Rex Endres, owner of Rex's Innkeeper in Waunakee, will be honored as the Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year (OROY) at a Madison Chapter meeting on May 5 at Fyfe's Corner Bistro in Madison.

Endres was named the OROY winner by fellow members of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Madison Chapter. The award is given based on success in business, community service and dedication and service to the restaurant industry. The Madison Chapter is made up of Dane and Jefferson counties.

Endres has spent his entire 15-year foodservice career at Rex's Innkeeper, a supper club/banquet facility. It has undergone four additions throughout its history and currently seats 575 and employs 55. In addition to serving lunch, dinner and drinks, the restaurant handles banquets and features a dance hall.

A WRA member for 15 years, Endres is closely involved in the Madison Chapter and currently serves as Chapter President. He previously served as Vice President, and has served on the Chapter Board for four years. In addition, he has participated in numerous events at the state level.

Active in the local community, Endres is a 15-year member of the Waunakee Rotary Club. He holds meetings for that group as well as the Lions, Lionesses, FFA Alumni and the Optimists. He supports youth soccer, basketball, baseball and hockey, as well as weekly card-playing for senior citizens. He is a 46-year member of St. John's Parish in Waunakee.

Endres has been the recipient of the Waunakee Outstanding Businessperson of the Year Award in 1993 and 1998. Rex's Innkeeper was the recipient of the Orchid Award in 1996.

Endres and his wife, Brenda, live in Waunakee and have four children.

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