Daily News Update, Jan. 17, 2008

Texas Department of Agriculture launches new restaurant initiative

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is pleased to announce the newly established GO TEXAN Restaurant Program is now accepting memberships.

The GO TEXAN Restaurant Program allows restaurants to become part of the GO TEXAN program, which promotes the products, culture and communities of Texas. The exciting new program encourages restaurants to use locally produced items and provides an easy way for consumers to identify restaurants that call Texas home.

"This a great new marketing tool for restaurants across the state. Our unique Texas culture is going straight from the farm to the restaurant table. Members who sign up can partner their quality offerings with the GO TEXAN brand," Commissioner Staples said.

Texas is the second-largest food service market in the nation, with sales projected to reach $33 billion this year, according to the National Restaurant Association. Statistics show that every $1 spent in Texas restaurants generates an additional $1.52 in sales for other industries in the state.

"Restaurants can now serve their entrees up with a side of Texas pride. The program's mission is connecting Texas producers with Texas restaurant owners and chefs in every way possible, and those efforts will result in more Texas products on more Texas menus," Commissioner Staples said.

Make sure to mark your calendars for Oct. 1, 2008. The Texas Department of Agriculture is creating a GO TEXAN Restaurant Night. On this special evening consumers are invited to visit member restaurants across the Lone Star State. Look for much more information to come out later this year on this exciting event.

For details about the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program or to inquire about membership, go to www.gotexan.org or contact Sarah Riggins at 512/475-1663 or sarah.riggins@tda.state.tx.us.