Iowa Restaurant Association

For more than 20 years Clara Chaplin has worked with restaurants on their commercial kitchen equipment and supply needs. A Director at Bolton & Hay, she hadn’t intended to build a multi decades career in the hospitality industry, but the relationships she formed with vendor partners kept her interested and engaged. She encourages women not to limit themselves. Says Clara, “There are many avenues to take within the industry. Find where you fit!” She thinks hospitality taps much of what women do best–mentoring, leading and helping others– – whether its problem solving or creating amazing meals, atmosphere and experiences.

Chelsea worked in her mother’s bakery before joining the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse team as a server. Customer service came naturally to her and soon customers were requesting her tables. She was quickly promoted to shift manager, trainer, and then moved to the bar side of the business where she spent 16 months working with Iowa’s 2024 Top Mixologist, Ellie Rastetter, developing one of the finest craft cocktail and bourbon menus in the state. In January, Chelsea was promoted to restaurant manager where she focuses on the business and customer experience. Nominated by her team, Chelsea is defined by many as the very “essence of hospitality.”

30 years ago, Cathy Bishop, a Colorado-based bank examiner with an entrepreneurial spirit, returned to her hometown of Sergeant Bluff and recognizing a need for great BBQ, opened a restaurant. In 2009, Aggies evolved to become, The Venue at Aggies/Aggies Catering, for life’s celebrations. Her smoker, dubbed, “The Beast” works nonstop, smoking racks loaded with locally sourced pork, beef, and chicken, accompanied by made-from-scratch dishes. Her success has earned accolades like the SBA Iowa 2024 Small Business Person of the Year. In her “free time” Cathy serves on the boards of the Siouxland Chamber and the Sergeant Bluff Community Foundation.

Cat Wood says the “sky’s the limit” for women in hospitality. The Area Chief Operating Energista, for Heart of America’s Hyper Energy Bars, Cat has worked her way through the ranks of the multistate hospitality group. Moving from a server to bartender then FOH Executive, she now has a multilocation leadership role. This is not Cat’s first recognition from the IRA, having been named the state’s top bartender in 1997 and a finalist in the 2012 State Mixology Competition. She encourages her team to start each day with “positivity and passion.” Says Cat, “Be the energy in your own career. Challenge yourself to be the culture leader.”

Brynn Vander Beek is a critical part of both Montage and Le Petit teams. Both are located in historic downtown Cedar Falls and are known for their upscale culinary approaches, casual vibes and locally sourced ingredients. These independently-owned eateries provide unique experiences and according to her nominator, Brynn is one of their best kept secrets. “Brynn works tirelessly to ensure both businesses run smoothly and that we are well connected within the community. She was a leader in getting a restaurant week for Cedar Falls and is constantly helping local organizations that need food donations or volunteer help.”

Brittany Todd, owner of Mill Street Mocha, is passionate about changing service industry stereotypes. Says Brittany, “It IS acceptable to “flip burgers”, “make fancy coffee” and “scoop ice cream” as a career stepping stone, AND as a career path. Don’t settle if it’s not what you want for yourself, but don’t see it as failure if you enjoy what you were doing every day.” For more than a decade, Brittany was a professional photographer, but realized she loved the people and the stories behind the photograph more—today her coffee shop is as renowned for the relationships they build as the drinks they serve.

Brenda Ochiltree is an eighth generation owner of The Wilton Candy Kitchen which was founded in 1909. In her nearly 20 years as co-owner Brenda helped her employees prioritize customer service. “Our mantra is good, better, best, never let it rest, till your good is better and your better is best. That is something that we teach all of our employees,” smiles Brenda. Prior to the Candy Kitchen, the couple owned a Funeral Home where customer service meant helping grieving families. Her philosophy is unwavering. “Be sincere. Treat people as you would want to be treated and do it with a smile.”

Don't miss your chance to win a gift card from one of the 20+ restaurants that are participating in Iowa Latino Restaurant Week!
See a full list of restaurants and their menus at iowalatinohospitalitycouncil.org.

In addition to traditional favorites from the seven culinary regions of Mexico, Iowa Latino Restaurant Week guests will have the opportunity to explore flavors from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, El Salvador, and more. This brand-new event encourages Iowans to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag and will be automatically entered into a daily drawing for a $25 gift card from a participating restaurant!

Arletta McCoy, founder and owner of Lady Jerk Soul Food and Catering credits her grandmother Matty Bell McCoy as her inspiration. “She taught me to cook with love,” says Arletta. “I knew cooking soul food was going to be my passion at a very young age.” Arletta worked in assisted living facilities across the Midwest before starting her award-winning business. She encourages women entrepreneurs stay the course—even when the going gets tough. Says Arletta, “If cooking is your passion, stick with it, never give up, give it your all and cook your food with love. Make your dreams come true because you are strong enough to do it!”

Annie Baldwin is a principal of one of the state’s largest independently owned and operated restaurant groups with a diverse portfolio of nearly two dozen bars, restaurants and nightclubs including Des Moines favorites Anna Dolce, Wellman’s, The Breakfast Club, 1908 Draught House among others, and of course, Annie’s Irish Pub. Annie is true owner/operator, often found working the floor at Wellman’s Rooftop. She is described by many as a mentor and teacher who always has time to invest in her team as is evidenced by the many people she has helped mentor into ownership situations.

Andrea McGinness and her husband opened a WineStyles in 2006 and purchased the entire franchise in 2012. They rebranded to include wine and craft beer service on tap, as well as gourmet foods and small plates. Today WineStyles is known as a “wine shop by day,” and “wine bar by night.” Andrea holds multiple titles including COO of the Parent Franchise, as well as co-owner of a BeerStyles Taproom & Gastropub and WineStyles locations. She has always been drawn to the industry. Says Andrea,“We are in the people business! Treat your co-workers, employees and guests with respect and your career will be a lot more enjoyable.”

At only 21 years old, Amelia Keller is already a trailblazer in the hospitality industry. Keller is the Events & Catering Coordinator for Barrett's Quality Eats, one of the Iowa City area’s hottest new restaurants. She credits her early success in part to being raised in the restaurant industry, which she says, “instilled the value of community building through food and service.” Amelia is also a full-time student in the University of Iowa’s prestigious writing program. Those in orbit marvel at her ability to balance her demanding career with her academic pursuits, her nominator noting, “Amelia’s success-driven mindset and relentless pursuit of excellence have raised the bar for Iowa hospitality.”

Alesia Lewis’ nominator says that as Managing Partner for LongHorn Steakhouse she has literally “increased every metric of success.” She has also mentored and encouraged other women, promoting two up and coming stars into management. Alesia says that hospitality is a fulfilling career that fills her desire to help others and provide exceptional service. “Hospitality can teach you a lot about yourself and how to set boundaries without sacrificing service,” says Alesia. Her advice for tough situations, “Don’t panic, count to 3 before responding, and learn from every experience and interaction regardless of whether it’s positive or negative.”

Like many in hospitality, Abbey Maas entered the industry to “pay bills” but ultimately found a fulfilling career. The Stuffed Olive Des Moines's lead bartender and assistant manager welcomes the opportunity to encourage young talent. “All industries need more women,” says Abbey. “But the hospitality industry has always been at the forefront of diversity and inclusivity, making it welcome for all genders, cultures and backgrounds to find a chance to succeed.” Abbey has been instrumental in building The Stuffed Olive’s brand. She credits this in part to a commitment to continual self-education. Says Abbey, “The more you know, the better you can adapt.”

It's that time of year again to highlight our 2024 40 Women to Watch in the Hospitality Industry! Make sure to check in every week to read about each of our talented award winners. We will kick things off with Abby Cary of The Fun Station - Quad Cities!

Abby Cary’s career showcases the infinite paths available to women in hospitality. The now Corporate Director of Operations for Edwards Entertainment, a company that owns and operates three indoor family entertainment centers across Eastern Iowa, Abby started at age 14 as a host with the company. She moved through the management track, even thru mergers and ownership changes. Abby exudes hospitality and is committed to providing exceptional experiences for her staff and guests alike. “Everyday is a new day to delight the people around you whether it’s your team or your guests,” says Abby. “That is my favorite part of my position.”

https://www.thegazette.com/restaurants/loco-launching-new-food-delivery-option-for-cedar-rapids-restaurants//?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shareArticleButton&utm_campaign=shareArticleButton

New delivery app hopes to give Cedar Rapids what Chomp and DoorDash couldn’t Drawing investment and leadership solely from Cedar Rapids restaurant owners, the new venture hopes to take on the outsized power big players like DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats wield over locally owned restaurants.

The Iowa Restaurant Association released its sixth class of 40 “Women to Watch” in Iowa's Hospitality Industry. The 2024 honorees exemplify both the diversity of workforce and breadth and depth of career opportunities available to women in hospitality. Nominations were submitted from across the state. All were nominated by a member of the industry or the public and were selected by the Iowa Restaurant Association. Each of the forty have demonstrated a passion for their customers, teams, and businesses. The forty will be recognized as part of the Iowa Restaurant Association’s Annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony on November 18th. The awards are held in conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Showcase.

To learn more about each woman, visit restaurantiowa.com.

¡VEN Y ÚNITE!

Check out this fun giveaway from our friends at Iowa Pork!!

Starting July 1, establishments that serve alcohol will be able to receive 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 protection for those certified through approved, in-person safe alcohol courses - like ServSafe Alcohol! For a limited time, in-person ServSafe Alcohol classes are just $𝟭𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻! We'll even bring the class to you! Register for one of our upcoming classes, or contact us to set up a class in your community! https://restaurantiowa.com/upcoming-servsafe-alcohol-classes/ or call 515-276-1454.

Iowa Restaurant Association launches new Latino Hospitality Council The Iowa Restaurant Association is one of the first in the nation to use a new program to help support and elevate Latino restaurant owners.

The Iowa Restaurant Association's 40 Women to Watch Honorees continue to make waves in the state's hospitality industry. Congratulations 2019 Honoree Gwen Page. In 2021 she bought Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther. It was just named "Best Barbeque in Iowa" by Food and Wine Magazine. https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-bbq-restaurants

Nominate a trailblazer for the 2024 list of 40 Women to Watch in Iowa's Hospitality Industry. Nominations taken at restaurantiowa.com.

The Best Barbecue in Every State American barbecue remains as resilient and exciting as ever. Here are the places you can't miss smoked brisket, whole hog, racks of ribs, pit-smoked chicken, and all the regional barbecue sauces and sides.

Excited to see a group dedicated to Iowa's Latino hospitality business owners get off the ground!

La Asociación de Restaurantes de Iowa Lanza el Consejo de Hospitalidad Latino de Iowa para Apoyar al Creciente Demográfico de Restauradores Hispanos

See the full press release (Ver nota de prensa completa):
https://restaurantiowa.com/iowa-latino-hospitality-council/