For Immediate Release Monday, October 28 2019 – Des Moines, IA –On November 18^thin conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Convention and Expo, the Iowa Restaurant Association will host its Annual Tasting Gala and Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Iowa Events Center. The awards honor hospitality industry leaders across the state. This year’s winners include: 2019 Award Winners Restaurateur– Robert Johnson, B-Bops, Des Moines Chef– Chef Kevin Scharpf, Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar, Dubuque Emerging Hospitality Leader– Chris Diebel, Bubba & Teddy Maroon’s, Des Moines Employee– Emily Hudson, Hemispheres Bistro, Bettendorf American Dream Award Winner– Chef Austina Smith, Grand Living at Bridgewater, Coralville Faces of Diversity Award- Chef Bobby Singleton, Cashus Italian Cuisine, Batavia Purveyor Partner– Brad Korkow, Society Insurance, Fond du Lac, WI Industry Champion– Mike Holms, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill and Jethro’s BBQ, Des Moines ProStart Educator of Excellence – Jane Hoegh, Hampton-Dumont High School, Hampton ProStart Mentor– Chef Michael Gabrielson, Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award- Kim Brown, Inspired Luncheonette, Readlyn Legislator– Senator Carrie Koelker, Senate District 29, Dyersville Prior to the awards ceremony, the Association will host its annual Grand Tasting Gala. The Gala will be from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm and allows the public to celebrate with the award winners as well as sample dishes from the Iowa Restaurant Association’s statewide culinary competition. Attendees will also cast a vote in a People’s Choice Award. There will be spirits, wine and beer samples, live music and more. Tickets are $39 and available at www.restaurantiowa.com

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All of the awards are presented by the Iowa Restaurant Association, an advocacy organization supporting the state’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. The 2019 Celebrating Excellence Awards presenting sponsor is Sysco Iowa. Media Contact: Emilee Zimmerman Public Relations Coordinator Iowa Restaurant Association ezimmerman@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454

August 13, 2019 – West Des Moines, IA –Fried food wasn’t the only foodie favorite at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.  On Monday, fair-goers sampled original soft silken tofu-based salad dressing creations from four professional chefs including this year’s champion Kerri Rush from Fresh Café & Market. The competition, which was hosted by The Soyfoods Council and the Iowa Restaurant Association, took place in the Agriculture Building where crowds watched each chef make and discuss their dressings in front of a panel of professional judges. Top Chefs Wow the Crowd The competing chefs were challenged to make salad dressing recipes which used Mori-nu Soft Silken Tofu as the base of the dressing, were consumer friendly, gluten-free and delicious enough to put on a restaurant menu. Each chef demonstrated the process of making the dressing and then served four judges as well as a crowd of fair-goers. Kerri Rush Wins Champion:Chef Rush took home the gold with sweet garlic wasabi dressing over a mixed local greens salad. Other competing chefs included: 2^ndPlace:Chef Hannah Elliott, Lola’s Fine Kitchen, Ankeny – Lola’s Marsala Ranch Dressing 3^rdPlace:Chef Brad Rodish, Beef Cake Fuel, West Des Moines -Berry Smooth Dressing 4^thPlace:Chef David Jensen, Hy-Vee, Urbandale – Southwest Silken Tofu Dressing All participants received cash prizes. (photos available upon request) Contest judges included Soybean farmer, Morey Hill, Food blogger Cristin Clark, Food & Swine, Joe McConville, Gusto Pizza in Des Moines and Chef John Andres, Iowa Culinary Institute.  All of the chefs’ recipes are available online at both the Iowa Restaurant Association and The Soyfoods Council websites: www.restaurantiowa.com and www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com. Link to recipe’s: https://restaurantiowa.com/soy-salad-dressing-professional-chef-recipes/  

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The Soyfoods Council The Soyfoods Council is an affiliate of the Iowa Soybean Association. The mission of The Soyfoods Council is to serve as a catalyst, leader and facilitator to mainstream soy-based foods into the global marketplace-America and beyond. www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restraurantiowa.com Media Contact: Josephine Jensen Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association jjensen@restaurantiowa.com 319-464-0766

 

