HISTORY
For 64 years, the ORA has continued the mission of promoting the foodservice industry in the greater Omaha area. Over $120,000 have been awarded in scholarships through the ORA Foundation to aid culinary students and attract employees to the industry. We also support food service education programs such as ProStart.

We continue to fight hunger in our community through events such as Share Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation” and the ORA’s own event, “Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen.”

The ORA also markets our members to fellow Omahans through advertising and promotional opportunities and ORA gift certificates. We provide a direct link to member’s web sites as well.

Last but certainly not least, the ORA provides opportunities for networking and fun for members and recognizes industry leaders at events such as the Hall of Fame and the ORA Annual dinner. If you are a restaurateur, foodservice operator, or purveyor, come join the ORA and see why we are one of the best hospitality associations around!

 
MISSION STATEMENT
The ORA was established in 1944 as a non-profit organization to promote the highest standard of quality in the Omaha Hospitality industry through leadership, scholarship, philanthropy, and advocacy.
 
Board of Directors
President
Rich Barmettler, Barmettler Consulting Group

Vice President
Katie O'Connor, O'Connor's Irish Pub

Secretary
Chuck Caniglia, Caniglia's Venice Inn
Treasurer
John Sivilla, ConAgra Foods

Immediate Past President
Nicole Jesse, La Casa Pizzaria

Executive Director
Jennie Warren

Restaurant Directors
Rick Fox, Julio’s
Cory Guyer, Old Mattress Factory
Sally Kawa, Johnny's Cafe
Chris Morgan, 94/95 Sports Grille
Nick Petro, Petrow's
Sally Stokes, Kona GrillJohn Wade, Restaurants, Inc.Patty Werth, Taxi's Grill & Bar

Directors Ex-Officio
Jere Ferrazzo, Douglas County Health Department
Jim Trebbien, The Institute for the Culinary Arts

Purveyor Directors
Chad Hartmann, Pegler Sysco
Julie Hruban, Johnson Brothers of Nebraska                                                                                        
Debbie Hubbard, Spic & Span Linen Supply
Tom Kalamaja, Greenberg Fruit Co. 
Carrie Kentch, The Reader 
Steve King, Pepsi Bottling Group 
Lyn Pitschka, MUD 
Anthony Zeltner, Premier Midwest Beverage Co.

ORA Foundation Liaison
Harold Norman