 02

    Advocate Industry

    Monitor policy issues and advocate for positions supporting member interests and favorable industry environment.

  • 03

    Develop Standards

    Promote best practices, professional standards, and quality improvement initiatives advancing industry excellence.

  • 04

    Share Knowledge

    Disseminate research, industry data, and insights informing member operations and strategic decisions.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Texas Restaurant Association

Member Advocacy

Represents member interests in legislative and regulatory processes affecting industry practices and business environment.

Professional Development

Delivers education programs, conferences, and training advancing member knowledge and professional competencies.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Texas Restaurant Association.

Emily Williams Knight

Emily Williams Knight

President & CEO
30 hrs/week
Joe Monastero, OSI

Joe Monastero, OSI

Chief Revenue Officer
Tony Abruscato

Tony Abruscato

Chief Marketing Officer
Kelsey Erickson Streufert

Kelsey Erickson Streufert

Chief Public Affairs Officer
Heather Pickett

Heather Pickett

Foundation Executive Director 
Ben Knorr

Ben Knorr

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives 
Debra Peterson

Debra Peterson

Controller 
Alexandra Acosta

Alexandra Acosta

Director of Marketing
Adelaide Armen

Adelaide Armen

Foundation Education Manager
Lauren Bishop

Lauren Bishop

Business Operations Manager
James Clark

James Clark

Membership Sales Representative
Sage Drinkard

Sage Drinkard

Marketing Intern
Dave Heiges

Dave Heiges

Exhibitor Account Services Director
Laura Jefferies

Laura Jefferies

Conference & Events Manager
Kevin Kenney

Kevin Kenney

Member Value Manager
Gina Wallisa

Gina Wallisa

Director of Insurance
Taya Allert

Taya Allert

Member Engagement Manager, Greater Austin
Mike Shine

Mike Shine

Executive Director, Greater Houston
Dustin Shaw

Dustin Shaw

Member Engagement Manager, Greater Houston & Montgomery County
Corey Mobley

Corey Mobley

Lead Executive Director, Dallas-Fort Worth
Skyler Bass

Skyler Bass

Member Engagement Manager, Dallas-Fort Worth
Steven Cordova

Steven Cordova

Member Engagement Manager, Dallas-Fort Worth
Dawn Ann Larios

Dawn Ann Larios

Executive Director, San Antonio
Carmen Buffington

Carmen Buffington

Executive Director, Local Chapters
Murphey & Gracie Lou Freebush

Murphey & Gracie Lou Freebush

Chief Compassion Officer & Paw Patrol Reports to CEO
Cash & June

Cash & June

Pup Insurance Producers Report to Director of Insurance
Appa & Finn

Appa & Finn

Treat Managers Reports to Austin Member Engagement Manager
JL

Jerry Liebbe

Director (Thru Feb 2024)
2 hrs/week
RC

Ron Campos

Director (Thru Oct 2024)
2 hrs/week

Milestones

1937

Association Founded

1937

Established to represent industry interests and provide member services supporting professional excellence.

2024

Current Operations

2024

Operating with $8.5M in revenue and 32 staff serving member professionals.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AE
Aaron Emrich Director 2.00 hrs/week
AK
Abbie Krolczyk Director 2.00 hrs/week
AE
Alex Eagle Director 2.00 hrs/week
Alicia Voltmer
Alicia Voltmer Director 2.00 hrs/week
AJ
Alli Jarrett Director 2.00 hrs/week
AB
Allison Balfour Director 2.00 hrs/week
AC
Amanda Case Director 2.00 hrs/week
BA
Blanca Aldaco Director 2.00 hrs/week
BB
Bobby Beaver Director 2.00 hrs/week
BM
Brian Medina Director 2.00 hrs/week
BS
Bryan Solar Director 2.00 hrs/week
CJ
Cameron James Director 2.00 hrs/week
CC
Chelsea Cace Director 2.00 hrs/week
CA
Chris Aslam Vice Chair 2.00 hrs/week
CB
Chris Berry Director 2.00 hrs/week
CD
Clark Davis Director 2.00 hrs/week
DM
Dallas Miller Director 2.00 hrs/week
DG
Dan Garrison Director 2.00 hrs/week
DW
Dan Weinberger Director 2.00 hrs/week
DC
David Cole Director 2.00 hrs/week
DW
David Werner Director 2.00 hrs/week
DG
Debbie Glenn Director 2.00 hrs/week
EP
Eddy Patterson Director 2.00 hrs/week
EG
Edgar Guevara Director 2.00 hrs/week
Ellis Winstanley
Ellis Winstanley Treasurer 2.00 hrs/week
GM
Glenn Mier Director 2.00 hrs/week
GD
Greg Den Herder Director 2.00 hrs/week
GM
Gregg Majewski Director 2.00 hrs/week
HS
Harlan Scott Director 2.00 hrs/week
JC
James Clark Director 2.00 hrs/week
JM
James Moore Director 2.00 hrs/week
JC
Jeffrey Chandler Director 2.00 hrs/week
JB
Jennifer Bara Director 2.00 hrs/week
JD
Jessica Delgado Director 2.00 hrs/week
JH
Jonathan Horowitz Immediate Past Chair (Thru Feb 2024) 2.00 hrs/week
Kyle Citrano
Kyle Citrano Director 2.00 hrs/week
LD
Larry Delgado Director 2.00 hrs/week
LR
Larry Reinstein Director 2.00 hrs/week
LF
Lindsay Flores Director 2.00 hrs/week
LR
Louis Rainey Director 2.00 hrs/week
Lupita Corbeil
Lupita Corbeil Director 2.00 hrs/week
MF
Masroor Fatany Director 2.00 hrs/week
Melissa Doolin-Koehne
Melissa Doolin-Koehne Director 2.00 hrs/week
MR
Melissa Radovich Director 2.00 hrs/week
MR
Michael Ramirez Director 2.00 hrs/week
MH
Mickisha Hill Director 2.00 hrs/week
PM
Paul Miller Director 2.00 hrs/week
PC
Pete Cortez Director 2.00 hrs/week
RL
Rena Lee Frost Director 2.00 hrs/week
RB
Rose Broussard Director 2.00 hrs/week
RW
Russell Woodward Director 2.00 hrs/week
SD
Shane Duncan Director 2.00 hrs/week
SM
Skeeter Miller Chair 2.00 hrs/week
SH
Stephen Higgs Director 2.00 hrs/week
TB
Tony Birsinger Director 2.00 hrs/week
TV
Tracy Vaught Director 2.00 hrs/week
TP
Trent Patterson Director 2.00 hrs/week
VM
Vanessa Miller Director 2.00 hrs/week
WG
Will Grinnan Director 2.00 hrs/week
YF
Yolanda Franco Director 2.00 hrs/week
Kirk Greenwood
Kirk Greenwood Foundation Vice Chair

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Contact

Get in touch with Texas Restaurant Association

Visit Website
512 E Riverside Dr 250 Austin, TX 78704