Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Congratulations to Song Xiong-Buck, Director of Older Adults Program at Milwaukee Community Crossroads, on being named one of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's 2026 Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch!

Song believes hospitality begins with kindness. Under her leadership, senior dining has become so much more than providing nutritious meals. She has created welcoming environments where older adults from every culture, background and life experience are treated with dignity, respect and genuine care. Along the way, she's built meaningful partnerships with local restaurants, community organizations and Milwaukee County to strengthen both hospitality and the communities they serve.

We're proud to recognize Song for demonstrating that hospitality is ultimately about making every person feel like they belong. Congratulations, Song!

🏈 BIG WIN for Wisconsin restaurants & bars! DirecTV and EverPass just signed a new multiyear deal to keep Sunday Ticket streaming in your favorite game-day spots. No $40k equipment overhauls. No lost games.

This win didn't happen by accident. When DirecTV's rights to Sunday Ticket were on the line, WRA teamed up with the National Restaurant Association, engaged Congressman Scott Fitzgerald, and engaged WRA members to contact lawmakers with emails. We raised awareness in the media with interviews by Johnny Kavanaugh from LJ's Sports Tavern & Grill in Madison, and Kristine Hillmer, WRA President & CEO, in various local, state and national media outlets.

Learn more about this big win: restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/restaurants-bars-get-relief-nfl-sunday-ticket-switch

We're thrilled to recognize PepsiCo as a Hydration Station Sponsor for our Women in Hospitality Conference happening September 28 in Madison. Thanks to PepsiCo for supporting this event, which will connect and recognize women in Wisconsin’s hospitality industry and champion the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about PepsiCo: www.pepsico.com

Drumroll, please! 🥁 Introducing our first "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" winner: Anne Sayers, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism!

Anne understands that every visitor who chooses Wisconsin creates opportunities for our restaurants, hotels, breweries, attractions and communities. Under her leadership, Wisconsin has celebrated four straight years of record-breaking tourism growth while setting an ambitious vision for the future.

Just as importantly, Anne leads with collaboration, invests in her team and believes hospitality begins with making people feel welcome.

We're proud to recognize Anne for helping strengthen Wisconsin's hospitality industry and sharing our state's story with the world. Congratulations, Anne!

Stay tuned throughout the next two months as we spotlight all winners. They'll be celebrated at our Women in Hospitality Conference on September 28, at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The Women in Hospitality Awards Program is proudly sponsored by Society Insurance.

🔥 Restaurant Owners: Level Up Your Business like Dan Sidner of Black Shoe Hospitality!

RestaurantOwner.com, in partnership with WRA, is a subscription that offers insights, tools, and training proven to help independent restaurant owners and their teams find lasting success.

✓ Operations systems & procedures
✓ Staffing solutions
✓ Customizable checklists
✓ Marketing strategies

Starting at $25/month. WRA Members save 15% off monthly & 30% off annual plans. Ready to transform your restaurant? 💪 Learn more: www.restaurantowner.com/public/WI-SRA-Join-RestaurantOwnercom.cfm?fbclid

Our entire Wisconsin Restaurant Association community stands with the Fox Valley following this week's devastating tornado in Menasha. 💙

Our Restaurant Resource & Products Roadshow is hitting the road with THREE epic stops across Wisconsin!

🎯 5 hours. Massive value. Unlimited takeaways. Get ready for a tailored exhibit marketplace, industry workshops, supplier connections and product training that'll supercharge your restaurant game!

🟢 October 13: Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells
🟠 October 27: Pullmans at Trolley Square, Appleton
🔵 December 1: Hilton Garden Inn, Wausau​​
💰 FREE TO ATTEND

Perfect for busy restaurant pros who want BIG results without the big time commitment! Register here: wirestaurant.org/roadshow-attendee.html

📢 Your voice shapes our industry's future! Take 2 minutes to share your thoughts on the income tax reduction for tips and overtime. Your input directly guides WRA's advocacy work on your behalf. Link to survey: surveymonkey.com/r/6P7GTFN. Brought to you by Society Insurance.

The hospitality industry runs on passion - and WRA is here to support it. 🍽️ We handle the behind-the-scenes work so Wisconsin's restaurants and foodservice operators can focus on what they do best. From cost-saving benefits to business protection and timely industry updates, we've got your back.

Because when our members thrive, Wisconsin's hospitality scene thrives.

Your professional glow up starts September 28 in Madison! 🌟 See you at our Women in Hospitality Conference happening at the Monona Terrace. Lock in your spot here: wirestaurant.org/wihc-attend.html