Iowa Restaurant Association

About Us

The Iowa Restaurant Association promotes and works to protect Iowa's restaurant and retail beverage industry.

Mission

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:

Advocacy and representation

Tools and solutions

Education and networking

Research and insights

Responsible stewardship

Company Overview

Iowa's restaurant and beverage industry is an integral part of the state's economy. The state's 6,000 eating and drinking establishments project annual sales of $3.2 billion in 2011. On a typical day, Iowa's restaurant and beverage industry estimates average sales in excess of $9 million.

Iowa's restaurant and beverage industry is the second largest private sector employer in the state with over 144,000 employees (10 percent of the state's total employment). In 2011 the industry projects it will pay $1 billion in annual wages.

The Iowa Restaurant Association is the state affiliate of the National Restaurant Association.