Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

What Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association does

The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1937 and headquartered at 100 State Street, Harrisburg, PA. It represents Pennsylvania's hospitality and tourism industry, including restaurants, hotels, lodging properties, caterers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, destination marketing organizations, bed & breakfasts, attractions, venues, and allied vendors/suppliers, supported by a 40-member Board of Directors and approximately 15 staff.

PRLA's core products center on four pillars: advocacy and political action (PRLA PAC, legislative affairs team, lobbying on liquor reform, tourism, and labor issues); training and certification (ServSafe food safety, RAMP/ServSafe Alcohol, human trafficking prevention, AHLEI certifications); education and workforce development delivered through the affiliated PRLA Educational Foundation (ProStart high school program reaching 222,000 students nationally, Restaurant Ready, apprenticeship pathways, and the HOPES program for justice-involved individuals); and a Preferred Partners Program that negotiates member discounts with vendors across payments, payroll, healthcare, insurance, recruiting, POS, and delivery. The organization also publishes a Daily Update newsletter and Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Matters magazine, and runs 80+ events annually including the Fall Conference, Spirit of Hospitality Awards, Winter Meeting, and Public Affairs Conference.

PRLA's business model is membership-subscription based, with revenue from membership dues across multiple member categories, course and exam fees for training/certification, event registration and sponsorship fees, preferred-partner affiliate arrangements, and contributions to the affiliated 501(c)(3) PRLA Educational Foundation. The 501(c)(3) HARP entity provides emergency relief to hospitality workers, and the PRLA PAC provides political advocacy. Operating exclusively in Pennsylvania, PRLA coordinates with national bodies (National Restaurant Association, NRAEF, AHLA, AAHOA) for federal-level representation and shared programming.

Name

Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Legal name

Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Website

https://prla.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1937 that represents Pennsylvania's restaurants, hotels, caterers, breweries, DMOs, and allied vendors. It provides advocacy, ServSafe/RAMP training, workforce development through its Educational Foundation, preferred-partner discounts, and 80+ annual events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (5418)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Advertising (7310)

akta.pro primary industry

Nonprofit & Cause Communications (BPAFADAK)

Keywords

• Hospitality trade association
• Industry advocacy services
• Food safety certification
• Workforce development programs
• Membership benefits

Headquarters

HQ city

Harrisburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: PRLA generates revenue through membership dues from restaurants, hotels, caterers, breweries, attractions, and allied members (vendors/suppliers). Membership categories include Restaurants, Caterers, Breweries/Wineries/Distilleries, Hotels/Lodging, Bed & Breakfast/Inns, Destination Marketing Organizations, Business Improvement Districts, Attractions/Campgrounds/Fairs, Arenas/Concert Halls/Stadiums/Venues, Special Event Businesses, Institutions, Students, Retired professionals, and Vendors/Suppliers.
2. Training and Certification Programs: PRLA offers ServSafe food safety certification, RAMP alcohol service training, and other professional development courses. Revenue is generated through course fees, exam fees, and training materials sales. PRLA members receive 20% discounts on ServSafe courses and training programs.
3. Events and Conferences: PRLA holds over 80 events annually including the Annual Fall Conference & Awards Gala, Winter Meeting, Public Affairs Conference, and Golf Classic. Revenue is generated through event registration fees, sponsorships, and exhibit fees.
4. Preferred Partner Programs: PRLA partners with vendors and service providers who offer exclusive discounts to members. While PRLA does not take a direct revenue cut, these partnerships help retain members and attract new members through tangible benefits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

PRLA is a nonprofit trade association that serves Pennsylvania's hospitality and tourism industry through membership-based services. It delivers legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry-specific training and certifications (ServSafe, RAMP, AHLEI), workforce development programs (ProStart, Restaurant Ready, apprenticeships), scholarship funding, networking events, and a Preferred Partners program that negotiates discounted business services for members.

Product overview

The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association operates as a unified association offering a portfolio of interconnected programs rather than a single product. The core offerings include the PRLA Educational Foundation (501(c)(3)) which administers the ProStart high school culinary program, scholarship programs, and workforce development initiatives including Restaurant Ready and apprenticeship programs. Training and certification products include ServSafe (food safety), RAMP (alcohol service), and human trafficking prevention training. The Preferred Partners Program provides negotiated member discounts on business services. The association also runs HARP emergency relief, PAC/advocacy efforts, and annual events including the Spirit of Hospitality Awards. These offerings work together to serve the hospitality and tourism industries through education, workforce development, advocacy, and member benefits.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PRLA Educational Foundation (PRLAEF): 501(c)(3) charitable foundation providing scholarships, ProStart high school programs, workforce development, and Restaurant Ready partnerships
• PRLA PAC
• PA ProStart
• Spirit of Hospitality Awards
• HARP (Hospitality Assistance Response of PA)

