Join Madison Originals

Want to become an Originals restaurant or Vendor member? Here’s how.

Madison Originals has three categories of members:

  • Restaurant Members
  • Allied Members (non-restaurant retail food businesses-ex: bakeries; coffee shops; delis)
  • Associate Members (other locally owned and operated independent businesses interested in supporting the organization)

All membership applications are subject to approval by the Madison Originals Board of Directors and must meet current membership guidelines.

Annual Dues for restaurant members: $1800 worth of gift certificates authorized by the restaurant member for sale by the Madison Originals over the Internet. These gift certificates are generated by Madison Originals and sold quarterly at 60% of face value to the public. Member restaurants agree to honor these certificates according to the terms on the certificates. Member restaurants are eligible to accept full value Madison Originals gift certificates and may redeem them with the organization for reimbursement. Restaurant members are featured on our website and in our print materials, and have the opportunity to advertise in Madison Originals Magazine and other cooperative advertising efforts; participate in membership meetings and events, and serve on the board of directors and committees.

Annual Dues for allied members: $1600 worth of gift certificates authorized by the business for sale by Madison Originals over the Internet. These gift certificates are generated by Madison Originals and sold quarterly at 60% of face value to the public. Allied members agree to honor these certificates according to the terms on the certificates. Allied members are eligible to accept full value Madison Originals gift certificates and may redeem them with the organization for reimbursement. Allied members are featured on our website and in our print materials, and have the opportunity to advertise in Madison Originals Magazine and other cooperative advertising efforts; participate in membership meetings and events, and serve on the board of directors and committees.

Annual Dues for associate members (3 categories):

  • $300: Includes listing as an associate member on our website, with links and business description. Associate members are invited to attend member meetings and participate in events.
  • $500: Includes listing as an associate member on our website, with links and business description. Associate members are invited to attend member meetings and participate in events. In addition, this level of membership includes a hole sponsorship at the annual golf outing ($100 value).
  • $1000: Includes listing as an associate member on our website, with links and business description. Associate members are invited to attend member meetings and participate in events. In addition, this level of membership includes a hole sponsorship and dinner for 4 at the annual golf outing ($240 value), as well as 2 complimentary passes to the Madison Food & Wine Show ($100 value).

Applicants for associate membership may select their level of participation. Associate member dues are to be paid to Madison Originals prior to applicant becoming a member.

Our restaurant and vendor membership forms can now be filled out online! Please use the following links to join the Madison Originals.

Membership Application

Questions about membership may be directed to: board@madisonoriginals.org or call 608-228-0684. If you do not have the capability to submit your application electronically, please call or e-mail us and we will follow-up with you to obtain the information in print.

Madison Originals is a not-for-profit association of local, independently-owned restaurants and affiliated businesses in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Our mission is to promote Madison area’s unique independent dining establishments through collaboration, stewardship, innovation, diversity and quality. Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant local independent dining community for our diners, restaurant members, vendor members and the community. We appreciate your business and invite your continuing support of the employees and entrepreneurs who help make the Madison area special.