About Us

The Iowa Restaurant Association represents, educates, promotes and serves the restaurant and retail beverage industries in the state of Iowa. The IRA exists to help members-- the cornerstones of their communities-- build customer loyalty, rewarding careers, and financial success.

We create value for our members in five ways:

1. Advocacy and representation

2. Tools and solutions

3. Education and networking

4. Research and insights

5. Responsible stewardship

Iowa's restaurant and beverage industry is an integral part of the state's economy. The state's 8,196 eating and drinking establishments project annual sales of $3.4 billion in 2009. On a typical day, Iowa's restaurant and beverage industry estimates average sales in excess of $9.4 million.

Iowa's restaurant and beverage industry is the largest private sector employer in the state with over 145,300 employees (10 percent of the state's total employment). In 2009 the industry projects it will pay $1 billion in annual wages.

 We are the Iowa affiliate of the National Restaurant Association.

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© Copyright Iowa Restaurant Association 2009