Colorado Restaurant Foundation

Established in 1987 as the 501(c)3 philanthropic foundation of the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA), the Colorado Restaurant Foundation’s (CRF) mission is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development, and the overall well-being of the industry and its workforce. The CRF supports individuals in the restaurant industry as they advance and thrive.

Building a skilled and educated workforce is crucial to the future of the industry’s growth. Colorado ProStart®, CRF scholarships, and our apprenticeship programs bridge the gap for the employment needs of the industry, fostering talented students who are passionate about pursuing meaningful foodservice and hospitality careers.

The Colorado Restaurant Foundation supports foodservice and hospitality workers through education and training, emergency relief, and health and wellness resources. In turn, we depend on industry support to build and manage these programs, working together to create opportunities for people entering the job force and helping restaurant employees grow and succeed. 

Testimonials

"I want to thank you and Colorado Restaurant Foundation. You don't know how much these helps. It's been a rough time. Thank you and god bless you folks."
Angel Relief Fund Grantee

"Thank you so much for this support! My family and I are so amazed and humbled by the generosity and assistance of The Colorado Restaurant Foundation! Stay safe and healthy."
Jeremy - Angel Relief Fund Grantee

"I benefited greatly from ProStart industry mentors, work experience, countless scholarships, and the leadership experience the program offered to me...I soon found my passion and a life-long career I love."
Jesse Doerffel, ProStart Alum Palmer High School, Owner The Farmhouse at Jessup Farmhouse and The Common Link Food Truck, Ft. Collins CO

"In the last four years Standley Lake High School ProStart students have received more than $500,000 in scholarships to go onto college. This would not have occurred without the assistance of CRAEF's support of excellent curriculum training, professional development, work experience opportunities and mentor training."
Val Baylie, Colorado ProStart Teacher Stanley Lake High School - Retired

"This program had a dramatic impact on my son and opened doors for him that I do not believe he would have had otherwise. Programs like this help to ensure that students are not only receiving work-ready training but also the softer skills that employers look for like interview skills, dress code expectations, team work and leadership." Bob Sabina, Chili's Area Director & ProStart Alum Parent