Member Testimonials - Why Become a Member

"Working together is vital in this challenging environment. The voice of many provide the ideal platform to get the job done. The Restaurant Association of Ireland has a real hunger, drive and passion that is infectious and can only enhance your business. I am proud to be part of the vision."

Padraic Frawley, Cornstore Restaurant, Limerick and Cork, Aubars Limerick

"Because we do exactly what it says on the tin. We Represent we Assist and we Inform. It's that simple. Being part of a community of members who share similar interests, passions, goals and problems allows us to work together to solve our own issues. Being a member means you are part of the solution to the problems faced by our industry and you have a voice, without it , it's hard to be heard. So my advice is Get Informed, Get assisted and get Represented".

Ray Mooney, General Manager, The Stephen's Green Hibernian Club

"My main reason for joining the RAI was to become more informed on current, and incoming legislation related to our industry this hopefuuly will give me the opportunity to make more informed decisions. Finally to be invoved with other restaunteurs exchanging our ideas and knowledge."

Gearoid Lynch, The Olde Post Inn

"L'Ecrivain has been a member of the R.A.I. for 20 years. It has been a great advantage for running a restaurant from all points of view. There are safeties in numbers. They are a wonderful lobby group of the industry. They have saved me money on Insurance and staff cost among other things. The Restaurant Association has been a backup providing all sorts of information when I needed it. They have kept me well informed of what's going on it the industry and introduced me to all my piers. I would highly recommend being a member to anyone setting up in this industry."

Derry Clarke, L'Ecrivain

"The RAI is a essential resource for anyone operating a successful restaurant. Members receive up to date information on new legislation, immediate crisis communications, and have the opportunity to attend a variety of informative and productive workshops. On top of this, it offers members exclusive reduced rates with essential service providers which easily recover the cost of membership!"

Paula Moran-Tahraoui, Siroccos

"The Restaurants Association of Ireland has become an integral part of the restaurant community. It has worked steadily to gain an active political voice in order to protect and strengthen the positions of restaurants within the wider business community.

It is to a restaurants advantage to be a part of this association as it is invaluable to have their insight and depth of knowledge which is gained by their continuing influence and lobbying in areas of legislation.

It also provides a great social aspect to the industry and it is of benefit to be able to join fellow restaurateurs and exchange views and experiences at any one of their many dinners, golf events or away trips.

We would recommend to anyone within the industry to join the association."

Ross Lewis, Proprietor, Chapter One

"As a member of the RAI, you get the benefit of becoming a much stronger voice. The issues that the RAI work on are practical and relevant to our direct needs as restaurateurs. We all face similar problems. They lobby, advise and act on our behalf. They tackle issues that frustrate our work. Meeting fellow restaurateurs is also a benefit as it gives you a chance to share and swap ideas that can help our industry as a whole. I thoroughly recommend membership to the RAI."

Domini Kemp, Director, It's a Bagel

"There has never been a more important time to have a representative body fighting our corner, apart from our obligation as restaurant operators to support this association the benefits of membership are enormous."

Brian Fallon Fallons of Kilcullen

"The RAI provides a place to meet and exchange ideas and thoughts with fellow professionals within the industry. It is a great place to get new ideas and offers an excellent support network. It is a must for all those working in the industry. "

Colm Dowling Captain Americas Cookhouse and Bar

"Been self employed in the catering industry can be very lonely and daunting at times, but I have a friendly ear with the RAI. There is always someone who is experiencing the same traumas as I am in my business and willing to talk about them.

Sinead Lambert Barosso Sol Rio

''Every restaurant is impacted by political issues from local council level to national to European. Every political decision made impacts upon us financially as well as philosophically. Change and lobbying as an industry must start at local level. The R.A,.I. is the only association in Ireland which gives the restaurant industry this opportunity to engage at a political level.''

Fergus O' Halloran The Twelve

'"The RAI is an effective nationwide representative of the restaurant industry as a whole, it is important in this economic climate that we all stand together on issues affecting the Resaturant Industry"

Elaine Nolan Arc Café Bar

"It is so good to sit in a room full of people who know exactly what you are going through in business and the difficulties you face - and to have the support and understanding of others who face the same issues."

Philip & Fíona Cafolla Nostromo

"In my experience through networking with people in the RAI that instead of viewing each other as competition we have come together to make changes, reduce costs and compare experiences. "

"You will get something out of every meeting, event or training workshop. I have made a savings and important contacts at every RAI event I have attended."

"Especially in these times we need to come together as an industry to make positive changes lobby Government, Local Authorities and have a say in Europe."

Carol Walsh Chameleon

"O'Connells in Ballsbridge considers our membership of the RAI to be absolutely essential. The Association is a modern, dynamic organisation working relentlessly on the concerns of we the members. The structure of a competent Chief Executive and central team, supported by an experienced Council of members makes for a vibrant democratic process. Issues of the moment and long-standing challenges are tackled head-on with intelligence and diligence. Results are achieved that could never be attained without the strength of the Association" .

Tom O'Connell O'Connells of Ballsbridge