Patti Stellmaker, manager of River Jack's Steak & Seafood Kitchen, will be honored as the Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year (OROY) at a La Crosse Area Chapter meeting on January 7 at the River Jack's in La Crosse.

Fellow members of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's La Crosse Area Chapter named Stellmaker the OROY winner. The award is given based on success in business, community service and dedication and service to the restaurant industry. The La Crosse Area Chapter is made up of La Crosse, Jackson, Monroe and Vernon counties.

Stellmaker got her start in the foodservice industry 12 years ago, and has been at River Jack's the past four years. Located in the Best Western Midway Hotel, the restaurant is known for its great seafood, steaks and Creole specialties. The restaurant seats 235 people, while entertainment is featured five nights a week in the 135-capacity Showcase and Revue Lounge.

An active participant at chapter meetings and events, Stellmaker has been involved in the La Crosse Area Chapter for four years. She attends all meetings and has hosted educational seminars for the chapter.

A standout in the hospitality community, Stellmaker has served as president for the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association, the La Crosse Convention Bureau, Rotary International and the La Crosse Lodging Association.

Stellmaker has also served on the Board of Directors for both the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce and La Crosse's Riverfest. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Wisconsin Innkeeper of the Year, Best Western Midway Hotel Manager of the Year, American Business Women's Association Woman of the Year, and the Director's Award, Booster Award, Service Award, and Volunteer Award from the La Crosse Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

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WRA represents a broad range of more than 7,000 foodservice operations and is dedicated to promoting and improving the restaurant industry. For more information, visit www.wirestaurant.org.