West Des Moines – February 5, 2018 – More than seventy million Americans will celebrate Valentine’s Day at a restaurant this year according to the National Restaurant Association. Many restaurants plan to offer special promotions, entertainment, flowers and other romantic items, making a night at a favorite or new restaurant a perfect gesture for the one you love. “The top three deciding factors for couples choosing to eat out are the familiarity of a favorite eatery, a romantic setting, and special menu offerings,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “It’s not too soon to make reservations as Valentine’s Day is the second most popular holiday to dine out in America (behind Mother’s Day), and about one-third of those celebrating the holiday will be visiting a restaurant.” Those with busy schedules who choose to celebrate their love on a night other than February 14th are in luck. Nearly one-third of consumers prefer to receive a restaurant gift card from a significant other over chocolate, flowers and even jewelry this holiday. Think ahead and give the gift of a great dining.

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com

Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454

Under Iowa’s current antiquated system, only hospitality operators are required to insure themselves against the behavior of others. This mandated insurance is often cost-prohibitive, providing little coverage to the business or assistance to innocent victims.

Des Moines – January 22, 2018 – The Iowa Restaurant Association is asking state lawmakers to pass insurance reform that would make it possible for restaurant and tavern operators to secure better policies to help compensate innocent victims if an intoxicated person causes harm and the restaurant or bar is held partially responsible. Called “DRAM” insurance, in Iowa this coverage requirement is unique to those who “sell and serve” alcohol such as restaurants and bars. There is no similar requirement for those who “sell” unopened alcohol such as box stores, pharmacies, grocery, and convenience stores. “We are the only segment of the industry which is held responsible for the behavior of others,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, the group spearheading the proposed changes. “We understand we have a unique relationship with patrons and as such we’re willing to carry the extra coverage, but we also have to have access to affordable policies.” According to Dunker, Iowa ranks 46th in the nation in “insurability” for DRAM. “That’s a pretty unattractive marketplace,” says Dunker. She points to the rankings from ISO, an organization that provides actuarial and other information about property/casualty insurance risk. This data is used by insurance carriers to select markets and set rates. “The way Iowa’s laws are written today, it’s nearly impossible for them to determine their risk,” says Dunker. “If I was an insurance carrier, I’d think twice about writing DRAM policies in Iowa too.” As a result, Iowa restaurants and bars can often find only one carrier willing to offer the insurance, resulting in high-cost, low-coverage policies. “I know of one operator who has a $150,000 policy that he pays $40,000 per year for,” said Dunker. “This is particularly tough for border businesses who simply can’t compete with their counterparts in other states.” The Association hopes their proposed changes will bring Iowa’s DRAM insurance grade in line with surrounding states. “Nearly anything would be better than what we have today,” said Dunker. The Iowa Restaurant Association will be meeting with legislators this week to discuss their proposed changes. A copy of their proposed bill can be found here.

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com

Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454

Technology may be an increasingly important tool for getting guests to walk through the doors of a restaurant, but consumers still prefer the “human touch” once they arrive.

Des Moines – January 15, 2018 – Research from the National Restaurant Association reveals that having the ability to view an online menu before choosing a restaurant was the difference maker for 60% of patrons looking for restaurants.  Millennials were even higher with 74% citing access to an online menu as the primary factor when opting for one restaurant over another, and 68% of Gen Xers and 50% of baby boomers saying the same.  Additionally, the ability to read online reviews is important to all ages with nearly six in 10 adults saying this was a key decision maker when picking a restaurant. However, once that decision is made, most patrons prefer to interact with people. Nearly half of consumers surveyed said technology can complicate restaurant visits and ordering. In fact, 74% said the inability to ask questions can detract from their restaurant visit or ordering experience. “Given the demographics and culture of our state, most Iowa restaurants are taking a blended approach to integrating technology,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association.  “Even Mom-and-Pop Shops are taking strides to be intentional about their online presence, but the importance of real people making patrons feel welcome and cared for in the hospitality industry can never be replaced by a smart phone or tableside tablet.” Results cited from the National Restaurant Association’s Technology Consumer Survey.

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com

Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454

Des Moines – January 8, 2018 – Iowa restaurants are well positioned to be on the cutting edge of 2018’s top culinary concept according to the Iowa Restaurant Association. A recent survey of top chefs found that 74% consider “hyper-local” restaurant concepts – including those with onsite beer brewing, house-made items and even restaurant gardens – to be the top culinary concept trend for 2018. “Living in the heart of the nation’s breadbasket means Iowa restaurateurs can literally look out their windows, and find local ingredients,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “Other top trends also name simplicity, back to the basics and farm-branded items as top concept trends which are our state’s culinary wheelhouse.” The National Restaurant Association surveyed 700 American Culinary Federation members in October – November 2017, asking them to rate 161 items as a “hot trend,” “yesterday’s news,” or “perennial favorite” on menus in 2018.

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Iowa Restaurant Association  The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454