History

Iowa Restaurant Association One of Iowa’s Longest Standing Associations

 On September 6, 1933– the same year prohibition was lifted–a group of Iowa restaurateurs met at the Masonic Temple Building in downtown Des Moines to discuss the formation of a statewide association.  An organizational committee was created and within weeks the Iowa Restaurant Owners Association was formed. The founding members sought to promote a spirit of cooperation among members as well as to encourage and influence hospitality-related state legislation.   The IRA was one of the first state affiliates of the National Restaurant Association.  Now some 90+ years later the Iowa Restaurant Association continues to be one of Iowa’s most effective advocacy organizations and professional trade associations.