Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association

What Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association does

Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association (KRHA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1929 and headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, representing approximately 7,602 member locations across the state's restaurant, lodging, country club, and allied hospitality sectors. The association serves operators ranging from independent SMBs (e.g., Reverie Coffee Roasters, PUBLIC at the Brickyard) to enterprise chains (Perkins, McDonald's, Freddy's), collectively employing 97,000+ workers and generating $2.99 billion in annual retail sales. KRHA monetizes through tiered membership dues scaled by sales volume, ServSafe food-safety and workplace training, and a vertically integrated insurance stack comprising a member-owned workers' compensation self-insurance fund (since 1990) and Hospitality Insurance Services (HIS), a captive insurance agency specializing in hospitality property, casualty, and liquor liability coverage. Supplemental revenue flows from event sponsorships (Hospitality Night Out, PAC Golf Tournaments, Kansas ProStart Invitational), the KRHA PAC, and the affiliated KRHA Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that runs ProStart workforce programs across 38 Kansas high schools and has awarded over $75,000 in scholarships since 2003.

Underlying technology consists of the YourMembership association management platform with member portal, online registration, and a Career Center, supplemented by ProctorU integration for remote ServSafe exam proctoring and social login (Facebook, LinkedIn). Member services are delivered through a small professional staff (11-50 employees, ~20 visible in leadership roster) distributed across membership outreach, licensed insurance agents, claims adjusting, training coordination, ProStart administration, and marketing/communications. KRHA's go-to-market is dual motion: sales-led direct membership recruitment across Restaurant, Lodging, Allied, Country Club, Education, Corporate, and Other Operators categories, and event-driven engagement through signature conferences and tournaments. The association's competitive moat rests on its full-time legislative advocacy (35 bills actively lobbied, 170+ monitored annually), member-owned insurance economics, and the proprietary Trusted Table food-safety certification program that doubles as a consumer marketing asset with digital billboard exposure in Wichita.

The operating model is geographically anchored in Kansas with no disclosed expansion beyond state lines. KRHA is affiliated with the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association for federal advocacy and ProStart/ServSafe delivery, and in late 2024 it absorbed the Kansas Craft Brewers Guild as a partner vertical. Governance is board-led by operator members (2025 Chair Jen Ray of The Monarch; 2026 Chair Tony Suellentrop of In the Sauce Brands/Gambino's Pizza), with Adam Mills serving as President & CEO.

Name

Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association

Legal name

Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association

Website

https://krha.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1929

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KRHA is a 501(c)(6) Kansas-based trade association serving 7,602 member restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and allied hospitality businesses through tiered dues, ServSafe training, member-owned insurance, legislative advocacy, and workforce development via the ProStart program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Health and Welfare Funds (525120), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Services Administration (Meal Eligibility, POS, Nutrition Compliance) (EDAJAHAJ)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Hospitality industry advocacy
• Food safety certification
• Workers compensation insurance
• Restaurant industry support

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: KRHA generates primary revenue through membership dues from restaurants, lodging facilities, country clubs, allied businesses, educational institutions, and corporate members. Dues are structured based on annual sales volume for most categories. The association offers monthly or quarterly payment options via ACH/credit card.
2. ServSafe Training and Certification: Revenue from food safety training courses including ServSafe Manager certification, ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Alcohol, ServSafe Allergens, and ServSafe Workplace programs. Training is delivered through classroom sessions and online proctoring. Members receive 15% discounts on educational products.
3. Insurance Programs: Revenue generated through insurance products including workers' compensation self-insurance fund, commercial property and casualty insurance, health insurance partnerships, and other hospitality-specific coverage. Full-time licensed insurance agents and claims specialists support member needs.
4. Event Sponsorships and Fundraising: Revenue from event sponsorships, PAC Club contributions, Hospitality Night Out fundraising, and Kansas ProStart Invitational sponsorships. Sponsorship tiers range from $150 Team Sponsor to $2,500 Platinum Sponsor for various events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

KRHA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association that provides advocacy, education, insurance, and operational resources to Kansas restaurants, hotels, motels, country clubs, and allied hospitality businesses. Core paid offerings include ServSafe food safety training and certification, a member-owned workers' compensation self-insurance fund, commercial property and casualty insurance through Hospitality Insurance Services, health insurance plans, an HR and legal assurance program, and the proprietary Trusted Table food safety certification. Non-dues revenue also comes from event sponsorships, PAC contributions, and foundation fundraising tied to workforce development.

