The founding of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) traces back to an egg boycott organized by restaurant owners in Kansas City in 1917. At that time, egg brokers tried to raise the price of eggs to 65 cents a dozen, which was considered excessive by restaurateurs. In response, the Kansas City Restaurant Association, one of the earliest restaurant industry groups, coordinated a boycott that successfully drove the price down to 32 cents a dozen

. This collective action demonstrated the power of unity among restaurateurs facing common challenges. Inspired by this success and the need for a national voice, 68 restaurateurs from across the country convened on March 13, 1919, in Kansas City to form a national organization representing the interests of restaurant owners nationwide. This meeting led to the official founding of the National Restaurant Association later that year

. Thus, the egg boycott was the catalyst that highlighted the benefits of organized collective action, leading to the creation of a national association to advocate for the restaurant industry’s interests, provide education, and promote business growth. The NRA has since grown into a major industry organization with significant influence