MRA Leadership

Get involved with the Missouri Restaurant Association, the forerunner of the restaurant trade association movement in America.

In 1916, when a group of local Kansas City operators banded together to resist encroachment on their businesses, the restaurant association found its roots in the state of Missouri.  The group, known as the Kansas City Business Men’s Association, consisted of famed industry leaders such as Myron Green and George Fowler. On a Monday afternoon in 1919, the Kansas City Business Men’s Association gathered other restaurateurs from around the nation to form the National Restaurant Association (NRA). The NRA was headquartered in Kansas City until 1926 when the office was moved to Chicago.

The Kansas City Restaurant Association continued to operate and in 1935, charters were granted to both the Missouri Restaurant Association and St. Louis Restaurant Association.  Several city association entities continued to exist until 1958 when efforts began to amalgamate into one statewide organization.  This objective became a reality in 1962 when the Kansas City and St. Louis restaurant associations agreed to affiliate as Chapters of the Missouri Restaurant Association.  This date marks the true “birth” of today’s MRA!

A strong Board of Directors, comprised of volunteer restaurant operators, owners, and managers, continues to provide leadership for the state organization along with representing the geographic interests of the affiliated Chapters.  Current statewide membership stands at roughly 1,500.  Although the MRA has changed and evolved since its early years, the one constant that remains is the indomitable spirit to serve that is reflected by an effective group of volunteers that works with the MRA Staff to continue its history-rich efforts to enhance the industry.  
 
2012 MRA Officers

  • Todd Hulse, President - Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue, Kansas City
  • Mark Dirnberger, Vice President - Bella Italia Ristorante, Cape Girardeau
  • Victor Allred, Treasurer - Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, Kansas City
  • Bob Luke, Secretary - Rib Crib BBQ & Grill, Springfield/Branson
  • Richard Walls, Chairman - The Heidelberg, Columbia

 
2012 Chapter Presidents

  • John LaRocca, University Club of MU - Columbia/Mid- Missouri Restaurant Association
  • Bill Teel, Golden Ox - Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association
  • Jack Borgmeyer, Grappa Grill - Greater St. Louis Restaurant Association
  • Bob Luke, Rib Crib - Springfield/Branson Chapter
  • Donnie Bennett, Caldone's - Joplin/Southwest Chapter
  • Mark Dirnberger, Bella Italia Ristorante - Southeast Missouri Chapter
  • Bill Grace, Galvin's Catering at Moila Shrine Temple - Northwest Chapter