The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Steve Chucri
As the Arizona Restaurant Association closes the book on another successful 2025 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week in support of our local restaurant community, we also highlight an industry that fuels these kitchens and economic growth throughout our state: natural gas.
Particularly among businesses within the Arizona hospitality industry, natural gas is a popular choice, and for good reason.
According to the National Restaurant Association, gas is a cost-effective choice that provides ease of use and a long lifespan. Restaurants around the country support its use too — 96% of professional chefs prefer cooking with natural gas. Supporting that are diners — 70% of consumers feel that natural gas is vital to the success of the restaurant industry.
There are more than 12,000 restaurants across Arizona. The owners and chefs of these restaurants work hard to present delicious, high-quality dishes with unmistakable flavors that keep customers coming back. To that end, they are not willing to compromise when it comes to quality, but they do have to keep costs in mind.
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According to the American Gas Association (AGA), “natural gas ranges tend to have longer shelf lives and lower operating costs... making gas ranges 10-30% more affordable ...” Furthermore, the AGA states that the affordability of natural gas not only helps restaurants stay in business, but the cost is projected to be half to one-third the price of other fuels through 2050.
The benefit of natural gas extends beyond the hospitality industry. From a broader perspective, natural gas plays a vital role in supporting the community’s growth as a reliable, sustainable and preferred energy solution for homes and businesses, including restaurants. In fact, the AGA reports that natural gas is one of the lowest household utility bills, and those households that use natural gas for heating, cooking, and drying clothes save an average of $1,132 per year.
In addition, a host of other industries — and workers — rely heavily on natural gas, such as alternative fuel vehicle supply chain, semiconductors, manufacturers, aerospace and defense, lodging and tourism, restaurants, healthcare, rock products, agribusiness and real estate development. The natural gas industry supports millions of jobs nationwide.
A reliable energy source, natural gas not only safely fuels homes and businesses, but it is also 92% efficient when used at the source, supports economic development and growth in communities, and plays an essential role in addressing sustainability goals and supporting a diverse energy future.
Ultimately, natural gas is a smart and strategic business decision that affects profitability, reliability, and risk management for the hospitality industry and across a myriad of industries. From a business perspective, it goes beyond a lower utility bill and serves as a core strategic lever for growth, efficiency and resilience.
Southwest Gas has been serving customers here in Arizona since 1957. With a robust energy delivery infrastructure of more than 31,000 miles of distribution pipeline, they provide safe and reliable service to homes and businesses while innovating sustainable energy solutions and creating a positive impact that fuels communities’ growth.
The Arizona Restaurant Association proudly partners with Southwest Gas, together fueling the hospitality industry throughout Arizona.
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Steve Chucri is the president and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association.
