THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

January 1 calendar icon

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

ILCC February License Renewals Now Open

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) has officially opened its February License renewals for licensees. Since the ILCC is currently overhauling their system, they are advising licensees to renew early in order to avoid potential hold-ups or issues while the new system is released.


Click here for more information on the ILCC's transition to a new portal.


Click here to visit the ILCC website.

Sam Toia Recognized as Top 15 ABIC Impact Leader

Sam Toia ABIC Leader

We are thrilled to share that President and CEO Sam Toia has been recognized as a Top 15 American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) Impact Leader of 2025!



This distinction celebrates business leaders who have stepped up to advance commonsense, bipartisan solutions for the immigration and workforce challenges facing our country. While we celebrate this achievement, the work continues as we strive to address the critical labor shortages impacting the hospitality industry nationwide.


Click here to learn more about the ABIC Top 15 Impact Leader awards.

Register Now for the 2026 Public Affairs Conference

PAFC Conference Registration

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.

2026 Annual Meeting Now Sold Out

Tickets for the IRA's 2026 Annual Meeting & Luncheon are now sold out! This event will take place on Thursday, January 29 at the Union League Club of Chicago. Registration begins at 11:30am. 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.


If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact Carmen Loi.

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. 

 

Click here to register for FREE ServSafe Sanitation Manager classes in Chicago.

 

Click here to register for FREE ServSafe Sanitation Manager Certification classes outside of Chicago.


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 Food Handler classes.

Playing It Safe: Music Licensing Essentials for Restaurant Owners

Frost headshot
Cook County Small Business Source logo

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

Cook County Small Business Source logo

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

NRA Show ad

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!

IRA Members Receive Complimentary Tickets to the NRA Show

The National Restaurant Association Show returns to Chicago this May! Included with your Operator membership benefits, Illinois Restaurant Association members can access a Complimentary Expo Only badge!

 

All communications regarding your complimentary badge promo code is provided to the main contact of your IRA account via email. Look for an email from admin@email.nationalrestaurantshow.com and be sure to check your spam folder.


Can’t find the details? Please email Lisa Gilbert for assistance.

IRA New Member Spotlight

The IRA would like to thank all existing members and welcome the following new members: Accel Entertainment, Misericordia, NASCAR Events & Entertainment, LLC, and Nourishing Hope.



Thank you as well to IRA Chair Scott Weiner of The Fifty/50 Group 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

2026 Corporate Sponsors