THURSDAY, MAY 4

Register for Free Power Networking and Speed Coaching at Meet the Experts 2023

Register now to attend the IRA's most popular networking event of the year - Meet The Experts, hosted in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Assistance Program, Gordon Food Service, and Taft Law.

This year’s Meet the Experts event will be at Tunnel Chicago on May 17th from 5-8pm, featuring keynote speakers Thai and Danielle Dang of HaiSous.

Registration is free and is now open. For more information, click here or contact Christine DeSousa.

22nd Annual Hospitality and Tourism Summit

Earlier this week, IRA President and CEO Sam Toia joined panelists from from 360 Chicago, the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association and Choose Chicago at the 2023 Hospitality and Tourism Summit at Navy Pier.

The panelists provided insights on the state of the hospitality industry in Chicago at the Navy Pier tradeshow. Congratulations to IRA Advisory Council Member Tim O'Malley and his team for putting on another successful trade show.

IRA Restaurant Show Political Reception

The National Restaurant Show is Right around the corner and so is the IRA Annual PAC event.

The Annual Political Reception is critical to continued advocacy efforts. Now more than ever, it is more important to bolster IRA efforts to support pro-industry candidates at every level.

The IRA PAC event will take place at Revel Motor Row on Monday, May 22nd from 5 - 7 pm.

For more information, contact Kara Highfill.

Don't miss your opportunity to attend the National Restaurant Show from May 20 -23 at McCormick Place. Remember, the IRA earns money for every Illinois badge purchased and all IRA operator members receive one free badge with your membership. To claim your badge, contact Christine DeSousa.

The Show is your chance to see and experience the latest and greatest in foodservice—from award-winning food, beverage and equipment to groundbreaking technology, eye-catching decor and more—and walk away with the business-boosting solutions you need most. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to connect with the best in the industry (including over 1900 quality exhibitors) and get everything you need all in one place.

Don’t miss it.

Click here to register for the 2023 Show today and say “yes” to joining your operator community at the industry’s premier event.

Illinois ProStart Teams Compete at National Competition in Washington D.C.

This week, two Illinois ProStart teams are competing in the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C. The event brings together over 400 students from across the country to vie for best in culinary and management.

From Illinois, the Technology Center of DuPage competed in the Culinary Competition yesterday and Woodruff Career & Technical Center competes in the Management Competition today. The winners will be announced at the closing ceremonies later this evening and will receive scholarships to continue to pursue their culinary careers.

Restaurant B2B Grants Now Open Through May 10

So far over 1,850 restaurants have applied for the B2B Grants but it is not too late to apply! All applicants will receive a grant as long as the business meets eligibility requirements and submits proper documentation by the May 10 deadline.

Restaurants, taverns, bars, caterers, breweries, wineries, and food trucks can all apply. Eligible hospitality businesses will be determined by revenue declines, as reflected on tax returns.

For more information about these grants and the application process, click here.

IRA New Member Spotlight

The IRA would like to welcome the following new members: That's a Cake in Chicago, Forklift Restaurant Consulting in Crystal Lake, and Big Gurl BBQ in Chicago.

The support of new and existing members makes the work of the IRA possible. For more information about the benefits of becoming an IRA member, contact Christine DeSousa.

Taste of Chicago Vendor Applications Extended to May 15

The deadline to apply to be a vendor at Taste of Chicago has been extended to May 15. This year, Taste of Chicago will have three pop up events on June 24, July 15, and August 5 in neighborhoods across the city, as well as in Grant Park, September 8, 9, 10.

Participants must be located in the City of Chicago. For more information on applications, click here.

Grubhub to Award Restaurant Strong Grants to Small Chicago Restaurants

To support small business restaurants, the Restaurant Strong Fund will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the need and growth opportunity showcased in the application.

Restaurants with a single location and 50 or fewer employees are eligible for the grants, which are open now through May 10. For more information on how to apply, click here.

NEXT COURSE

May 4: Moe's Cantina Tequila & Agave Tasting for Mexico Week in Chicago

May 9: B2B Grant Application Pop-In event is held at IRA Offices

May 9, 16, 22: Sanitation Manager Certification Class

May 10 & 15: Summer Festival Certification Class via Zoom

May 17: Meet the Experts

May 20-23: National Restaurant Show

May 22: IRA PAC Fundraiser

June 5: James Beard Awards

June 13: Cubs Rooftop Membership Mixer