Inside Connecticut’s Hospitality Rebrand: What It Means for Restaurants & Hotels

In this episode, Scott Dolch, President & CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, breaks down the organization’s recent rebrand and what it means for Connecticut’s $21 billion hospitality industry. From restaurants and hotels to workforce development and tourism, we explore how the industry is evolving and what’s ahead. If you’re a local business owner, hospitality professional, or just love the Connecticut dining scene, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at where things are headed. For more on the CT Restaurant & Hospitality Association, visit, https://www.ctrestaurant.org Or follow on Instagram: Instagram.com/CTRestaurantAssoc  #### The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by: Hey Stamford! The Store: Your go-to for local goods, gifts, accessories, and more. Stop by in person at Stamford Town Center (4th Floor) or shop anytime online at https://shop.heystamford.com Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4tBS9Kd   Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/heystamford  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heystamford  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heystamford  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@heystamford  X: https://x.com/HeyStamford  ##### 00:00 Introduction & Guest Background 01:06 About the Association & Rebrand 03:15 Impact of the Hospitality Sector 06:13 Expanding to Accommodations & Hotels 11:09 Association Growth & Strategies 13:56 Connecticut’s Independent Restaurant Scene 16:59 Connecticut as a Destination, Not a Pass-through 19:15 Hospitality as an Economic Ecosystem 22:32 Tourism, Events & Their Local Impact 25:16 Current Priorities & Legislative Efforts 29:02 Building Influence at the State Level 30:23 Educational Foundation & Workforce Programs 34:41 High School Programs & Next Generation 35:54 The CRAzies: Connecticut’s Culinary Awards 41:51 Culinary Tourism & Telling Connecticut’s Story 44:48 Most Rewarding Moments & Personal Reflections 47:02 Wrap Up & Where to Connect