On Monday, April 26, Quality Dining Inc. hosted a visit with members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The BURGER KING restaurant in Davenport, Florida, is owned by NFA Chair Dan Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick was in attendance, along with five representatives who serve on the House Education and Labor Committee, which oversees matters related to higher and early education, workforce development and protections, and health, employment, labor and pensions. CJ Fitzpatrick, senior vice president and director of operations for the company, also attended and took part in discussion.
Reps. Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Fred Keller (PA-12), Marianette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Lisa McClain (MI-10) enjoyed a visit with the team members at the restaurant and then sat down with the Fitzpatricks and NFA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Misty Chally to discuss legislative priorities for the current and upcoming congressional sessions.
One topic discussed during the meeting was COVID-19 relief and the current labor shortage franchisees across the country are facing. On behalf of the NFA, Dan Fitzpatrick expressed his support for legislation that encourages individuals to return to work. The group also discussed labor issues such as the Raise the Wage Act and the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, both opposed by the association.
Visits like this are important for restaurant owners to express their concerns and develop relationships with representatives. The NFA is thankful for its ongoing relationships with members of Congress and was glad to host them in one of its restaurants.
“It is so important that our legislators have opportunities to see firsthand how their policies affect business owners and employees,” said Chally. “Dan and CJ did a great job articulating the current challenges faced by the Burger King brand during these trying times.”
Rep. Lisa McClain talks with other visitors.
The BURGER KING in Davenport, Florida, flies patriotic flags during the visit on April 26.
Rep. Burgess Owens chats with team members.
The restaurant staff poses for a photo with the representatives.