The
Oklahoma Restaurant Association, founded in 1933 when a small group of 74
restaurant and cafeteria operators met to discuss issues within the industry,
has now grown to include more than 4,500 member restaurant units and foodservice
entities. These members are truly a cornerstone in Oklahoma’s economy. As the state’s largest private-sector employer, Oklahoma’s foodservice industry employs over 144,000 people or 9.2% of the total job base, according to a report by the National Restaurant Association. Research shows that one-third of all adults have worked in the foodservice industry at some time during their lives. These jobs lead to a continued growth in disposable personal income that, in turn, leads to more people dining out. And people are definitely dining out; in 2008, the ORA expects Oklahoma Eating and Drinking Place sales to reach $4.5 billion this year. Additionally, within Oklahoma every dollar spent in these establishments generates an additional $1.27of sales for other industries in the state. Each additional $1 million spent in eating-and-drinking places in Oklahoma generates an additional 50.2 jobs in the state.
The
ORA is recognized as one of the largest and most effective organizations
in Oklahoma. With a strong presence at the state capitol, the ORA constantly
monitors regulatory and legislative issues. Member services include sanitation
training, video and reference lending library, alcohol server training,
group insurance programs, customer service seminars, a full color magazine,
newsletters, special bulletins and the state's largest trade show.
As
we grow to meet the needs of our members in this changing industry, the
ORA will continue to fulfill and maintain the visions of the original
founders. We will be the representative voice and protect the interests
of Oklahoma restaurateurs.
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