Training, advocacy, and community for every restaurant and bar professional across Iowa since 1933.
Since 1933, the Iowa Restaurant Association has been the organized voice for the people who feed this state. That's nine decades of showing up at the statehouse, building curriculum that actually works, and connecting owners, managers, and operators who might otherwise navigate a demanding industry alone. The IRA is the official state affiliate of the National Restaurant Association, which means members tap into resources that stretch far beyond Des Moines.
Day to day, the work is practical. Staff here earn consistently strong reviews for being knowledgeable and genuinely helpful, whether someone is sitting in a ServSafe certification class or calling the office with a compliance question. The office in West Des Moines keeps focused hours so the team can stay sharp and responsive when it matters most.
The IRA also understands that the restaurant and bar industry is not a monolith. It includes a solo owner running a neighborhood diner, a multi-unit operator managing dozens of employees, and a first-time bartender trying to get food handler certified before their shift starts. The association serves all of them.
The IRA's training catalog starts with ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager courses, the gold standard for food safety certification in Iowa. Alcohol safety training, food handler courses in both English and Spanish, and ongoing industry webinars round out the education side of the house.
Beyond training, membership unlocks legislative advocacy that keeps the industry's interests represented at the Iowa statehouse, plus access to member discounts, networking events, culinary competitions, and awards programs that recognize excellence across the state. These aren't generic perks. They are built specifically for the realities of running a restaurant or bar in Iowa.
For operators who want their staff certified, their voices heard, and their peers nearby, the IRA is the single organization in Iowa built to deliver all three.
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers
The Iowa Restaurant Association is a nonprofit trade organization that has represented Iowa's restaurant and bar industry since 1933. It is the state affiliate of the National Restaurant Association and provides training, legislative advocacy, member resources, events, and recognition programs.
The IRA offers ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager training, ServSafe Alcohol Safety training, and Food Handler courses available in both English and Spanish. These programs help restaurant and bar professionals meet certification and compliance requirements.
Membership is open to restaurants, bars, and related businesses operating in Iowa, as well as suppliers and industry partners. Members gain access to training discounts, advocacy representation, networking events, culinary competitions, and more.
The IRA office is located at 1501 42nd St, Suite 294, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Friday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday.
Yes. Food Handler courses are available in both English and Spanish, making it easier for operations with diverse staff to keep their entire team certified and compliant.
The IRA engages in legislative advocacy on behalf of Iowa's restaurant and bar industry, working to represent operator interests at the state level on issues that affect how businesses are run, staffed, and regulated in Iowa.
Yes. The Iowa Restaurant Association organizes industry events, networking opportunities, culinary competitions, awards and recognition programs, and educational webinars throughout the year for members and industry professionals.
Local places a short distance away, each with its own Doozer site. Tap any card to visit.
0.8 mi2910 Westown Pkwy Ste 204, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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