Handbook for Excellent Restaurant Operations (HERO)

WRA has worked long and hard to be the hero of the restaurant industry - your champion in the political arena and your guide through the laws and regulations that make running a restaurant so complex.

Now we have produced the HERO manual - your Handbook for Excellent Restaurant Operations. The HERO is a valuable business tool, free to WRA restaurant members. Visit the Members Only section to access the electronic version. Members also receive free annual updates automatically. Non-members may obtain the HERO by becoming a WRA member.

Below is the HERO Table of Contents. Browse through the links for an overview of the important information contained in this valuable guide.

HERO Table of Contents

Laws and Regulations

A wealth of information on the laws and regulations affecting restaurants in Wisconsin. 

Topics include:  Alcohol Policies, Breakage and Errors, Employee Breaks, Family and Medical leave, Food Code, Harassment, Interview Questions, Minimum Wage, OSHA Compliance, Overtime, Posting Requirements, Record Retention, Smoking, State vs. Federal Law, Teen Labor, Tips and Taxes, Unemployment Compensation, Uniforms, Wage and Hour Audits, Worker’s Compensation

Industry Facts and Operating Ratios

A look at the industry statistics to see the role restaurants play in Wisconsin and U.S. economies.

WRA Newsletters

Recent issues of WRA NEWS to bring you up to date on the current legislative and regulatory issues affecting the foodservice industry in Wisconsin.

WRA Political Action

A look into the political issues impacting our industry.

Topics include: Why is politics important?, Issues facing the restaurant industry, Becoming involved, Legislative Directory, Tips for contacting your legislator

Member Benefit Programs 

WRA Members receive valuable discounts on services from preferred suppliers.

Topics include: Casualty and Property Insurance, Worker’s Compensation, Credit Card Processing, Music Licensing, Internet Job Postings

Gift Certificates & Dining Guide 

WRA promotes member restaurants through the Online Dining Guide and Gift Certificate programs.

Topics include: WRA Gift Certificate Program, Location Update Sheet, Gift Certificate Acceptance Decals, WRA Website Information

Wisconsin Restaurant Expo 

A look at what’s happening at Wisconsin Restaurant Expo, to which members receive four free passes!

WRA Education Foundation

The Education Foundation is dedicated to promoting foodservice careers and the professional advancement of the foodservice industry.

Topics include: About the Education Foundation, Endowment Fund, Scholarships, Pro-Start®

Training and Educational Resources

Ways WRA Members can take advantage of excellent classes and discounted educational materials.

Topics include: ServSafe, ServSafe Alcohol, Resource Catalog and Price List, Materials Order Form

WRA Chapters

Networking, social and educational opportunities are available at your local chapter meeting.

Topics include:  Benefits of Chapter Involvement, Chapter Map, Chapter Representatives List

Frequently Used Forms 

WRA provides the most frequently used business forms in protective sheets so you always have a good quality original to photocopy.  For your convenience, these forms are also available for purchase in quantity packs in our Online Store.

Forms include: Employment application, W-4, WT-4, I-9, I-9 Instructions, Tardy Notice, Absentee Notice, Warning Notice, Employee Termination Notice, Termination Record, Overtime Authorization, Breakage/Error Notice, Uniform Deduction Notice, Shift Change Request, Employee Commendation Notice, Performance Evaluation Form

Ready-to-Post Signs

A start-up supply of the signs you are most likely to need.  For your convenience, additional posters are also available for purchase in the WRA Online Store.

Posters include: Wash Hands, Hair Restraints, Smoking Accommodations, No Smoking, Smoking Allowed, Smoke-Free Environment, Wisconsin Alcohol Policy, No Shoes No Shirt No Service, Emergency Phone Numbers, Clean Plates, Report Your Tips

Miscellaneous

WRA provides tax tables, decals and other information that may come in handy for your business.

Items include: Wisconsin Tax Tables, Bad Check Decal, Equipment Decals, Telephone Decals, Media Communications, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Workplace Literacy Resource Guide

Operational Support Products 

When you need to order more signs or additional supplies, WRA provides the forms you need.  Or, you can order many of our most popular products in the Online Store.