NYS Restaurant Association Commends Governor Cuomo's Wine, Beer & Spirits Summit

Discussion Focuses on Opportunities To Partner With Restaurants Statewide

ALBANY, NY (10/24/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York State Restaurant Association ("NYSRA") commended Governor Cuomo for his leadership in convening the first-ever New York State Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit held in Albany today.

The summit focused on initiatives to better promote New York-produced wine, beer and spirit products. One of the key focal points of discussion was how to get more of these products into New York's restaurants.

Chef Marc Murphy of Landmarc Restaurants in New York City, and NYSRA President and CEO Rick Sampson joined Governor Cuomo on stage at the summit to discuss how to better utilize local products in New York restaurants.

Murphy, who serves as a Director on the NYSRA State Board and as Vice President of its New York City Chapter shared some of his experience promoting New York-produced beer, wine and spirits. "Buying local is one of the hottest trends in the hospitality industry today so this is a natural fit for progressive thinking restaurateurs," said Murphy. "Every time we've run a promotion featuring these New York products, the response has been overwhelmingly positive."

"New York State products-especially wine, beers and spirits-are some of the best in the world," said Sampson who heads the oldest and most respected hospitality association in the state. "We plan on making this one of our top initiatives in the year to come. Bringing together our member restaurants with these top-shelf local suppliers is a win for everyone involved."

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Contact: Rick Sampson, 518-452-4222

The New York State Restaurant Association, founded in 1935, is the leading business association for the restaurant and hospitality industry in New York State. Comprised of more than 56,000 restaurants, bars, clubs, New York restaurants represent more than 628,000 employees and sales of approximately $27 billion - making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. Along with the New York State Restaurant Association and New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, NYSRA and its chapters work to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing hospitality industry. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.nysra.org/