Becoming a Restaurant Member of the MRA

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Beltline Bar is a Mexican-inspired restaurant that has been in operation since 1953. Perhaps best known for its Famous Wet Burrito, Beltline Bar is run by Jeff Lobdell, who regularly comes in to make the restaurant’s secret spices and sauces. The restaurant is a member of several restaurant organizations, including the Michigan Restaurant Association.

Since 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) has been representing the state’s hospitality and foodservice industry. Joining the MRA grants members access to educational opportunities, cost-saving programs, and networking opportunities. Currently, there are three types of membership available: restaurant, allied, and non-profit membership. Restaurant membership grants dual membership in both the MRA and the National Restaurant Association.

Restaurants have numerous benefits as members of the MRA. They receive discounted access to several important programs, such as credit card processing and workers’ compensation programs, and employees can take ServSafe certification classes at reduced rates. Members can access member-only information such as industry-related publications and also attend the Michigan Restaurant Show for free, which provides a multitude of networking opportunities. Further, the organization advocates for the hospitality and foodservice industry, so member restaurants have an outlet to lobby lawmakers for the issues that affect them.

Beltline Bar 5 Millionth Burrito

On Oct. 6, 2015, Jeff Lobdell of the Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids celebrated a milestone, selling the restaurant's 5 millionth burrito. The local institution is known for its famous wet burrito, a humungous burrito smother in enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese. The lucky patron was Matt Veurink, who won a special edition t-shirt, an extra large wet burrito custom made, and 365 Free Burrito certificates! Learn more on the Beltline Bar Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Beltlinebar

The Restaurant Innovation Summit

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Beltline Bar is the home of the Famous Wet Burrito, where over five million wet burritos have been served. In operation for over six decades, the Beltline Bar has grown to include 101 employees, and the owners are members of the National Restaurant Association.

A trade association, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) works to promote the interests of the industry through advocacy, education, innovation, and analytic research. The NRA has a long history, dating back to 1919 when it represented just 43,000 businesses. Today, the organization maintains membership of over 500,000, all of which have access to the many events hosted by the NRA.

The third annual Restaurant Innovation Summit is one upcoming event hosted by the NRA. Scheduled for September 13th in Austin, Texas, the Summit features hundreds of restaurants and exhibits new technological innovations designed to enhance the hospitality experience for restaurant guests. The event is focused on operators, and also offers a networking experience for marketing, IT, and operations staff, all at one event.

Michigan Restaurant Association Sponsors Restaurant Show in Novi

Opened in 1953 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Beltline Bar offers Mexican fare featuring recipes dating back to 1966. In 2008, Grand Rapids Magazine named the restaurant's margaritas and burritos as best in the area. To help maintain its superior cuisine, Beltline Bar belongs to several industry-based organizations, one of which is the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA).

As the leading organization of the state’s hospitality industry, the MRA represents close to 4,500 Michigan foodservice businesses. The MRA began in 1921 and has grown to employ more than 421,000 individuals and produce $15.4 billion in sales per year.

An event sponsored by the MRA is its annual Michigan Restaurant Show, with the 2016 show taking place October 18 and 19 at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi. This trade show is open only to industry professionals; the general public is not admitted. Attendees have an opportunity to listen to keynote speakers, watch live chef demonstrations, and partake in workshops. Attendees can also network with exhibitors, who come from all over the country to show their new products. Among the offerings at the 2016 trade show will be new seasonings, spices, beverages, and tableware.

Beltline Bar Famous Wet Burrito