THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Click here for a rundown on new laws that took effect starting January 1, 2026.

Increased Fines for Food Safety Violations in Chicago

As of January 1, 2026, fines for certain food safety violations have increased:

• Priority violations: $525 per violation (previously $500)
• Priority foundation violations: $275 per violation (previously $250)

There is a $15 processing fee for each count eligible for prepayment, or a $40 court cost (excluding any motion fees).

Click here to read the notice of increased food safety violation fines from the Department of Public Health.

Effective Date for Off-Premises Liquor Tax Extended

The Chicago Department of Finance has issued a notice that the effective date for the off-premises liquor tax has been extended to March 1, 2026. This tax applies to alcoholic beverages purchased in a sale at retail for consumption off premises and is set at 1.5%.

Click here to read the off-premises liquor tax notice from the Department of Finance.

Register Now for the 2026 Public Affairs Conference

Join us at the 2026 Public Affairs Conference! Connect with restaurant industry leaders from across the country to advocate on key issues and make your voice heard. The conference will take place at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC, from March 10-12, 2026.

Click here to register for the conference. Book now to receive the members-only early-bird price of $250.

Click here to book your hotel room.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ali DeGuide.

FREE Foodservice Sanitation Manager & Food Handler Classes

The IRA is partnering with the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association on a grant to provide free workforce development training for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

All IRA Foodservice Sanitation Manager Certification classes are provided free of charge and include the cost of tuition, the ServSafe textbook, and the Chicago certificate fee. 

The IRA is also offering free Food Handler classes. The free classes are in-person, and attendees must present a valid photo ID and successfully complete the training to receive the certification.

Click here to register for FREE ServSafe Foodservice Sanitation Manager classes.

Click here to register for FREE ServSafe Food Handler classes.

Register Now for the 2026 Annual Meeting

Join us on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Union League Club of Chicago for the IRA's 2026 Annual Meeting & Luncheon. Registration begins at 11:30 am. This meeting will include the installation of the 2026 Officers and Board of Directors and Chair of the Board Liz Lombardo Stark. The Honorable JB Pritzker has been invited to deliver the keynote address.

A limited number of tickets are still available. Get yours now! Click here to register for the 2026 IRA Annual Meeting.

Playing It Safe: Music Licensing Essentials for Restaurant Owners

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, BMI, and the Cook County Small Business Source for an engaging, operator-focused webinar designed to help restaurants and small businesses confidently navigate music licensing. Learn how background and live music are regulated, clear up common myths, and discover smart ways to stay compliant while controlling costs. Walk away with practical, real-world insights and get your questions answered live by the experts.

Date: Wednesday, January 21

Time: 10:00am

Click here to register for the music licensing business advising session.

Advantage Illinois: Accessing Capital for Restaurants & Small Businesses

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Cook County Small Business Source for an informative virtual session to learn about Advantage Illinois, a statewide small business loan program that helps restaurants and other small businesses access affordable capital to start, grow, or stabilize their business. You’ll hear directly from program experts, get clarity on the application process, and have the opportunity to ask questions live.

Date: Tuesday, January 27

Time: 10:00am

Click here to register for the Advantage Illinois business advising session.

The Industry's Grand Slam Event is Coming – And You're Invited to Center Court

Andre Agassi didn't become a champion by sitting on the sidelines. Neither should you.



The National Restaurant Association Show is where the foodservice industry's heavy hitters gather to:

• Discover game-changing innovations that'll put you ahead of the competition
• Find new suppliers and reconnect with existing partners to see what's new and different in 2025
• Learn from legends like Agassi himself about what it takes to stay on top

Your Advanced Rate ticket is just $149 – but only until April 6.

Why This Show is Your Competitive Edge:

• For Operators: New equipment that cuts labor costs, menu innovations your customers will crave, and tech solutions that streamline your chaos into profit.
• For Decision-Makers: Face-to-face time with potential partners, product launches that create buzz, and connections that drive serious results.
• For Everyone: The inspiration to elevate your game when the industry gets tough.

Don't get served – serve up success instead.

The price jumps after April 6. Champions don't wait for second chances. See you where the industry plays to win!

Todos Ponen: Una Noche de Pueblos y Platillos

Join some of Chicago's best restaurants for Todos Ponen: Una Noche de Pueblos y Platillos. This celebration of culinary achievements seeks to raise funds that directly support immigrant families impacted by ICE activity. Enjoy bites from 43 food contributors and drinks from 10 beverage partners, as well as programming from Gente Fina, Grupo Vanguardia, Jesse "El Grandote", and People Stage Karaoke. Don't miss out!

Date: January 19, 2026


Time: 6-9pm (early entry at 5pm)

Location: Ramova Theater (3520 S Halsted, Chicago)

Click here to purchase tickets to Todos Ponen: Una Noche de Pueblos y Platillos.

IRA New Member Spotlight

The IRA would like to thank all existing members and welcome the following new members: Buona Beef Restaurants / The Original Rainbow Cone, Ms. Tittle's Cupcakes, and Socialite Media.

Thank you as well to Carmen Rossi of 8 Hospitality for referring a new IRA member!



For more information about the benefits of becoming an IRA member, contact Lisa Gilbert.

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS