The Waco Restaurant Association is a chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association and is comprised mainly of local restaurant owners and managers as well as representatives of industry doing business in the hospitality sector. The primary mission of the state association is to be the advocate in Texas and indispensable resource for the hospitality and foodservice industry.

While it is true that members of the Waco Restaurant Association care passionately about their profession, they also seek to act as good neighbors, help create a positive perception of Waco and impact the community through charitable and educational programs.

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Locally, the association focuses on peer communication, food service industry oriented education, current affairs, public relations and acts as a social network. Representing what is collectively the largest employer in the Waco area, the association has worked hard to become thought of as a vital point of contact for the local press, city agency officials and chamber of commerce officials when issues or stories arise relating to the hospitality industry or local and small business in general.

Recently, the association has represented the industry on issues relating to public health (smoking in public places), community improvement (MCC and City of Waco Bond issues), travel and tourism (the Texas Ranger Statue) and partnered with other local organizations to present a positive image of Waco hospitality to visitors – whether they are visiting high school coaches in town for playoffs or members of the presidential or visiting dignitaries’ entourages.

Members of the chapter represent many of Waco’s most popular eating establishments and cover the broad spectrum of food and service options available in the Waco area. Examples include Wingstop, George’s, Shipley Do-Nuts, The Elite Circle Grille, Diamondback’s, Schlotzsky’s and Uncle Dan’s Rib House among many others.

Each year, the association coordinates a golf tournament as its primary fundraiser. Proceeds are used to fund culinary arts programs at TSTC, fund the chapter contribution to the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation and impact local charitable organizations.