Products and services

• ServSafe Training Industry-leading food safety certification training offered to PRLA member operators and their employees, including ServSafe Manager Certification, ServSafe Alcohol, ServSafe Allergens, ServSafe Food Handler, and ServSafe Workplace programs. Members receive 20% off course fees.
• RAMP Certification Pennsylvania Responsible Alcohol Management Program certification that includes Owner/Manager and Server/Seller training required for alcohol service personnel serving Pennsylvania bars and restaurants.
• Workforce Development Programs Comprehensive workforce development initiatives including Restaurant Ready partnerships, apprenticeship programs, ServSuccess career development platform, and AHLEI professional certifications. Targets staffing, retention, and skills advancement for hospitality employers and employees.
• ProStart Program Two-year industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students delivered through Pennsylvania career and technology centers, supported by the National Restaurant Association. Includes the annual PA ProStart Invitational competition.
• PRLAEF Scholarship Program Annual scholarship program administered by the PRLA Educational Foundation awarding $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in culinary arts and hospitality management, with nearly $525,000 awarded since inception in 2006.
• HARP (Hospitality Assistance Response of PA) A 501(c)(3) emergency relief fund providing immediate financial assistance to hospitality workers in Pennsylvania facing crises.
• PRLA PAC and Advocacy Non-partisan political action committee and advocacy fund that supports pro-industry candidates and lobbies on hospitality, liquor reform, and tourism issues at state and local levels. Includes a Senior Director of Legislative Affairs and Senior Director of Public Affairs.
• Events and Awards Program Over 80 annual events including the Annual Fall Conference & Awards Gala, Winter Meeting with ProStart Invitational, Public Affairs Conference, Golf Classic, and the Spirit of Hospitality Awards honoring individuals and businesses across Pennsylvania's hospitality industry.
• Preferred Partners Program Member benefits program that negotiates exclusive discounts with vetted vendors on payment processing, payroll, insurance, recruiting, HR tools, healthcare, legal services, POS systems, delivery platforms, and technology. Members access discounts through Global Payment Systems, SpotOn, DoorDash, Grubhub, OpenTable, Kelly Benefits, Decisely, and others.
• Human Trafficking Prevention Training Free web-based training delivered through PACT (formerly ECPAT-USA) for frontline and supervisory hospitality employees, originally developed by Marriott International and donated for industry-wide use.

