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About Us
Our Mission
To promote and protect the economic interests of the Williamsburg area restaurant industry by maintaining a favorable business environment thus delivering tangible value and benefits to our members.
Est. 1999
Our Company
We provide these benefits in a positive and cooperative environment that promotes and encourages good business practices between our members, local and regional governments, tourism partners and other public and private stakeholders within the community.
Our Board of Directors
Board Officers
President 2022-2023
Noreen Graziano
Creative Cuisines
Vice President
Nicole Pereira
Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que
Treasurer
Kevin Early
WindsorMeade of Williamsburg
Founding Members
Mickey Chohany - President
Second Street Restaurant
Mario Kokolis - Vice President
Gazebo/Days Inn
Dennis White - Secretary
Aberdeen Barn
Andy Simisek - Treasurer
Ramada Inn Historic District
Bud Nolan, Cities Grill
Angelo Mageras, Country Harvest
Steve Manos, Fireside Steakhouse
George Prassas, Colonial Pancake House
Curt Steinlage, Outback Steakhouse
George Tsipas, Paul's Deli
Gus Zaharopoulas, Lightfoot Pancake House
Board Members
Geri Butler
Blue Talon Bistro
Austin Dellaposta
Carrabba's Italian Restaurant
Scott Hart
Second Street Bistro
Jayson Neault
Amber Ox
Lee Peltier
The Virginia Beer Co.
Rita Prassas
Colonial Pancake House
Ania Prochowska
Food for Thought
Brenda Wagnitz
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Executive Director
Debi Schaefer
Director@WaraRest.com
Past Presidents
Jacque Liebler
Michael Claar
Kevin Early
Noreen Graziano
Interested in Membership?
When you join the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association (WARA), you get the benefits of belonging to an organization that's over 100 members strong. When the local restaurant industry succeeds, we all benefit. Your membership provides Williamsburg area restaurants with an organized and unified voice on local issues that directly relate to our industry. Membership is only $300/year and includes many benefits, including:
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Participation in the WARA Gift Certificate Program
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Networking Opportunities: Regular meetings and get-togethers provide members with opportunities to meet and network with other members, share ideas and discuss business issues.
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Cooperative Advertising and Promotion: Member businesses have the opportunity to participate in special promotions such as Restaurant Week, and receive co-op advertising rates in local tourism publications as well as newspaper advertisements, dining guides and local radio.
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Training Opportunities: training sessions for hospitality employees such as ServSafe, and other customer service training.
Questions? Contact our staff!
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