May 2, 2019 – West Des Moines, IA – Don’t wait to make your restaurant reservations. Mother’s Day surpasses even Valentine’s Day as the most popular holiday on which to dine out according to research from the Iowa Restaurant Association. In fact, nearly half of moms would pick a favorite restaurant as the place to celebrate Mother’s Day. Not sure what to include with that card? “There’s really no need to worry about how to celebrate the moms in your life,” said Jessica Dunker, Iowa Restaurant Association president and CEO. “Moms love restaurants. Not only do restaurants provide a much-deserved reprieve from cooking at home, they also provide a celebratory atmosphere.”  Restaurant gift cards and certificates are also a top gift pick for moms, with one in five saying this is their preferred gift. Dunker noted that it is important to get on top of making Mother’s Day restaurant reservations. “It’s not too soon to make reservations regardless of the meal you’re planning to celebrate,” said Dunker.  Fifty-five percent of Mother’s Day diners will go out to a restaurant for dinner, 34 percent lunch, 30 percent brunch, and 12 percent for breakfast.  In addition, one in five Mother’s Day diners (23 percent) will go out for more than one meal that day. Atmosphere is also an important factor because children are a major part of the mix when dining out on Mother’s Day. Two-thirds of those dining out on Mother’s Days this year will have children under the age of 18 in their party.

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s hospitality industry with educational and promotional programs across the state.  www.restaurantiowa.com.   Media Contact: Josephine Jensen Public Relations Specialist 515-276-1454 jjensen@restaurantiowa.com  

Des Moines, IA – Friday, April 26, 2019 – Ninetop mixologists from across Iowa were invited to compete at the Iowa Restaurant Association’s State Mixology Championships held April 25^that Smash Park in West Des Moines. Ames Mixologist Ryan Jeffrey from Arcadia Cafe was named this year’s champion.Competitors created three cocktails for a panel of judges during the day and were judged on taste, appearance, overall creativity and personality. In the evening the public was invited to sample and vote their favorite. Jeffrey’s Ruby Yacht Cocktail, a smooth mix of grapefruit & rose vodka with blood orange juice and pomegranate molasses, gave him the edge over his competitors as he poured his way to the winner’s circle. Runner-up Steve Kotsianis from Jethros in Des Moines also impressed judges with his Breakfast at Bardstown, a surprising mix which was served with a waffle and candied bacon. Brandon Skinner from Uptown Food & Beverage Co., in Ankeny, won the People’s Choice Award with his signature cocktail Mint Condition. “The talent, innovation and flavor profiles presented by Iowa’s mixology contenders impressed the judges and public,” said Director of Marketing and Association Development for the IRA, Stacy Kluesner.“It is a great season to go out and explore Iowa’s mixology scene.” The competition featured spirits from Sazerac and Diageo.   Competing Restaurants/Bars: Jake Humburg-Whiskey House, Ankeny Carl Busch-7 Hills Brewing Company, Dubuque Darian Everding-London Underground, Ames Steve Kotsianis-Jethro’s Bacon Bacon, West Des Moines Chase Lihs-Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Des Moines Ryan Jeffrey-Arcadia Café, Ames Brandon Skinner-Uptown Food & Beverage Co., Ankeny Tanner Nygard-Smash Park, West Des Moines Jon Sladek-St. Burch Tavern, Iowa City ### Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restraurantiowa.com Media Contact: Josephine Jensen Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association jjensen@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454  

Des Moines, IA – Tuesday, April 16, 2019 –The Iowa Restaurant Association will be hosting their annual State Mixology Championships at Smash Park in West Des Moines on April 25^th. Competitors will create three cocktails for a panel of judges during the day and will be judged on taste, appearance, overall creativity and personality. The winner will be crowned Iowa’s Top Mixologist. A public tasting event will follow from 6-8pm. Attendees can sample the competition drinks and vote for the People’s Choice winner. Food samples will also be available and live music from Brian Congdon. Spirits will be sponsored by Sazerac Spirits and Diageo. Tickets are available at restaurantiowa.com. Competing Restaurants/Bars: Whiskey House, Ankeny 7 Hills Brewing Company, Dubuque London Underground, Ames Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines Jethro’s Bacon Bacon, West Des Moines Fong’s Pizza, Cedar Rapids Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Des Moines Arcadia Café, Ames Uptown Food & Beverage Co., Ankeny  

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restraurantiowa.com   Media Contact: Josephine Jensen Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association jjensen@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454

Des Moines, IA – Thursday, March 28, 2019 –Fine wine and cuisine connoisseurs can experience several of the greater Des Moines area’s most popular restaurants while relishing a 360⁰ view of downtown Des Moines at the Iowa Restaurant Association’s Culinary Affair, Sunday, April 7 at 5:30 pm at the Des Moines Embassy Club. This gourmet wine dinner will be presented by 7 of Iowa’s Top Chefs. All 7 courses will be specially paired with fine wine from E. & J. Gallo Winery and our center of the plate is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers.A portion of the auction proceeds will support the Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation as well as numerous scholarship and educational programs for High School and post-secondary students. Tickets are limited and available atwww.restaurantiowa.comor 515-276-1454. Chef List