Quantifiable outcome

• Employers see an 80% retention rate among apprenticeship program participants.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Visit Potter-TiogaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026Colleen Hanson, executive director of Visit Potter-Tioga, was appointed vice chair of the Destination Marketing Organization Coalition Committee within PRLA. In this statewide role, she represents tourism partners in Tioga and Potter Counties.
• National Restaurant AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPRLA works closely with the National Restaurant Association to ensure members are represented at the federal level. The NRA provides industry resources, advocacy support, and educational programs including ServSafe certification.
• National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPRLA partners with NRAEF on workforce development programs including Restaurant Ready, ProStart, and scholarship opportunities. NRAEF awards over $1 million annually in foodservice-related scholarships.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPRLA works with AHLA to represent hotel and lodging members. The partnership includes access to AHLEI training and certification programs, human trafficking prevention training through the AHLA Foundation, and advocacy coordination.
• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)coreTechnology or IntegrationPRLA provides AHLEI training products and professional certifications for hospitality employees. AHLEI offers over 20 professional certifications covering all departments and career paths.
• Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPRLA collaborates with AAHOA to represent hotel owners and provide member benefits. AAHOA is a sponsor of PRLA events and programs.
• HRFoodSafecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPRLA's partner for ServSafe certification training delivery. HRFoodSafe provides in-person and online ServSafe Manager Certification classes throughout Pennsylvania on a regular basis.
• Penn State School of Hospitality ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive partnership offering graduate scholarships for PRLA dues-paying members' employees. Eligible employees receive $3,000 for Master's degree or $1,000 for Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Management. Penn State SHM also sponsors ProStart and PRLA events.
• Global Payment SystemsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred partner providing payment processing solutions. Serves over 400,000 merchants nationwide with point-of-sale systems and payment technology.
• DeciselyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPowers the PRLA Benefits Center offering members exclusive access to flexible, affordable healthcare options including ICHRA, dental, vision, and supplemental coverage through one secure platform.
• Teladoc Health (HealthiestYou)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive telemedicine partner for PRLA members offering unlimited virtual visits with $0 copay for $11 per employee per month. Covers spouse/domestic partner and children up to age 26.
• Kelly Benefits PayrollminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred payroll services partner offering PRLA members up to 20% exclusive discount with two-year fixed pricing. Provides payroll, tax filing, and HR technology services.
• SyscominorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodservice distributor and sponsor of PRLA events including the ProStart Invitational. Freshpoint, a Sysco company, also sponsors PRLA programs.
• DoorDashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDelivery platform partner and PRLA sponsor providing delivery and logistics solutions for restaurant members.
• GrubhubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDelivery platform partner and PRLA sponsor providing online ordering and delivery solutions for restaurant members.
• Performance Food ServiceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodservice distributor and PRLA sponsor. Supports ProStart Invitational and other PRLA events and programs.
• SpotOnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPoint-of-sale solutions partner offering PRLA members credit towards first POS station or free consultation, set up, and trial of SpotOn Reserve or labor management solutions.
• OpenTableminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant reservation platform partner and PRLA sponsor. OpenTable is a direct-partner platform exempt from Philadelphia's reservation scalping legislation.
• Visit PhiladelphiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhiladelphia's DMO partner and sponsor supporting tourism marketing and PRLA events in the Philadelphia region.
• Visit PittsburghminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPittsburgh's DMO partner and sponsor. Jerad Bachar, Visit Pittsburgh, serves as 2026 Chair of the PRLA Lodging & Tourism Committee.
• Gecko HospitalityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHospitality recruitment partner offering PRLA members access to pre-screened management candidates. Named to Forbes list of America's Best Recruiting Firms four of the last five years with 80 regional offices.
• Prime Source PurchasingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerManufacturer rebate program administrator. PRLA members collected over $1 million in rebates last year through this program which handles all paperwork and negotiation.
• Tucker Arensberg PCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal services partner providing PRLA members one complimentary hour of legal consultation per issue. Attorneys Daniel Conlon and Evan Pappas provide gaming and hospitality law expertise.
• Adesso CapitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial partner providing lending solutions, Tip Tax Credit eligibility guidance, and FFCRA tax credit information for self-employed individuals.
• Ellis (Ellis + Associates)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTraining and compliance partner and PRLA sponsor providing safety and education resources for hospitality operations.
• EcolabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWater, hygiene, and infection prevention technologies partner and PRLA sponsor supporting food safety and sanitation for hospitality members.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Restaurant Association: The national umbrella trade association for the U.S. restaurant industry. Directly comparable as it serves the same restaurant/hospitality operator base, develops the ServSafe and ProStart curricula PRLA licenses, and operates the advocacy, training, and workforce development playbook that PRLA executes at the state level.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association: The national trade association for the U.S. lodging industry and a core strategic partner of PRLA. Comparable because it represents the same lodging/hotel members at the federal level, owns the AHLEI certification portfolio PRLA distributes, and provides the human trafficking prevention training PRLA offers to members.

Regional players

• Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA): A national trade association specifically representing Asian American hotel owners, already a sponsor and collaborator with PRLA. Comparable because it serves lodging members with advocacy, training, and networking — the same member subset PRLA addresses through its lodging segment.
• Visit Philadelphia (Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau): A regional destination marketing organization and active PRLA partner/sponsor that represents tourism stakeholders in the Philadelphia region. Comparable because it serves overlapping hospitality/tourism members, co-sponsors PRLA events, and operates the advocacy and member-benefit model that complements PRLA's offerings.

Direct peers

• California Restaurant Association: One of the largest state-level restaurant and lodging trade associations in the U.S., operating under the same 501(c)(6) model as PRLA. Directly comparable in mission (advocacy, ServSafe training, preferred partners, events), member categories, and revenue model (dues + training + events + partnerships).
• Texas Restaurant Association: A large state-level restaurant and hospitality trade association with the same nonprofit structure, advocacy focus, ServSafe/RAMP training portfolio, and workforce development programs as PRLA. Direct peer given parallel mission and overlapping member offerings.
• New York State Restaurant Association: A statewide restaurant trade association delivering the same core offerings as PRLA — ServSafe certification, advocacy, preferred partner programs, workforce development, and events. Direct peer serving a comparable restaurant/hospitality operator base in another major U.S. state.
• Ohio Restaurant Association: A neighboring Midwest state restaurant and hospitality trade association with overlapping mission, structure (501(c)(6)), and service portfolio. Comparable because it operates the same ServSafe/RAMP training, advocacy, and event-based member engagement model as PRLA.
• Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association: A statewide trade association combining restaurant and lodging representation under one organization, mirroring PRLA's combined model. Comparable in scope (restaurants + lodging + tourism), advocacy focus, training programs, and event-driven member engagement.

Emerging players

• National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF): The 501(c)(3) workforce development and scholarship arm of the National Restaurant Association, awarding over $1 million annually in foodservice scholarships and operating the ProStart program that PRLA runs in Pennsylvania. Comparable as a sibling nonprofit model to PRLAEF, executing scholarships, ProStart, and Restaurant Ready workforce programs at scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/prlaorg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/PrlaOrg
• Facebookfacebook.com/prlaorg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-restaurant-&-lodging-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/prlaorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association