Supporting the success of independent restaurants since 2006
Providing education, systems, tools and the support neccessary for Independent Restaurants to compete with the National Chains.
COVID RESOURCES
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Insights into the latest technology, supply chain practices, back office management, kitchen and dining room operations.
MARKETING AND SALES
Driving The Industry Forward
BIRA’s Mission:
To ensure that Independent Restaurant Owners have the latest information and access to the tools necessary to compete with the National Chains, recover from the pandemic, attract more new customers, increase sales, and operate their restaurants more efficiently to maximize their profits.
Independent Restaurant Owners Stand Strong
Independent Restaurants are the cornerstone of the U.S. small business economy and its largest employer per capita.
$731 billion
The U.S. Restaurant Industry made in sales in 2021.
11,037,800
Restaurant employees in the United States as of October 2021.
4% Overall GDP
In the U.S., a larger percentage than the automobile industry at 3% and the fashion industry at 2%.
2021 Independent Restaurant Operator Of The Year Award Winner
Bent Hansen, owner Los Gringos Locos, La Canada, CA
As an Independent Restaurant Owner, Bent has shown amazing resilience in the face of many great challenges over the years. Throughout the pandemic, Bent remained laser-focused on keeping his doors open by creating new systems and techniques to improve operations, constantly reinventing, and innovating his menu, keeping in constant contact with customers and listening to their feedback. All of these things, combined with his successful marketing strategies and know-how, have meant that Bent has not only met, but exceeded, his sales from before Covid-19. His efforts in supporting his local community over the past two years have earned him multiple awards and praise. Congratulations Bent!
Upcoming Live Events
BIRA is underwriting the cost of bringing Live, In-Person Events back to Independent Restaurant Owners. We are dedicated to providing the education and systems to help increase sales, find qualified staff, and thrive in the new restaurant environment. Our mission is to ensure that all Independent Restaurants in the U.S. have the tools necessary to compete with the National Chains.
June 9th, 2022
Live Seminar
The 2022 Independent Restaurants Success Road Show
Denver, CO
Join us for this in-person, half-day event sponsored by The Best Independent Restaurant Association. Featuring Bent Hansen-The 2021 BIRA Restaurant Operator of the Year. With special guest speaker, restaurant staffing expert Michael Thibault.
July 11th, 2022
Live Seminar
The 2022 Independent Restaurants Success Road Show
Orlando, FL
Join us for this in-person, half-day event sponsored by The Best Independent Restaurant Association. Featuring Bent Hansen-The 2021 BIRA Restaurant Operator of the Year. With special guest speaker, restaurant staffing expert Michael Thibault.
Location To Be Announced
August 17th, 2022
Live Seminar
The 2022 Independent Restaurants Success Road Show
San Diego, CA
Join us for this in-person, half-day event sponsored by The Best Independent Restaurant Association. Featuring Bent Hansen-The 2021 BIRA Restaurant Operator of the Year. With special guest speaker, restaurant staffing expert Michael Thibault.