The Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) is the leading voice of Iowa’s restaurant and beverage industry. With 6,500 establishments generating more than $7 billion in annual sales, eating and drinking places employ over 100,000 Iowans. Founded in 1933, the IRA is one of the state’s longest-standing advocacy and education associations.
The Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) protects, promotes, educates, and advocates for Iowa’s hospitality industry. As the state’s leading provider of Certified Food Protection Manager training and one of the most effective legislative voices at the state capitol, we focus on the day-to-day challenges operators face, whether single- or multi-unit, independent or franchise, full service, limited service, or quickservice.
We support the industry through:
As a state affiliate of the National Restaurant Association, IRA members also enjoy dual membership benefits at the national level.
The Iowa Restaurant Association was founded in 1933 when restaurateurs from across the state gathered in Des Moines to create a unified voice for the industry. Just four years later, in 1937, the Association hosted what was billed as the largest restaurant exposition west of the Mississippi — establishing a tradition of advocacy, education, and celebration that continues today.
Iowa was one of the first states to join the National Restaurant Association as a state affiliate, giving members a direct link to national advocacy and benefits.
In 2001, the Iowa Restaurant Association Educational Foundation was created to provide workforce development, training, and student programs such as ProStart, building a strong pipeline of hospitality talent.
In 2023, the Association expanded its reach by helping form the Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association, creating a dedicated partner for hotel professionals. The following year, in 2024, the Iowa Latino Hospitality Council was launched to amplify Latino voices and businesses across Iowa’s hospitality sector.
Today, the Iowa Restaurant Association remains the leading advocate, trainer, and connector for Iowa’s hospitality industry — supporting operators of every type and size while shaping the future of the industry through education, partnerships, and recognition programs.
The team brings a deep commitment to Iowa’s hospitality industry. From education and advocacy to daily member support, each staff member plays a vital role in advancing our mission.
We proudly recognize our corporate partners, whose investment helps power the programs and progress of the Iowa Restaurant Association.
Iowa Restaurant Association
1501 42nd Street, Suite 294
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 AM-3 PM
Fri- 9 AM-12 PM
Phone: (515) 276-1454
Email: info@restaurantiowa.com