• Hors d’oeuvres: State Culinary Champions Hampton-Dumont High School ProStart Students with DMACC Chef Mentors: John Andres, Dean Luttrell, Austin Bailey and Logan Lumley
• Soup:Chef Zach Gaskel, Teddy Maroon’s, Des Moines
• Salad:Chef George Migliero, G. Migs 5^thStreet Pub, West Des Moines
• Fish:Chef David Baruthio, Baru 66, Windsor Heights & Nomad Restaurant, Des Moines
• Intermezzo:Chef Jesse Bryant, Bubba, Des Moines
• Entrée:Chef Shawn Bennigsdorf, Aposto, Des Moines
• Dessert:Chef Holly Evans, Crème Cupcake + Dessert, Des Moines

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. Media Contact: Josephine Jensen Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association jjensen@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454  

February 28, 2019 – Des Moines, IA –Culinary and restaurant management students from Hampton-Dumont and Des Moines Central Campus were crowned the 2019 Iowa ProStart Invitational Champions. They competed with high school students from across the state in an event hosted by the Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The invitational was held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Tuesday, February 26. The teams could compete in both culinary and restaurant management events. The winners of both categories will represent Iowa in Washington D.C., on May 8-10 when they face off against winning teams from across the country for the national title as well as for scholarships. “Top Chef” Style Culinary Competition Culinary teams were given 60 minutes to prepare a three-course meal using only two butane burners. Teams then presented their dishes to a panel of industry professional judges to taste and critique. Their cooking techniques, knife skills, sanitation and teamwork were also evaluated. Winners of the culinary competition included: 1^stplace- Hampton-Dumont 2^ndplace- Waterloo West High School 3^rdplace- Davenport Community Schools Management Competition Management teams were challenged to create an original restaurant concept. They wrote business proposals and then pitched their concepts to a panel of Iowa restaurant industry professionals who posed as potential investors and judged their business plans, teamwork, presentation skills and critical thinking abilities. Winners of the management competition included: 1^stplace- Des Moines Central Campus 2^ndplace – Hampton-Dumont 3^rdplace – Davenport Community Schools ProStart – Equal Parts Hands-On Culinary Training and Entrepreneurial Education ProStart® is a nationwide, career and technical education program that develops high school students into tomorrow’s leaders and workforce. Similar to the AP model in other academic areas, it includes national certification exams, grants post-secondary credits and an industry-recognized credential. It’s equal parts entrepreneurial/management education and hands-on culinary arts training. ProStart students learn practical skills, build business savvy, and develop leadership abilities in the classroom so they can walk into the real world ready to make an impact in the hospitality industry and beyond.

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Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation (IRAEF) The IRAEF is the leading education resource for the development of a professional and highly-skilled hospitality workforce in the state of Iowa, building connections between educational entities and industry employers seeking trained, qualified students and job candidates. Media Contact: Josephine Jensen Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association 319-464-0766 jjensen@restaurantiowa.com  

Des Moines, IA- Oct 11 – On Monday October 8th, Shayna Watts, assistant manager at Fresh Mediterranean Express, was awarded the 2018 Restaurant Employee of the Year Award by the Iowa Restaurant Association for her passion and commitment to Fresh Mediterranean Express. Watts was presented the award at a ceremony in Des Moines by the Incoming Chairman of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors Joe Essa of Wolfgang Puck Worldwide and the Current Chairman of the Iowa Restaurant Association Board of Directors Darin Beck of Barmuda Companies. The restaurant industry has always been a “happy place” for Watts. She remembers being 5-years-old and accompanying her step-father to the Sonic Drive-in he managed in Texas. Watts recalls feeling that everyone truly wanted to be helpful and that taking care of customers was the top priority. That commitment to customer care stuck with Shayna, who took that same positive attitude with her to work in restaurants in Texas, Arizona, and finally Iowa restaurants.  In 2014, Shayna started with Fresh Mediterranean Express in Waukee.  She was quickly promoted to Team Lead and then to Assistant Manager. According to owner Hassan Atarmal, Watts is an integral part of the restaurant’s success and is always going above and beyond what it expected. Watts is a natural leader and is always challenging co-workers to be the best they can be. Even the restaurants’ owners credit her from pushing them to improve and seek new ways to positively impact the restaurant’s success. A video showcasing Watts can be found at www.restaurantiowa.com. Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. Media Contact: Josephine Jensen Public Relations Specialist jjensen@restaurantiowa.com 319-464-0766