INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Arni’s Restaurant and thousands of other eating establishments are represented by Indiana’s Restaurant Association, the voice of the state’s largest employer in the private sector.

Brad Cohen (right), owner of Arni’s Restaurant, joins State Sen. Ron Alting (left) in honoring Indiana’s Restaurant Association at a Statehouse ceremony Tuesday. Arni’s Restaurant and thousands of other eating establishments are represented by the organization that Alting and other lawmakers credit for improving the restaurant industry and creating positive dining experiences for patrons.

Brad Cohen, owner of Arni’s, joined State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) today in honoring the association that has worked to improve the restaurant industry and create positive dining experiences for patrons.

“With more than 295,000 workers, Indiana’s restaurants are an important part of the state’s economy and a key driver of employment,” Alting said. “Their sales also generate tremendous tax revenues for the state.”

According to Alting, restaurant jobs represent 10 percent of the state’s total employment and nearly 32 jobs are created for each additional $1 million spent in establishments. Alting said 2009 projections show the states’ restaurants will register $8.6 billion in sales. In addition, every $1 spent in Indiana’s restaurants generates an extra $1.06 in sales for Indiana’s economy.

“Not only do restaurants offer places for friends and family to gather, they employ more minority managers than any other industry,” Alting said. “One of my first jobs, like nearly 25 percent of other adults, was in food service. Because of this, I learned skills that have helped me throughout my entire life, how to relate to people, control waste and handle money.”

Indiana’s Restaurant Association – established in 1933 – provides educational, networking and job opportunities, among other benefits to members.

“Hoosiers wanting to learn more about the association or how to join can visit www.indianarestaurants.org ,” Alting said. “And if you haven’t visited one of Arni’s Restaurants yet, you are missing out on some great pizza, sandwiches and salads.”