Atlanta – Affairs to Remember Caterers, one of the largest privately held, full-service luxury catering companies in the United States, today announced that its General Manager, Patrick Cuccaro, has been elected Chair of the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA).
Transitioning from GRA Vice Chair, Mr. Cuccaro brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the table. His earlier career in theatre production set the stage for his passion of entertaining and his love of food contributed to the culmination of a dynamic career in the food service industry.
"I am confident in Patrick's leadership and vision for our organization," said GRA Executive Director Karen Bremer. "He has pledged to be a proactive voice, a watchful eye and an attentive ear. He is a proven advocate for Georgia's Foodservice Industry, and our members are fortunate to have him at the helm."
Following 10 years as an ad executive with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mr. Cuccaro joined Affairs to Remember Caterers in 1990. He has served as General Manager since joining the company and oversees the company's catering consultants, internal product research, human resources, marketing, and community and public relations.
"The Georgia Restaurant Association, with more than 3,000 restaurant members representing nearly 100,000 employees, has elected a Chair who is both an independent operator and an off-premise caterer. I'm humbled by the trust that these respected restaurateurs from across the state have placed in my leadership," Cuccaro said.
Throughout his catering career, Cuccaro has garnered prestigious recognition from industry organizations including the designation "Best of" by the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) and the International Special Events Society (ISES). He also was awarded a GRACE Award in 2009, one of the GRA's highest honors-the Distinguished Service Award.
Cuccaro said, "I look forward to reinvigorating the GRA's commitment to education, one of its mission's cornerstones. Next year will emerge as The Year of Education. Programming will focus on the evolving needs of our ever-changing industry, with an emphasis on sharing Best Practices, designed to help our members operate at higher levels of proficiency."
Cuccaro has created and teaches 15 hours of structured Best Practices for restaurateurs who use catering as a secondary revenue stream, called Catering Boot Camp. Catering Boot Camp attracts waiting-list interest and is available through Affairs to Remember and the GRA website.
"In an industry with razor-thin margins, learning new skills and improving upon the status quo can be the demarcation between red and black ink. It can also make a tremendous difference in the quality of our lives and those of our employees," Cuccaro said. "The GRA remains laser-focused on ways to help our members improve performance."
Under Cuccaro's leadership, Affairs to Remember Caterers has remained at the industry's forefront, even during the recent economic downturn, due primarily to his commitment to service excellence. The organization is 100% customer focused.
Cuccaro will begin serving in his new role as GRA Chair on January 1, 2012.
About Affairs to Remember Caterers
Affairs to Remember Caterers is one of the largest privately held, full-service luxury catering companies in the United States. Award-winning services include expertise in off-premise catering, site selection, décor, music, entertainment, tent rental, lighting, linens, ice carvings and photography. Nearly 35 years of success can be attributed to the company's innovative menus, impeccable service, attention to detail, and reliability. Clients count on Affairs to Remember to guide them through an exciting, memorable experience. For more information, please call (404) 872-7859 or visit www.affairs.com.
Source: Affairs to Remember Caterers