Coronavirus Update for Restaurants in Wisconsin

With the ongoing and increased uncertainty over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), here at the WRA our primary focus is—and will continue to be—to educate and support our restaurant and supplier partners through this difficult and challenging time. We are taking proactive measures to advocate for and alert members to changing policies, guidelines and best practices.

WRA has put together helpful resources targeted for employers, employees and others in the industry. Please check back often as we will continue to update this website as new information comes available and new developments arise.

Resources for Restaurants

Find the latest information, resources and support materials for restaurants on operating during the pandemic.

More Info

COVID-19 FAQs

REAdy to serve safely

Because the survival of so many restaurants is at stake – the Wisconsin Restaurant Association created the “Ready to Serve Safely” statewide marketing campaign to rally public support for restaurants and increase the number of diners to restaurants for dine in, carry out, delivery and curbside experiences. The core of the campaign features and promotes restaurants who have committed to following all public health safety guidelines, state/local mandates and best COVID-19 mitigation practices.

Info for Restaurants

Info for Diners

Resources for Restaurant Employees

Important resources on unemployment benefits, supplemental food programs, health insurance, temporary job listings and mental health resources.

More Info

Wisconsin Eats – WRA Dining Guide

Looking for a place to dine?  Check out the WRA Dining Guide of Member Restaurants.  Search by city, zip code, type of cuisine offered and more.  Services and hours for restaurants vary right now, so make sure to call ahead for details.

More Info

WHAT’S GOOD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

All around our communities people are pulling together, helping each other, adapting and thinking outside the box.  Take a moment to hear some feel good stories and innovative strategies that restaurant businesses are implementing to keep their business going and to be there for their communities.

MORE INFO

breaking

Governor's Order Struck Down by Supreme Court

On March 31, 2021, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Governor Tony Evers exceeded his authority in issuing multiple public health emergencies over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This means that there is no longer a statewide mask mandate in place.

More Info

Cocktails-to-Go Law NOW IN Effect

Wisconsin now has a law that allows restaurants and bars to safely sell craft cocktails and wine by the glass to customers for carryout. WRA has been advocating for this measure for over 10 months. Allowing cocktails to go will offer a nice boost in revenue for restaurants wishing to offer them to their customers.  
  
The law went into effect on Sunday, March 28th.
 
Remember that cocktails sold to-go must be in a container with a tamper evident seal. “Tamper-evident seal” means a device or material that is used to securely and fully close off a container, with no perforations, in such a manner that access to the contents of the container cannot be gained without showing evidence of tampering. This means a restaurant cannot put a cocktail in a plastic cup with a lid and a straw. Until the Department of Revenue issues official guidance on tamper evident seals, WRA strongly urges you to securely seal cocktails with heat seal bands, strong tape/stickers or invest in jars and pouches specifically created for to-go beverages that need to be sealed.
 
Questions about the new cocktails to go law? Email or call the Ask WRA Team at 608-270-9950.

Cocktails-to-Go Q&A

RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND PROVIDES $28.6 BILLION IN FUNDING FOR RESTAURANTS  

On March 11th, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan which includes $28.6 billion specifically for restaurants as part of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The fund will be administered by the US Small Business Administration (SBA). WRA is grateful to see a program that provides restaurant-specific relief that small and independent restaurants deserve after closures, increased costs and decreased revenues have threatened their ability to stay in business for nearly a year. The RRF reflects our year-long effort together to help restaurants in need and builds on other relief tools that have been provided. WRA will update this website as more details on the RRF are available.  

Resources and Info on How to Start Preparing Now

Our Purpose

We Provide the Services and Tools for Members to be Successful

WRA membership includes thousands of foodservice businesses representing virtually every size and style of establishment in the state. Restaurateur members include fine dining establishments, mom-and-pop supper clubs, small cafes, fast food outlets, corporate chain restaurants, institutional foodservice operations, catering businesses and hotel and motel foodservices, to name a few. In addition to restaurateur and foodservice operators, WRA has hundreds of Supplier Associate Members that provide goods and services to the restaurant industry.

By uniting in an association, members gain access to information and services to help them better run and promote their businesses. And, a strong membership gives WRA powerful support in pursuing its mission to provide members the services and tools to be successful through advocacy, education and communication.

Elite Supplier Members