Happy New Year!


We're kicking off 2026 with Bite Nite details, a quick member survey, and the latest from our events calendar.


Let's make it a good one.

GOT A BITE WORTH BRAGGING ABOUT?

Join the lineup!

Bite Nite 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 — email, social, print, the works — so you can focus on the food.


Ready to add your flavor to the mix? Contact Julian Sanchez, our Events and Engagement Manager, to learn more about being a vendor. If you've heard enough, you can also register your business below!

Not a Vendor? Come hungry anyway!

Tickets are now live for Bite Nite 2026 — Friday, January 30, 5:30–9:30 PM at the Nineteenth Century Club.


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.

Want in on the action but don't cook?

We're looking for volunteers 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.

COMING UP NEXT

YOUR VOICE, OUR DIRECTION

Take our quick 4-question Member Survey — it's anonymous, and your input helps us plan the year ahead. (Attended the Annual Meeting? You'll recognize these — feel free to respond again.)

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.

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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