COUNTDOWN TO GOURMET TAILGATE | | | | |
New Notification Requirements for Layoffs
This week, Governor Pritzker signed SB 807 into law. This legislation requires an employer with 75 or more employees to notify the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) if they plan to lay off 50 or more employees at a single employment site. It goes into effect on January 1, 2027.
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TPS Expiration Extended Again
USCIS has once again updated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) related work authorization guidance. The new deadline is September 9 for nationals of El Salvador and October 19 for nationals of Sudan and Ukraine.
As things remain fluid, we recommend checking USCIS for the most up-to-date expiration and re-verification information.
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Senate Passes Continuing Resolution Delaying Hemp Restrictions
This month, the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution that temporarily delays the federal ban on THC and hemp products until December 11, 2026. This delay gives Congress additional time to look for a longer-term solution to the issue of hemp products. Currently, products with more than 0.4mg of total THC per container would have been banned at the federal level starting on November 12, 2026.
This newly passed legislation now awaits passage by the House of Representatives and the president’s signature.
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DIRECTV Will Continue to Show NFL Sunday Ticket
DIRECTV and Everpass reached a multi-year agreement that will allow DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS to continue streaming NFL Sunday Ticket to restaurants, bars, and other businesses. This is a huge win! We are proud that our industry's advocacy resulted in a solution that protects restaurants and bars from unnecessary costs and disruptions.
For more information, please read the announcement from DIRECTV.
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Employment Law Roundtable
Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at El Cid for our Employment Law Roundtable! A special thank you to Robert Bernstein of Laner Muchin and Harper Insurance for partnering with us, the Cook County Small Business Source for its continued support, Commissioner Jessica Vásquez’s team for joining us, and the incredible team at El Cid for hosting. We’re grateful to all of the business owners and professionals who came out, asked questions, and participated in the conversation.
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Soul & Smoke Opening
Soul & Smoke is celebrating the grand opening of their Evanston location on September 1. To recognize this important occasion, they held a preview event on August 24 that featured selections from Chef Carter's new elevated menu, Soul & Smoke's signature barbecue, and curated wine and cocktail pairings from Heather Bublick.
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IRA Annual Golf Classic
The rain stayed away for the 2026 Illinois Restaurant Association Golf Classic, Summer Camp Swing presented by 1800 Tequila and DoorDash. More than 300 players spread across two golf courses enjoyed a full day filled with games, food & beverages, networking, and 18 holes of golf. Thank you to everyone involved who helped to make this year's outing a wonderful success!
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Stand Out During Chicago Gourmet
During one of the region's most talked about food festivals, reach new customers both near the action in Grant Park and across the city with JCDecaux street furniture advertising.
Looking to take your restaurant to new heights? Connect with JCDecaux today and explore all available advertising opportunities in the Loop, River North, Magnificent Mile®, Lake View, South Side, West Loop and far beyond.
| | DONATE TO THE SILENT AUCTION | | |
Help Support our Student Programs: Donate an Item to the Chicago Gourmet IRAEF Silent Auction
The Chicago Gourmet IRAEF online auction is one of the ways we raise critical funds to support 6,000 high school students in 55 Illinois schools. Auction proceeds help provide scholarships, uniforms, classroom supplies, teacher grants, and hands-on opportunities like our statewide Culinary and Management Competition.
We’re still seeking great auction items and experiences, including dining packages, hotel stays, travel, wine and spirits, event tickets, and other unique offerings. Have something to donate? Please click here to submit a silent auction item.
Donations are requested by September 18.
Questions? Email Jessica Blomquist or call 312-380-4147.
| | VIRTUAL BUSINESS ADVISING | | |
Putting AI to Work: Practical Strategies for Hospitality Businesses
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Be Kind AI Advisors, and the Cook County Small Business Source for a virtual session on how restaurants and hospitality businesses can use general purpose generative AI tools like ChatGPT to unlock quick wins, streamline processes, and grow their business.
Led by Matt Quinn, founder of Be Kind AI Advisors, this session will cover ways to use AI for marketing, operations, communication, planning, and everyday tasks, along with tips for better prompting, finding valuable applications, and using AI responsibly. Attendees will see live demonstrations, practical examples, and guidance on accuracy, privacy, and human review.
Date: Wednesday, September 9
Time: 10:00am
Click here to register for the "Putting AI to Work" virtual business advising session.
| | DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE | | |
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Impacted Businesses Available Now
If your business was damaged in the June 11, 2026, severe storms and tornadoes in Cook County, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help. Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace buildings, equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
The deadline to apply for physical damage to your business is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Businesses applying under the economic injury deadline have until April 12, 2027.
Resources are also available for Cook County businesses and residents impacted by the July 27, 2026, severe storms.
Don’t wait to see if you qualify. Learn more and apply at sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | | | |
