Who can join?
Restaurants that physically reside in Texas and serve products that are grown, made or have value added in Texas are eligible to sign up to be part of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program.
How are "restaurants" defined within the GO TEXAN program and what must they do to qualify?
Under the GO TEXAN program, "restaurants" are defined as dining establishments located in Texas that provide restaurant service and are permitted in accordance with all state and local laws and regulations. To qualify for the restaurant program, establishments have to use and/or serve Texas agricultural products.
What is the cost to join the program?
The cost is $25 annually. Restaurants will be billed the annual registration fee of $25 each membership year thereafter.
How does the application process work?
Interested restaurants that meet the requirements for this program must fill out and return the GO TEXAN Restaurant membership application, submit the $25 application fee and provide either a copy of the health permit or the health permit number and contact information for the governmental entity that issued the permit. TDA will notify applicants of the status of applications within 30 days of receipt. Once membership applications are approved, membership benefits will begin and the member will receive a certificate, a window decal and a disc that includes artwork for the GO TEXAN brand.
What are the benefits of membership?
Membership benefits for the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program include the following:
- Use of the widely recognized GO TEXAN mark on restaurant materials and promotional support through point-of-purchase items such as window decals. These items are easily recognized and will help point consumers toward member establishments.
- A listing of the restaurant and link to the restaurant's Web site on the GO TEXAN Web site. The GO TEXAN Web site is heavily marketed in all TDA promotional materials given to consumers.
- A copy of the upcoming "GO TEXAN Foodservice Buyer's Guide," an extensive directory of Texas producers and their products.
- The opportunity for the restaurant/chef to be featured in a bi-monthly e-zine sent to consumers.
- Restaurant Program print ads (e.g., Texas Monthly, Cowboys & Indians, Austin Cuisine) and other media coverage (e.g., morning talk radio segments) will highlight members, encourage customers to dine at member establishments, and drive consumers to the Restaurant Program site, where they can find information on each member restaurant.
- Inclusion in special GO TEXAN food promotions and publications, such as the GO TEXAN Infoletter and seasonal calendars. The GO TEXAN Infoletter is sent to all GO TEXAN members, including food manufacturing companies, wineries and farmers.
- Discounted rates to exhibit at events and festivals spotlighting Texas cuisine, such as Wine Week in The Woodlands and the New World Wine and Food Festival, as well as special advertising rates for print publications.
Are bed and breakfast establishments eligible to become GO TEXAN Restaurant Members?
Yes, bed and breakfast establishments are eligible for membership in the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program as long as they operate an on-premise restaurant where paying customers can dine. Also, bed and breakfast locations must be able to provide proof that their establishment is permitted in accordance with all state and local laws and regulations. All permit information must be submitted with the GO TEXAN Restaurant application when applying for membership. Bed and breakfast establishments with fewer than seven rooms that are not required to obtain a health permit must list their food handler's license numbers on the application.
Are bakeries and coffee shops eligible to participate in the GO TEXAN program?
Bakeries and coffee shops may be eligible only as long as they are providing on-premise restaurant service and carry a variety of menu options for customers to choose from.
What are the terms for franchises to join the GO TEXAN Restaurant program?
A franchise owner who would like his/her establishment to become part of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program will need to submit one application along with the $25 application fee. If that owner operates several restaurant locations for the franchise, the owner will need to submit only one application, a $25 application fee and attach a list of other franchise locations. For example, if a Subway franchisee operated several Subway locations, this particular franchisee would need to submit only one application and $25 membership fee along with a list of the other Subway locations owned by the franchisee and either a copy of the each location's health permit or each health permit number and the contact information for the governmental entity that issued the permit.
What do restaurant owners who operate a chain need to provide in order to sign up to become members of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program?
Chain restaurant owners need to submit only one application along with a $25 application fee and a list of all their corporately-owned locations along with a copy of each location's health permit or each health permit number and contact information for the governmental entity that issued the permit.
Do caterers qualify to become GO TEXAN Restaurant members?
If the caterer operates an established restaurant location, then yes, the caterer is eligible through their restaurant service/location.
Are mobile units that serve food menu items eligible to become restaurant members?
No, mobile units that serve food and do not offer a permanent dining area do not meet the definition of restaurants for the program and therefore do not qualify as a restaurant establishment.
to promote Texas-based companies and their products. As a member of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program, you will have the opportunity to connect with the best quality products Texas has to offer.