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SOUTH DAKOTA RETAILERS ASSOCIATION NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: September 10, 2019 Contact: Shuree Mortenson, 605.224.5050 smortenson@sdra.og SOUTH DAKOTA RETAILERS CELEBRATE RESTAURANTS DURING FOOD SAFETY MONTH Pierre, S.D. – September is National Food Safety Month and the South Dakota Retailers Association is celebrating restaurants statewide who practice excellent food safety. “Restaurants care about their customers so they go the extra mile to ensure the food they serve is properly stored, prepared, and served,” said Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “Food safety extends beyond customer satisfaction; it’s about taking care of their friends, family, and neighbors.” In South Dakota, all food service establishments are required to have at least one staff member who has passed an 8-hour food service certification program. The training instructs employees in food-borne illness prevention and equips them to properly train others in food safety. Clark Kelley, Food Service Director for Aramark and ServSafe Course Instructor in Sioux Falls described working in the food industry as more of a culture than a job. “As a manager, you need to be knowledgeable about ServSafe systems and put them into practice,” he said. “As an employee you need to understand those systems and follow them. Because at the end of the day, we are working for the public.” Kevin Beshara, owner and operator of the Colonial House Restaurant and Bar of Rapid City, SD explains that food safety is not only his restaurant's top priority, but also its number one responsibility. “Our guests depend on our team members to do the right thing when it comes to their safety,” said Beshara. “As the old saying goes 'we are only as strong as the weakest link' and for me, it’s ensuring we have team members trained in food safety.” The South Dakota Retailers Association represents restaurants, cafes, diners, and other food service establishments statewide. To benefit association members, the Association offers discounts on ServSafe classes, making it more cost-efficient to train foodservice employees. Beshara takes advantage of this service and uses it to his restaurant's advantage. “Someone recently asked me why I send so many through ServSafe because as he put it, ‘the Health Department doesn't require it.’” Beshara continued, “I asked him, don't you think it's my responsibility to the community to have as many team members trained in ServSafe as possible and don't you feel more confident knowing that the people you work with have a better understanding of food safety? He mulled it over and I think he understood.” Restaurants across the state work hard to make their customers happy, and that starts with safe, healthy food. During Food Safety Month, take a moment to thank restaurant staff for their dedication to ensuring food safety. The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) represents nearly 4,000 members in more than 160 business categories. Founded in 1897, it is one of the country’s oldest and largest retail trade associations. - 30 -
SOUTH DAKOTA RETAILERS ASSOCIATION NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: September 10, 2019 Contact: Shuree Mortenson, 605.224.5050 smortenson@sdra.og
SOUTH DAKOTA RETAILERS CELEBRATE RESTAURANTS DURING FOOD SAFETY MONTH
The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) represents nearly 4,000 members in more than 160 business categories. Founded in 1897, it is one of the country’s oldest and largest retail trade associations.
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