APRIL 22, 2020
Restaurant Operators: Complete Our Reopening Illinois Survey
As the IRA continues to evaluate what reopening restaurants might look like in Illinois, it is imperative the unique nature of our industry is captured during our conversations with elected officials and government agencies.

Our goal is to include as much of your input and data as possible as we come to the table to help develop guidelines with local and state leaders.

Please take a few minutes to complete our reopening survey and share your insights. The survey will close Friday, April 24.

Click here to take the survey.
Third Party Delivery Commission Fee Cap Ordinance Introduced

Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd) has introduced an ordinance that would prohibit third party delivery companies from charging restaurants more than a 5% commission fee per order in the city of Chicago. Click here to read the ordinance.

The IRA is currently in conversations with Mayor’s office, aldermen, and third party delivery services about commission fees for restaurants. Reasonable commission fees will give small, independent restaurants much-needed cash flow and breathing room to help pay their staff, make their rent, and keep the lights on during this crisis. Click here to read more from Crain's Chicago.

We have also called on Governor Pritzker to consider delivery fee commission caps at the state level. The IRA will continue to fight to protect the best interests of restaurants on this critical issue.
Blueprint for Recovery: Take Action Now

Today, the National Restaurant Association launched a new nationwide grassroots campaign to encourage Congress to support the restaurant Blueprint for Recovery.

Please take a minute to add your voice to this effort. Click here to take action.
Mayor Lightfoot Introduces Anti-Retaliation Ordinance

Today, Mayor Lightfoot introduced a new Anti-Retaliation ordinance aimed at preventing employers from terminating or demoting an employee who is adhering to an COVID-19 related order issued by the Mayor, Governor or Chicago Department of Public Health.

Acts protected under this ordinance include, but are not limited to, remaining at home while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and obeying quarantine orders.

Click here for an FAQ on the ordinance. Click here to read more from Crain's Chicago.
Airport Concessions Relief Ordinance Introduced

Today, Mayor Lightfoot introduced an ordinance that could provide potential rent reductions or deferrals or other help for O'Hare and Midway airport concessionaires to reduce conditions of unemployment and ensure concessions businesses remain solvent. Click here to read the ordinance.

Click here to read more from Crain's Chicago.
IRA in the News

  • WGN Radio interviewed IRA President & CEO Sam Toia on the state of the restaurant industry. Click here to listen to the interview.
  • Daily Southtown published a piece about restaurants in the south suburbs and their challenges with securing PPP funding, with comments from IRA President & CEO Sam Toia. Click here to read more.
IRA Webinar on Accessing Federal Relief Programs in Cook County
Thank you for everyone that joined the IRA's webinar with Cook County, SmithAmundsen, and Wintrust this morning.

We apologize for the technical difficulties during the webinar. Click here to download the presentation.
Please  visit our website  for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business - updated as of 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 22.