Major restaurant groups join sustainability pledge
The five groups are the latest in SRA’s 500-member list, which has grown rapidly since the association’s launch in March last year.
Mark Linehan, managing director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association said: “We are really excited to be working with these five well recognised names. Their keenness to join the association and commitment to work with us to become more sustainable is indicative of the change that’s starting to happen across the industry.
“More restaurants are responding to customer demand for greater sustainability – which is good for diners, good for business and good for the planet.”
Guidance and audits
SRA, a not-for-profit membership association, was set up to give consistent guidance and support to the restaurant sector on sustainability.
As well as providing help and advice to member groups, it also audits a selection of members' sites, giving them gold, silver or bronze status. Marks depend on how restaurants fare in three main areas: sourcing, environment and society.
Other members already signed up to SRA are include Leon, Carluccio’s, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Moro, Due South, The Felan Fach Griffin, Canteen, Gurnard’s Head, Benares, Wahaca, Feng Sushi, Rockfish Grill, Caffe Caldesi and Seahorse Restaurant.
Sustainability goals
Chris Theofanous, Ping Pong purchasing manager said: “Joining the SRA means we can now dedicate ourselves in a more formalised way to further improve our sustainability. Initially this will mean reducing our waste, working more closely with our seafood suppliers and developing close working ties with community initiatives.”
Jack Moran, Le Pain Quotidien, VP Brand, said: "We admire the Association's commitment to championing quality and sustainability within the British restaurant industry - values, which have always played a fundamental role in our vision and way of working. We are delighted to affirm our values by announcing that Le Pain Quotidien has become an SRA member.”
At the end of last year, SRA put together a start-up tool kit to help restaurateurs achieve their sustainability goals.
Priced at £250, the kit provides advice on a range of issues related to sustainability, society, environment and sourcing, which can be included into the development plans for a new restaurant.