Product overview

KRHA operates as a membership-based industry association offering a coordinated portfolio of services for the restaurant and hospitality sectors in Kansas. The core offerings center on three pillars: advocacy (KRHA PAC, Legislative Affairs Conference), insurance (Workers' Compensation Self-Insurance Fund, Hospitality Insurance Services, Health & Wellness Solutions), and education/resources (ServSafe training programs, Trusted Table food safety certification, ProStart workforce development, HR & Legal Assurance). The association also organizes signature events including the Kansas ProStart Invitational and Hospitality Night Out fundraising gala. Member benefits include discounts on restaurant technology platforms, payroll services, and music licensing. The KRHA Educational Foundation (501(c)(3)) supports workforce development through scholarships and the ProStart high school program reaching 38 schools across Kansas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ServSafe Manager Certification Food safety certification program recognized by federal, state, and local jurisdictions that blends FDA Food Code, food safety research, and sanitation training to help managers implement food safety practices and create a food safety culture. Delivered via classroom sessions and online with proctored exams.
• ServSafe Food Handler Certificate Basic food safety training for foodservice employees learning safe handling practices for preparing and serving food.
• ServSafe Alcohol Training Responsible alcohol service training for bartenders, servers, hosts, bussers, valets, and front-of-house staff to effectively and safely handle difficult situations.
• ServSafe Allergens Online Course Interactive training covering food allergens, communication with guests, preventing cross-contact, and food labels for accommodating guests with food allergies.
• ServSafe Workplace Sexual harassment prevention training suite for restaurant and hospitality employees focused on creating and sustaining a safe and appropriate work environment.
• Trusted Table Food Safety Certification Food safety initiative setting a higher food safety standard for Kansas restaurants. Participants receive marketing support including social media promotion, web graphics, and digital billboard advertising in Wichita.
• Workers' Compensation Self-Insurance Fund Member-owned self-insured workers' compensation fund providing competitive rates and annual dividend opportunities, with efficient claims handling, loss control support, and fraud prevention programs.
• Hospitality Insurance Services (HIS) Independent insurance agency specializing in hospitality industry coverage including commercial property and liability, commercial auto, employment practices liability, food borne illness, liquor liability, and umbrella policies.
• Health & Wellness Solutions Health insurance offerings through National Restaurant Association Health Plans with UnitedHealthcare, including up to 5% discount on medical plans, pharmacy benefits through Optum Perks, and telemedicine services via HealthiestYou.
• HR & Legal Assurance Program HR management services partnership with Unemployment Insurance Services covering hiring, employment manuals, terminations, unemployment claims, and HR consulting, with one free hour of legal advice monthly through Hinkle Law Firm.
• ProStart Program High school career pathway program reaching over 4,000 students at 38 Kansas high schools. Provides culinary arts and restaurant management training, competitions, and industry connections.
• KRHA Educational Foundation Scholarships Educational scholarships for Kansas students pursuing hospitality careers, with matching dollars from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
• KRHA PAC Membership Political advocacy fund that strengthens the hospitality industry's voice and supports candidates promoting pro-business legislation, with tiered monthly contribution options.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members report savings of $2,000+ in utility sales tax exemption, $5,000+ in property & liability insurance, $1,000+ in workers' compensation annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Heartland Payment Systems / Integrity Merchant SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership providing KRHA members with transparent pricing and 3-year rate lock guarantee on credit card processing. Additional benefits include 24/7 support and discounts on gift card marketing and tip management services.
• Unemployment Insurance ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing comprehensive HR management services including hiring, employment manuals, terminations, unemployment claims, and HR consulting. Program members receive one free hour of legal advice per month.
• Hinkle Law Firm LLCcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFull-service law firm partnership providing KRHA members with one free hour of legal consultation ($250 value). Additional legal services available at preferred rates for ongoing counsel. Offices in Wichita, Topeka, and Lenexa, Kansas.
• RestaurantOwner.comsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive discounts for KRHA members: 15% off all monthly plans and 30% off all annual plans. Resources cover restaurant systems, staffing tools, and guest experience improvement.
• Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)secondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerKRHA members can receive up to 20% off annual BMI fees: 5% Member Discount, 5% Member Online Discount, and 10% Timely Payment Discount for music licensing.
