James Beard Awards Revamping 2020 Ceremony, Will Not Present Remaining Winners |
|
Yesterday, the James Beard Foundation announced that its annual Awards program will not present winners in the remaining categories at the upcoming ceremony on Friday, September 25.
The choice comes as restaurants continue to suffer the grave negative effects of COVID-19, and as substantial and sustained upheaval in the community has created an environment in which the Foundation believes the assignment of Awards will do little to further the industry in its current uphill battle.
The resulting ceremony, which will be broadcast live via Twitter from Chicago, will instead celebrate previously announced honorees in categories such as America’s Classics, Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, Design Icon, and Leadership Awards.
The IRA and Choose Chicago are proud hosts of the Awards through 2027.
|
|
Update on City of Chicago Strategies to Counter Vandalism and Looting and Address Upcoming Protest Activity
Earlier today, the IRA participated in a briefing with the Mayor's office and Chicago Police Department to review the city's five point strategy to protect Chicago residents and businesses throughout the neighborhoods and in the Central Business District.
The city has committed to more frequent communications and updates with stakeholders such as the IRA, in addition to rapid response deployments, enhanced use of technology, robust legal actions, and more.
The IRA is collaborating with a coalition of business associations, and will continue to engage with local authorities and elected officials to address ongoing concerns about vandalism, looting, and criminal activity throughout the city.
Business owners should be advised that a protest is planned for Saturday, August 29 on the Magnificent Mile. The city will be holding additional briefings early next week to review their strategy for managing the protest, and the IRA will share more information as soon as it is available.
|
|
20 Illinois Counties at Warning Level for Coronavirus Disease
Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 20 counties in Illinois are considered to be at a warning level for COVID-19. A county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the amount of COVID-19 increase.
Twenty counties are currently reported at a warning level - Bureau, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Jefferson, Logan, Madison, Monroe, Moultrie, Randolph, St. Clair, Union, White, Will, and Williamson.
These counties saw cases or outbreaks associated with weddings, businesses, neighborhood gatherings, parties, long-term care facilities and other congregate settings, travel to neighboring states, bars, sports camps, and spread among members of the same household who are not isolating at home. Cases connected to schools are also beginning to be reported.
IDPH uses numerous indicators when determining if a county is experiencing stable COVID-19 activity, or if there are warning signs of increased COVID-19 risk in the county.
Click here for a map and information of each county's status.
|
|
Now Available - Indoor/Outdoor Design Guide for Restaurant Reopening |
|
Over the past few months, City Open Workshop brought together participating designers to assist IRA members as they worked to find solutions for redesigning indoor and outdoor dining.
City Open Workshop consultants have created a restaurant resource guide for reopening for restaurants and chambers of commerce to answer common questions regarding setting up a tent, sidewalk cafe permitting, parklets, and more. Each firm worked on creating images that can be seen in the guide.
Click here to reach out to a participating designer in the IRA Outdoor Dining Design Network for a pro bono consultation.
|
|
30 Marketing Ideas in 30 Minutes Webinar |
|
This webinar is provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.
**Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.**
**此网络研讨会有中文及英文两种放送版本**
|
|
Monday Deadline to Sign up for Chicago Women's Restaurant Week
The Chicago JBF “Let’s Talk” Forum is proud to present Women's Restaurant Week from Wednesday, August 26 to Monday, August 31 to kick off and celebrate Women's Equality Day.
Women-owned restaurants, bakeries, food-related and beverage businesses in Chicago are invited to participate by offering a dine-in special (any dish or tasting menu), product sale, delivery, or pick up offer to showcase your business to Chicago.
Women's Restaurant Week is led by the James Beard Foundation's "Let's Talk" Forum, comprised of seventeen Chicago women restaurateurs. Current participants include Beverly Kim (Parachute, Wherewithall), Carrie Nahabedian (Brindille), Clodagh Lawless (The Dearborn), Danielle Dang (HaiSous), Diana Davila (Mi Tocaya), Rohini Dey (Vermilion) and more. “Let's Talk” was organized with the intent to create traffic, boost visibility, and support women-owned restaurants. The IRA and Choose Chicago are happy to celebrate and support the efforts of these dynamic women in the industry.
To learn more and sign up to participate, please email Clodagh Lawless. The deadline to register is Monday, August 24 at 5:00 p.m.
|
|
Next Round of Chicago City of Chicago Together Now Grant Applications Now Open
Please be aware that the Together Now Fund has begun accepting applications for the second round of grants for Chicago businesses and non-profits. Businesses that continue to suffer from the impacts of COVID-19 are eligible to apply for operational grants of $4,000 each. Applications are available now at chicago.gov/togethernow and the application will remain open until August 31 at 11:59pm.
To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or fewer employees and have experienced economic distress and loss due to COVID-19. Please visit the website for all eligibility criteria and for an FAQ. Businesses that received an operational grant during the first round of funding will not be eligible for another grant, but all other businesses are encouraged to apply, including those that applied during the first round and did not receive a grant.
|
|
Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 4:50 p.m. on Friday, August 21.
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
