‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ IRA ANNUAL MEETING

IRA AT YOUR SERVICE

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check out the 2020 What's Hot Culinary Forecast . Sustainability and plant-based proteins are among the top restaurant trends for 2020, along with healthy bowls, creative catering, and more. The IRA will kick off 2020 at our Annual Meeting & Luncheon on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:30 a.m. at The Mid-America Club. Join fellow leaders of the industry as we welcome the 2020 Officers, Board of Directors, and keynote speaker Mayor Lori Lightfoot. This year's IRA Tech Tour will bring together restaurant operators and expert panelists Wednesday, February 26 to address the array of technological challenges and opportunities facing restaurants. This is an exclusive event for IRA Operator members. Click here to register or contact Christine DeSousa for more information. Sign up to join the IRA delegation for the National Public Affairs Conference March 3-5 in Washington, D.C. Contact Matt Quinn to learn more about advocating for the industry at the federal level. Discounted registration is available until February 3. There are several new laws now in effect that impact restaurants. Click here to review the latest updates and ensure you are in compliance.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Crain's Chicago Business - Aldermen Pitch Rules to Reduce Plastic, Styrofoam in Restaurants QSR - The Operations Hurdles Facing Restaurants in 2020 Total Food Service - Feeling the Accessibility of Gift Cards The New Food Economy - Should Restaurants Donate Excess Food? The Answer Is Not So Simple Nation's Restaurant News - Third Party Delivery Consolidation Is Coming Civil Eats - Plastic To-Go Containers Are Bad, But Are the Alternatives Any Better? Eater - What Does "Plant-Based" Really Mean?

PERFECT PAIR

PepsiCo Foodservice - A Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages PepsiCo 's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages that are enjoyed more than one billion times a day by consumers. PepsiCo is deeply rooted in Chicago with the Gatorade, Quaker, Tropicana World Headquarters and the PepsiCo Beverages Central Region offices in Chicago’s West Loop with 1300 employees. We have a vested interest in ensuring success and authenticity in local partnerships.  Click here to learn more from PepsiCo Foodservice.

TAKE FIVE

Five Tips for Creating Great Experiences, by Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant & Bar IRA member Erick Williams is Chef and Owner of Virtue Restaurant & Bar in Hyde Park. As a Chicago native with a storied career, Williams has immersed himself into Chicago's culinary scene and consistently receives accolades from local and national press. Williams brings his sense of timing, service, presentation, and prioritization of the diner to Virtue. Check out Erick's top points of advice for creating memorable experiences in your restaurant.

FRONT BURNER

IRA Calendar Jan. 27: South and Southwest Suburban Operator Roundtable Jan. 29: North and Northwest Suburban Operator Roundtable Feb. 18: 2020 Annual Meeting Feb. 26: Tech Tour Mar. 3-5: National Public Affairs Conference Mar. 31 - Apr. 1: Springfield Lobby Day

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