Our Roots
In 1933 when the ORA was founded, it all began in a small Oklahoma City
home office located off North Broadway.
Many things have changed since then, but our mission to serve ORA members and the
Oklahoma foodservice community has remained steadfast!
home office located off North Broadway.
Many things have changed since then, but our mission to serve ORA members and the
Oklahoma foodservice community has remained steadfast!
Our Mission
To serve our members by advancing and protecting Oklahoma's foodservice and hospitality industry; and through our vision we lead Oklahoma's foodservice and hospitality industry by elevating its prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve.
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association was founded in 1933; now representing more than 4,000 members, and is the state trade association of foodservice and restaurant operations.
Today the ORA is recognized as one of the largest and most effective organizations in Oklahoma. With a strong legislative team at the state capitol, the ORA monitors legislation, legislates for pro-business laws, and advocates for fair regulatory standards.
Member services include food safety and alcohol server training, group insurance programs, workforce development initiatives, educational seminars, and the state’s largest foodservice exposition.
Our members are truly a cornerstone in Oklahoma’s economy. As the state’s largest private-sector employer, Oklahoma’s foodservice industry, 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. Additionally, within Oklahoma, every dollar spent in these establishments generates an additional $1.60-1.79 of sales for the state economy.
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association also manages the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.
Today the ORA is recognized as one of the largest and most effective organizations in Oklahoma. With a strong legislative team at the state capitol, the ORA monitors legislation, legislates for pro-business laws, and advocates for fair regulatory standards.
Member services include food safety and alcohol server training, group insurance programs, workforce development initiatives, educational seminars, and the state’s largest foodservice exposition.
Our members are truly a cornerstone in Oklahoma’s economy. As the state’s largest private-sector employer, Oklahoma’s foodservice industry, 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. Additionally, within Oklahoma, every dollar spent in these establishments generates an additional $1.60-1.79 of sales for the state economy.
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association also manages the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.
OKLAHOMA RESTAURANT INDUSTRY • DID YOU KNOW?
7,312
APPROX EATING PLACES IN OKLAHOMA |
172,500 = 11%
WORKERS EMPLOYED % OF JOB BASE |
$10.1 Billion
ESTIMATED SALES IN EATING/DRINKING |