We represent you at the Capitol, defending your right to operate successfully and without overreach.
We honor top performers and help tell the stories that elevate Iowa’s hospitality scene.
We provide training and certification to ensure a safe, skilled, and compliant workforce.
As one of the state’s most effective advocacy organizations, we fight, and win, for our members.
The Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) is the leading voice for Iowa’s restaurant and retail beverage industry. Whether you’re a single-location operator or a multi-unit brand, your membership ensures you’re represented, protected, and equipped to thrive.
We believe in equal investment for all operators, big or small. Our straightforward pricing model ensures everyone gets access to the same benefits.
$39/month per location
+ $20/month for each additional location
Pay monthly via autopay or annually in full
No waiting period, start saving immediately
Most members save more than their annual dues just by using one or more of our discount programs.
To become a member, contact Jessica Dunker at (515) 276-1454 or click below to apply.
Your Membership. Your Advantage.
From exclusive savings and training access to legislative advocacy and statewide recognition, the Iowa Restaurant Association supports your business on every front.
Support your team. Strengthen your operation.
$50 off ServSafe® Certification
The leading food safety course that meets Iowa’s “Certified Food Protection Manager” requirement.
$15 off ServSafe® Alcohol
State-approved training built by and for the hospitality industry.
Group pricing on Guest Service Gold™ customer service certification
Free ticket to the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago
Tools to grow. Perks that pay for themselves.
Sales tax exemption on qualifying food processing equipment, save up to $880 annually
5% savings on natural gas statewide through WoodRiver Energy
Workers’ compensation dividends and discounted property insurance
No-markup payment processing with Heartland and U.S. Bank/Elavon
Oil rebate – 200 lbs of free oil with new recycling system installation
Discounted Delta Dental, vision, and legal plans
Telemedicine for just $9/month per household
Up to 20% off music licensing (BMI)
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine – complimentary 1-year subscription
Dual membership with the National Restaurant Association, includes access to their legal center, research, and executive networking forums
Be seen. Be heard. Be involved.
Golf with purpose – connect with industry peers at the Annual Duffers, Diners & Drives Golf Classic
Engage policymakers at Iowa Restaurant Day at the Capitol
Attend industry events and culinary competitions across the state
Grow your network through local and statewide programming
Celebrate the excellence in your organization.
Stars of Hospitality Award – recognize employees with 20+ years of service
40 Women to Watch in Hospitality List – annual spotlight on exceptional women
Nominate top performers for statewide awards in categories like:
Restaurateur of the Year
Chef of the Year
Emerging Leader
Employee of the Year
Purveyor of the Year
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award
American Dream Award
Iowa State Fair Chef’s Competition – showcase your team’s talent on a big stage
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
Complimentary subscription to Food and Beverage Iowa Business Quarterly
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine – full 12-month print subscription
Legislative Alerts – state and federal guidance tailored to hospitality
Regulatory updates to keep you compliant
Table for Two Podcast – real stories and insights from Iowa’s hospitality leaders
Join hundreds of operators who are using their IRA membership to stay compliant, cut costs, and connect with the community.
Helping You Operate Smarter, Safer, and More Profitably
The Iowa Restaurant Association works to protect and promote the restaurant, bar, and hospitality industry—not only through legislative advocacy, but by delivering real operational value through exclusive member benefits.
Want help activating any of these benefits?
Call the IRA office at (515) 276-1454 or email skluesner@restaurantiowa.com
Tax Exemption for Food Processing Equipment. Receive an energy sales tax refund for the last three years and an exemption for the next three years. IRA members receive an extra 5% refund. Average annual member savings is $880. 80% of the initial and repeat filing, 100% year 2 & 3.
Provides natural gas service to commercial customers throughout the state of Iowa. Delivery and customer service remains through local utility. WoodRiver Energy offers 5% or more in savings depending on program. Annual savings range from $300 to over $800 a year.
Members receive up to a 20% discount on BMI music licensing fees; 5% for being an IRA member and an additional 5% for members that pay online, and an additional 10% for paying in full and on-time.
This one-day food safety and sanitation certification class fulfills Iowa’s Food Protection Manager requirement. Classes are available weekly at the Iowa Restaurant Association Office and at ISU Extension offices across the state. Spanish classes monthly. Members receive $50 per student discount.
Ensure your staff is equipped to make the correct and lawful decisions that protect themselves and your business. Arrange for a ServSafe Alcohol® Responsible Service training in your establishment. A grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau’s makes it possible to bring this class to your establishment for only $10 per student.
including a free pass to the Annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago and access to national market research and the Restaurant Law Center.
Throughout the year, members of the IRA have the exclusive opportunity to participate in a program which makes it possible for them to procure bottles from our private barrel selections of sought-after spirits. This initiative not only makes these highly allocated products available to our members but also contributes to advancing the association’s programs.
HealthiestYou offers your employees the ability to safely seek health care from anywhere, any time of the day or night. Members-only price is $9 per employee per month for unlimited virtual visits (includes entire household at no additional cost) with $0 copays and no other costs.
The Iowa Restaurant Association is part of a strategic alliance that provides affordable flexible health care options for every size IRA member business— including small, midsize and large employer.
Offers you and your employees comprehensive dental, vision and legal benefits at exclusive group rates.
Save up to 80% on FDA-approved prescription medications at more than 64,000 pharmacies nationwide. This is a free program.
Full and part time team members can speak directly to licensed agents and recieve quotes from multiple insurance companies from Afforadable Care Act/ exchange plans.
Tax services and preferred lending including assistance securing credit for certain Social Security and Medicare taxes (known as FICA taxes) that are paid on tips employees earn.
IRA Members east of I-35 receive a 10% discount on Society’s Trim Plus enhanced property casualty insurance program and an annual dividend on workers’ compensation insurance.
Bankcard interchange and fees assessed by the card brands are passed through to business owners without a markup. Heartland also offers HR payroll systems and lending services.
As a trusted Endorsed Member Benefit Partner, Evolv empowers IRA members with exclusive access to top-tier digital marketing services at discounted rates. Our comprehensive offerings include website development, SEO, digital audits, paid advertising, and social media management—all designed to elevate your business and amplify your online presence. Additionally, Evolv provides a variety of other business products that can help restaurants and bars boost profitability. With Evolv, you gain a one-stop shop to positively impact your bottom line, all backed by a commitment to driving success for IRA members.
The right payment solution can help grow your business, increase customer loyalty, and set you apart from competitors. That’s why the U.S. Bank and Elavon has partnered with Iowa Restaurant Association to provide members with innovative payment processing solutions at exclusive members-only pricing.
Is your restaurant being bogged down by staffing shortages? Struggling to maximize profitability? Maybe you’re looking to expand, but don’t know where to start? RestaurantOwner.com is here to offer Iowa Restaurant Association members a helping hand with exclusive discounts on restaurant solutions. RestaurantOwner.com resources cover everything from effective restaurant systems and staffing tools to building a memorable guest experience. As an Iowa Restaurant Association member, you receive 15% off all monthly plans and 30% off all annual plans at RestaurantOwner.com so you can start achieving your restaurant goals.
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
