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Press Releases

ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
4/11/2022 2:04:55 PM Press Release

WRA Regional Award Winners Announced

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is excited to announce the winners of the Third Annual Regional Awards sponsored by Society Insurance. The Regional Awards recognize individuals from around the state for their contributions to the foodservice industry in Wisconsin.

Champion of Restaurant Entrepreneurship

Region 4
Mark Gold, Pizza Shuttle, Milwaukee
Mark's generosity is well-known and far-reaching from local college events, former employees initiatives and charity organizations. Mark displays exemplary leadership, still regularly working in the restaurant day to day. Pizza Shuttle has won numerous awards in the past 37 years including best pizza, Top 100 Independent Pizzerias in the US and many more.

Region 3
Sue Lamers, Grand Meridian, Appleton
Sue is continually looking for ways to keep the industry relevant. She takes the time to work with interns and teaches them her passion for serving others. Sue has committed countless time and effort into being part of our community and representing the restaurant industry in a positive way.

Region 5
Danielle Wheatman, Kalahari Resorts, Wisconsin Dells
Danielle has contributed to the success of the Kalahari for the past 12 years. This past year was no exception. She championed their team with the highest revenue in the past 21 years in one of the most difficult times in our lives. Dani loves a challenge, creates excellent experiences and treats her team with the utmost respect.

Best of the House – Back of the House

Region 1
Kathy Colon, Draganetti's Ristorante, Eau Claire
Kathy has a continuous positive attitude, great work ethic and a welcoming company culture. She loves being creative, sharing amazing food recipes and has found a way to increase our kitchen staff and improve the work environment drastically.

Region 5
Chris Ott, Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson
Chris always finds a way to make tough situations work. When the Fireside Theatre was forced to close in March 2020, he found a way to bring in revenue by implementing on online ordering platform that worked smoothly with the kitchen staff. Chris truly does whatever is needed.

Best of the House – Front of the House

Region 4
Abby Veitch, Summerfest/Milwaukee World Festival, Milwaukee
Abby spearheaded the spirits program and elevated the beverage experience at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. She enjoys making memorable food and beverage experiences for her guests.

INNOVATION AWARD - WE HAVE A TIE!

Ryan and Kristi Klopcic, Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson
With the impact of the pandemic, Ryan and Kristi needed to make use of the existing inventory. The gift shop began to offer online shopping while the restaurant side of things needed to figure out "to go" service for the first time while still living up to high-quality standards. The entire management staff was moved to positions they were not used to but all persevered under Ryan and Kristi's leadership. Stage managers ran curbside pickup, IT managers and accountants assisted the chefs and washed dishes, the marketing manager promoted everything using only free platforms to help with costs. Once it was clear productions would be moved to the following year, the Fireside began a Summer Concert Series. With the concerts being smaller than the normal productions due to social distancing, they were able to try out a new concept that they had been considering pre-pandemic but were just never able to do it. Ryan and Kristi took a difficult situation, made changes and made things work to keep their business alive.

AND

Erin Vranas, Parthenon Gyros and Yips Yogurt Chips, Madison
Erin came up with an innovative idea and has grown it into a booming business. She took a hard look at the products Parthenon's specializes in - gyros and Greek yogurt - and created Yips Yogurt Chips. Yips are the first chips made from real probiotic Greek yogurt. Yips is currently found in 32 stores across the US. Nationally, Erin has been named one of 28 Your Leaders to Watch. Yips has also been featured in several magazines, QSR and Prepared Foods to name a couple. Erin's drive and unwillingness to let circumstances dictate success has led her to create a brand new product all while keeping Parthenon's up and running. 

Visit the WRA website for more Information on these awards and a map of the regions.


The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state with over 7,000 member locations throughout Wisconsin.  The mission of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association is dedicated to the success of the Foodservice and Hospitality Industry.  The Association advocates on behalf of the restaurant industry, provides a voice for the restaurant industry to consumers and the media and provides access to information and services to help members better run their businesses.  WRA represents the entire foodservice industry which includes over 15,000 licensed food service establishments.

WRA membership includes a wide range of foodservice businesses representing virtually every size and style of restaurant in the state. Members include fine dining establishments, mom-and-pop supper clubs, small cafes, quick service restaurants, corporate chain restaurants, institutional food service operations, catering businesses and hotel and motel foodservice among others.

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  • Membership
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      • RestaurantOwner
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      • Dine for ProStart
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