The Tennessee Restaurant Association (TRA) was founded 70 years ago as an association of professionals who owned and/or operated restaurants and other foodservice businesses across the state.

TRA founders were the leaders, of what was then only a small segment of our state's economy, who had a vision of the potential magnitude of foodservice as it is today. With over 20,000 licensed foodservice establishments, employing approximately 325,000 people, our industry generates in excess of 6 billion dollars in annual sales.

TRA's membership is composed of the leading operators of both foodservice businesses and foodservice suppliers who are serious about their business and who take pride in their role as responsible and caring professional leaders. They realize that this collective effort, this pool of knowledge and resources, can and does make a difference.

A negotiated benefit of membership in the Tennessee Restaurant Association is "Dual Membership"; a benefit of paying a single membership dues amount and receiving "dual membership" in both the TRA and the National Restaurant Association. "Dual means "Double"...and that's what you receive...double membership...double representation...double the number of services and resources...a great value for your membership dollar.                                                              

TO PROTECT its members against unfair legislation, unethical business practice, useless advertising and donation, and any other conditions which might prove injurious to the industry.

TO SERVE it members with information of interpretations of law, Federal and State regulations, improved methods of operation, foods, employees relation problems, and any other subjects of importance to the welfare of the industry; and to assist individual members with specific problems.

TO CREATE a spirit of fellowship among its members, leading to a sympathetic understanding of mutual problems and friendly competitive relationships.