It's Bite Nite week.

We're just days away from an unforgettable evening of local food, good company, and the kind of community vibes that make Oak Park so special. If you haven't grabbed your tickets yet — now's the time.

Also in this issue: new programming on the calendar, and an opportunity to connect with fellow chambers across the western suburbs.

LAST CALL FOR VENDORS – BITE NITE IS THIS FRIDAY

Got a bite worth bragging about? There's still time.

This isn't your typical tasting event — it's a room full of local food enthusiasts who showed up specifically to discover their next favorite spot. These are people who care about where their food comes from, and they're ready to hear your story.

What makes it worth it? It's relational marketing in action. You're not handing out samples and hoping for the best — you're having real conversations with future regulars. Walk them through your menu, hand them a coupon, or take an order for pickup that same night.

It's also prime territory for caterers without a storefront. Bite Nite is full of folks with anniversaries, graduations, and house parties on the horizon — and they're looking for someone to make it memorable.

The best part: it's affordable (free for Chamber members!) and we handle the marketing — so you can focus on the food.

Reach out today to claim your spot.

Not a Vendor? Come hungry anyway!

You already know the deal: dozens of local food and drink vendors, hundreds of fellow foodies, and one night to eat your way through the best of local dining.

VIP Tickets are still available! Your upgraded ticket gets you early access at 5:30 PM, for a cocktail hour with passed appetizers, and first dibs on all the tastings before doors open to the crowd.

Want to make year nine even more divine?

Volunteer to help make Bite Nite happen. Shifts run 3–4 hours, and you get free admission to enjoy the event once you're done. Roles include check-in, coat check, drink ticket sales, greeting, setup, cleanup, and more — whatever fits your style (and your schedule).

Click on any graphic to get more information about the event and to sign up.

Explore what's in store, including fun and educational activities happening throughout.

PLAN YOUR MONTH

This section features recent updates and resources from our community partners.

EXPAND YOUR REACH ACROSS CHICAGOLAND

Forge new connections across the western suburbs! Meet and mingle with 150+ business representatives from Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and McHenry counties. If your work takes you around the region—or your business is ready to grow its Chicagoland footprint—this is the event for you.

Friday, February 13 | 7:45–9:15 AM Bloomingdale Golf Club | 181 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale

Participating Chambers: Bartlett Area, Batavia, Berwyn Development Corporation, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook Area, Carol Stream, Darien Business Alliance, Elgin Area, Elmhurst, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, GOA Regional Business Association, Greater Winfield, Hinsdale, Lisle, Oak Park River Forest, Roselle, Sandwich Area, St. Charles, Western DuPage, Westmont, Wheaton, and Yorkville Area.

THE NEXT BIG THING

Once you've recovered from Bite Nite, mark your calendar for the Health & Wellness Fair — April 19 at FFC Oak Park. Sponsored by Rush. Stay tuned.

That’s it for this week—thanks for reading and for helping our business community thrive together.

Stay Connected

Hungry for more? Follow us on social media below. Or, fill out our Member Connections Form to choose updates on programs, events, and get involved.

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

1101 Lake St., Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301

708.613.0550 | info@oprfchamber.org | www.oprfchamber.org