Awards

HONORING RESTAURANT PROFESSIONALS IN WISCONSIN
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association works to shine a light on deserving individuals in the restaurant industry who are making a difference in their industry or in their communities.

Wisconsin Restaurant Association Restaurateur of the Year (ROY) Award

Every year, the Restaurateur of the Year award is given to an operator who demonstrates exemplary participation and service to the industry and the restaurant association, impressive success within their own restaurant and committed participation in community activities. This is the Association’s highest honor. The winner is selected at an annual private meeting of past ROY recipients.​

Past Winners

Wisconsin Restaurant Association Regional Awards

See 2023 Winners

In 2019, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association created a new awards program to honor restaurant industry professionals around the state. Individuals are able to nominate themselves or may be nominated by a peer or customer.  

Three finalists from each category and in each of the five regions in the state are chosen. A selection committee determines the regional winners (one in each award category from each of the five regions).
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There are three regional award categories: Champion of Restaurant Entrepreneurship (CORE), Best of the House: Front of the House & Back of the House and Innovation Award. NEW THIS YEAR!! Winners from each category will win $300!

Sponsored by:

​Champion of Restaurant Entrepreneurship (CORE)

An owner/operator will be recognized for their contributions to Wisconsin’s restaurant industry in the following areas: demonstrated passion for and success in their business, committed community involvement and support of WRA through membership. Nominees should show strong leadership skills, business acumen, a knack for moving the industry forward as innovators and be well-respected employers.

2023 Winners

Best of the House—Front of the House (FOH)

Nominees in these categories should be inspiring examples of employees who demonstrate professionalism in their jobs and help to further the positive image of the foodservice industry in Wisconsin.

Eligible employees include staff who have regular contact with customers. The award recognizes front of the house staff who exhibit outstanding customer service, strong work ethic, leadership skills and have earned the respect of their colleagues and employer.

2023 Winners

Best of the House—Back of the House (BOH)

Nominees in these categories should be inspiring examples of employees who demonstrate professionalism in their jobs and help to further the positive image of the foodservice industry in Wisconsin.

Eligible employees include staff from the back of the house. The award recognizes staff who exhibit attention to detail, calm under pressure, strong work ethic and leadership skills.

2023 Winners

Innovation Award

Innovation is the future of our industry! Have you implemented anything unique to help your business grow? To create a new value to your customers or employees? Have you done something to streamline efficiencies in your business?

2023 Winner