August Monthly Newsletter

AUGUST MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Welcome to our August edition of the Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association newsletter! We're excited to bring you a selection of opportunities and events designed to inspire, educate, and connect. Inside this issue, you'll find exclusive information on upcoming events, details on grant opportunities that could support your business, and much more!

2025 MARA ANNUAL GALA - UPDATE

Ticketing information:

There are two kinds of admission for our gala!

Business Program - $50 in advance / $65 at door:

VIP seating for speakers and performances
Network with industry leaders
Taste of Asia Photo Contest Awards
Lunch box + MARA's signature moon cake

To purchase tickets, online, scan the QR code in the flyer, or click the button below:

PURCHASE BUSINESS PROGRAM TICKETS HERE

General Admission - FREE

Anyone can come. Bring your families and friends to join the fun and:

Explore sponsor booths
Savor Asian street foods
Play games + win prizes
Enjoy stage speeches and performances with open seating/standing area

This year, we have a brand new theme featuring "Asian Food Festival" with family driven, kid friendly activities. We want to not only bring together the Asian restaurants and service providers, but also families in the Asian food loving community. Looking to have a fun time for all.

Additional GALA features include:

Guest Speakers: As customary, we will be inviting guest speakers to share their insight, which heightens our relevance and always anchors our event solidly in the tide of time.
Sponsor Booths: We invite our sponsors to join us in this much anticipated event. From the Bronze level sponsorship ($500) and up, each sponsor will be given a booth in addition to other promotional benefits through our media venues. Any vendor can also just purchase a booth for $300 without other promotional benefits. For more information about gala sponsorship, booth and benefits, please refer to the Sponsorship flyer below, or contact : info@ma-ara.org; Tel: 774-315-0133. Register Here
Food Vendors: We are calling on Asian restaurants to partake in our event. Provide some easy-to-handle foods, nonetheless tasty, and get exposure for your businesses. More importantly, catch the "Chi" sprouted by this event and ride the wave of growth. For more information on having a food stall, please refer to the Food Vendor flyer below , or contact info@ma-ara.org; Tel: 774-315-0133. Register Here
Performances: Carefully selected performances will add to the celebratory spectacularity.
Last but not least, the Taste of Asia Photo Contest will have its award ceremony at this event. There will be prizes, giveaways and a lot of fun.

Stay tuned to more updates on the GALA in the newsletters to come.

Sponsor Us and Promote Your Business Through Our Venues

Check out the Tiers of Benefits Below:

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY

Be A Food Vendor at Our GALA for $100

JUDGES HAVE SCORED; TOP CANDIDATES FOR WINNERS HAVE EMERGED

The Taste of Asia Photo Contest completed its collection phase at the end of June, 2025. At this time, over 200 photo entries have been scored by our tireless judges. Clear leaders and some ties have emerged. The judges will go through a final deliberation process to determine the winners. The final reveal will take place at the GALA, and awards will be given to the winners.

Let's hold our breath while the drum rolls. What an exciting moment to look forward to. Come to our GALA. Be there or be square.

Dear restaurant owners and business providers,

MARA is devoted to be the backbone of the Asian restaurant community and maintain a vibrant platform for Asian restaurants and business/service providers alike. We support our members with information on fund-sourcing, policy interpretation, networking opportunities and public advocacy, to name a few. In today's fast changing environment, MARA will be your ally, and you will never have to face challenges alone.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARA MEMBERSHIP

BECOME A MARA MEMBER

A Note about the Federal Tax Exemption

or “No Tax on Tips” Law

All Massachusetts laws related to the service rate, minimum wage, tip pooling and employer’s record-keeping obligations related to tips have not changed. Employers in Massachusetts must continue to ensure that only eligible employees participate in a tip pool and that workers who are receiving the service rate are paid at least minimum wage for all time worked.

For more information, please visit the Massachusetts Attorney General’s website below.

LEARN MORE HERE

MARA COLLABORATION WITH POTENCIA

MARA has partnered with Potencia to offer affordable, one-on-one English tutoring sessions tailored for adult immigrants. These 10-week online programs provide personalized learning, real-life conversation practice, and flexible schedules. At just $5 per session ($50 for 10 sessions), participants receive 1-hour individual lessons with an additional discount available for MARA members.

Interested individuals can apply online below or text (617) 580-0176 for more details. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve English skills in a supportive, affordable environment!

New Risk Management Training From MRA

Exclusively for MRA Members, Hospitality Insurance Group now offers two new risk management training programs that help you:

Save on Insurance Up to 5% off liquor liability and 25% off Assault & Battery coverage.
Retain Staff Training builds engagement and loyalty—reducing turnover.
Boost Safety Create a safer environment for staff and guests.

Training Options:

Live – 90-Minute Session covering de-escalation, drink safety, ID checks & emergencies, with VIP Safety Strategies.

Online – 24/7 Access for restaurants, bars & taverns, with Home of Training.

LEARN MORE HERE

Additional resources

Grant & Program Opportunities

(Rolling Deadline) Amber Grant - Women's Net gives away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, they've also expanded their grant-giving to include Marketing Grants, Business Category Grants, as well as two $25,000 Year End Grants.

(Rolling Deadline) Free LLC Formation for Moms - Zenbusiness is giving every mom in America the ability to start an LLC for free, plus the cost of your state fee.

Want to be featured on our monthly member series? fill ouT our form below

About mara

Founded in 2018, Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association (MARA) is a non-profit corporation registered at Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It formed a partnership with Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) in 2020. MARA provides Asian restaurant businesses the resources and guidance needed to advance in the industry. MARA is a platform connecting Asian restaurant members with professional service providers as well as relevant governmental entities to enhance the communication collaboration and mutual benefits. Visit ma-ara.org to join or learn more.