Who can join?
Restaurants that physically reside in Texas and serve products that are grown, made or have value added in Texas are eligible to sign for the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program.
How are "restaurants" defined within the GO TEXAN program and what must they do to qualify?
Under the GO TEXAN program, "restaurants" are defined as dining establishments located in Texas that provide restaurant service and are permitted in accordance with all state and local laws and regulations. To qualify for the restaurant program, establishments have to use and/or serve Texas agricultural products.
What is the cost to join the program?
The cost is $25 annually. Restaurants will be billed the annual registration fee of $25 each membership year thereafter.
Restaurants that have multiple restaurant locations with the same name can sign those locations up for an extra $10 annual fee per location. This fee is in addition to the $25 annual membership fee.
How does the application process work?
Interested restaurants that meet the requirements for this program must fill out and return the GO TEXAN restaurant membership application, submit the $25 application fee and include a copy of their health permit. If the owner operates several restaurant locations with the same name, the owner will need to submit only one application, an initial $25 application fee, applicable permits for each location, and a $10 fee per each additional location. TDA will notify applicants of the status of applications within 30 days of receipt. Once membership applications are approved, membership benefits will begin, and the member will receive a certificate, a window decal and a disc that includes artwork for the GO TEXAN mark.
What are the benefits of membership?
Membership benefits for the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program include:
- Branding opportunities through the use of the widely recognized GO TEXAN mark on menus, printed materials and window decals. These items help direct consumers to member establishments and local menu items.
- A listing of the restaurant and link to the restaurant's site on the GO TEXAN website. The GO TEXAN website is heavily marketed in TDA promotional materials.
- The GO TEXAN Food Service Buyer's Guide, an extensive directory of Texas producers and their products.
- The chance for the restaurant/chef to be featured in a monthly e-zine sent to consumers.
- The opportunity to be part of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up, a statewide campaign encouraging customers to dine at participating establishments.
- Inclusion in special GO TEXAN food promotions and publications, such as the GO TEXAN Infoletter and seasonal calendars. The GO TEXAN Infoletter is sent to all GO TEXAN members, including food manufacturing companies, wineries and farmers
- Eligibility to apply for GO TEXAN Partner Program funds to market and promote Texas agricultural products used in restaurants.
- Discounted negotiated rates to exhibit at events and festivals spotlighting Texas cuisine.
Are bed and breakfast establishments eligible to become GO TEXAN restaurant members?
Yes, bed and breakfast establishments are eligible for membership as long as they operate an on-premise restaurant where paying customers can dine. Also, bed and breakfast locations must provide proof that their establishment is permitted in accordance with all state and local laws and regulations. All permit information must be submitted with the GO TEXAN restaurant application when applying for membership. Bed and breakfast establishments with fewer than seven rooms that are not required to obtain a health permit must list their food handler's license numbers on the application.
Are bakeries and coffee shops eligible to participate in the GO TEXAN program?
Bakeries and coffee shops may be eligible if they provide on-premise restaurant service and carry a variety of menu options for customers to choose from.
What are the terms for franchises to join the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program?
A franchise owner who would like to become part of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program will need to submit an application along with the $25 application fee. If the owner operates several restaurant locations for the franchise with the same name, the owner will need to submit only one application, an initial $25 application fee, applicable permits for each location, and a $10 fee per each additional location. For example, if a Subway franchisee operated five Subway locations, this particular franchisee would need to submit only one application and $65 for membership fees, along with a copy of each location's health permit.
What do restaurant owners who operate a chain need to provide in order to sign up to become members of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program?
Chain restaurant owners need to submit only one application along with the initial $25 application fee and a $10 fee per each additional location with the same name. In addition, the chain must submit a copy of each location's health permit.
Do caterers qualify to become GO TEXAN Restaurant members?
Only if the caterer operates an established restaurant location in addition to their catering service.
Are mobile units that serve food menu items eligible to become restaurant members?
No, mobile units that serve food and do not offer a permanent dining area do not meet the definition of restaurants for the program and, therefore, do not qualify as a restaurant establishment.
comprehensive promotional campaign launched by the Texas Department of Agriculture in 1999 to promote Texas-based companies that grow, process or produce Texas agricultural and other products. As a member of the GO TEXAN Restaurant Program, you will have the opportunity to connect with the freshest products Texas has to offer. 