• DIRECTV for BusinesssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerMembers save 20% in programming for new service. #1 video provider for bars and restaurants with exclusive member discounts.
• United HealthcarecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHealth insurance partnership offering up to 5% discount on medical and ancillary rates for KRHA members. Includes access to 1.7M providers and 7K hospitals nationwide.
• Kansas State University Research and ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for ServSafe training delivery and food safety education. K-State Extension provides training class scheduling and instructor coordination.
• Kansas Craft Brewers GuildcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership announced in late 2024 to welcome Kansas Craft Brewers Guild into the KRHA family. Provides guild members access to KRHA's full-time lobbyist, insurance programs, and support services.
• National Restaurant AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with National Restaurant Association and NRA Educational Foundation for ProStart program support, ServSafe certification, scholarships, and industry advocacy at federal level.
• American Hotel & Lodging AssociationsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic relationship for lodging member representation and industry advocacy at national level.
• Wichita MarriottsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for Kansas ProStart Invitational and other KRHA events. Special room rates available for event participants.
• Ben E. Keith FoodssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodservice distributor and event sponsor for ProStart Invitational and other KRHA events.
• Sysco Kansas CitysecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodservice distributor providing venue for ServSafe training classes at Olathe location and sponsorship for KRHA events.
• Redler Institute of Culinary Arts at Butler Community CollegesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary arts training institution hosting ServSafe classes and providing sponsorship for ProStart Invitational.
• Hospitality Insurance Services (HIS)coreOthersIndependent insurance agency founded by KRHA in 1995 (originally KRHIS) specializing exclusively in hospitality insurance. Provides commercial property, casualty, liquor liability, and other coverage through multiple carriers.
• KRHA Self Insurance FundcoreOthersMember-owned workers' compensation self-insurance fund founded in 1990. Provides competitive rates and annual dividend opportunities. Administered by full-time staff with board oversight from fund members.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Illinois Restaurant Association: State-level restaurant trade association offering advocacy, ServSafe training, insurance, and workforce development programs. Operates a similar multi-revenue-stream membership model to KRHA at a larger scale.
• Missouri Restaurant Association: Neighboring state association with a comparable mix of restaurants, lodging, and hospitality advocacy. Similar Midwest operating environment and member base composition, making it a structurally close peer to KRHA.
• Texas Restaurant Association: One of the largest state-level restaurant trade associations in the U.S. Operates an analogous model of advocacy, education, insurance, and ServSafe delivery, with a much larger member base given Texas's hospitality sector size.
• Colorado Restaurant Association: State-level restaurant trade association offering advocacy, training, insurance, and workforce development. Operates a similar Midwest/Mountain-West hospitality profile and member service mix as KRHA.
• Georgia Restaurant Association: State-level trade association providing advocacy, ServSafe training, and member benefits to Georgia's restaurant industry. A direct peer in the multi-state association landscape serving comparable member profiles.
• Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association: Combined restaurant and lodging state trade association serving Michigan. Operates an analogous multi-product model (advocacy, education, insurance) and is a close functional peer in scope and structure.
• California Restaurant Association: State-level trade association serving California's restaurant industry with advocacy, training, and member benefits. Highly comparable in mission, services, and member-driven model to KRHA, scaled to a much larger state.
• Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association: State trade association covering both restaurants and lodging—directly analogous to KRHA's combined "Restaurant and Hospitality" mandate. Offers similar advocacy, education, and insurance products.

Broad incumbents

• National Restaurant Association: The national umbrella association for the U.S. restaurant industry. KRHA is a state-level affiliate; both deliver ServSafe, advocacy, and ProStart, but the NRA operates at national scale with federal lobbying and broader resources.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association: National trade association for the lodging industry; KRHA is an affiliated state partner. AHLA provides federal advocacy, training, and benefits programs that parallel KRHA's lodging services at a national level.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KSRestaurant
• Facebookfacebook.com/KansasRestaurant
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kansas-restaurant-and-hospitality-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association