THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | | Highlights from Mayor Johnson's Budget Address | | |
Yesterday, Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his 2027 budget address and shared his plans for generating revenue in the upcoming fiscal year. The total expenditures add up to $17.6 billion, which is $1 billion more than his 2026 proposal.
Other highlights include:
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Creating a head tax of $25 per month per employee that resides within the city of Chicago, excluding socioeconomically disadvantaged areas on the South and West sides
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Raising the personal property leasing transaction (PPLT) tax to 20%, up from 15%
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Adding a $0.15 package tax (excluding food delivery and take-out)
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Raising the online sports wagering tax to 20%, up from 10.25%
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Raising the liquor tax on packaged, off-premises liquor to 3%, up from 1.5%
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Increasing the property tax levy by more than $20 million to a total of over $1.8 billion
The Illinois Restaurant Association is staunchly against any taxes that make it harder for hospitality businesses to operate in Chicago. We will be working alongside other business organizations to oppose the mayor's proposed budget and make it clear that we cannot balance the budget by taxing businesses that create jobs, improve our neighborhoods, and raise tax revenue for our city.
| | New Restrictions on Hemp-Derived Products Beginning November 12 | | |
Last week, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) put out an informational bulletin aimed at businesses selling hemp products. Beginning November 12, 2026, any consumable or topical product containing more than 0.4 mg of total THC per container will no longer meet the definition of “hemp”. Such products are now categorized as “cannabis” and may only be grown and sold pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA).
Hemp products with less than 0.4mg of total THC per container will now fall under the definition of "final consumer hemp cannabinoid product" and must adhere to the Illinois Hemp Act.
Previously, we reported that the federal deadline had been extended to December 12, 2026. However, this deadline no longer applies, as Illinois has opted to abide by the original November 12, 2026, deadline.
We urge any operator that is currently selling hemp-derived beverages or other products to read the new guidance from the IDOR. Please ensure you are in compliance before the November 12th deadline.
| | IL Attorney General Appeals Interchange Fee Ruling | |
Earlier this month, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a notice of appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals regarding a federal court's ruling on the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA). The IFPA, passed by the Illinois General Assembly back in 2024, seeks to eliminate swipe fees on sales tax and gratuity. However, in June of this year, a federal court ruled that the IFPA could not stand, as it is preempted by federal law.
The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act is slated to go into effect on July 1, 2027, but it faces a legal battle that we expect will continue for some time. As always, we will continue to monitor developments and share updates.
| | New Corporate Sponsor: Jack Tuchten Wholesale | | | | We are thrilled to welcome Jack Tuchten Wholesale as a new Silver Corporate Sponsor of the Illinois Restaurant Association! A family-owned, woman-owned Chicago business serving the hospitality industry since 1974, Jack Tuchten Wholesale offers more than 1,000 products, including fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world, specialty produce, dried fruits, nuts, and more, delivered directly to customers throughout Chicagoland. | | Recap of Fall Board of Directors Meeting | | | | |
Yesterday, we held our Fall Board of Directors Meeting at Experience 868. Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward joined us as guest speaker.
Committee chairs shared updates on government relations, membership, education, and special events, and the IRA Educational Foundation. Following the meeting, attendees enjoyed a networking reception featuring light bites and beverages.
We'd like to extend a big thank you to our gracious hosts Second Vice Chair of the IRA Board Carmen Rossi and the Experience 868 team for all their hard work.
| | Building a Stronger Restaurant Workforce: Hiring, Retention, and Compliance | | | | |
Restaurant owners face unique workforce challenges, from recruiting and retaining dependable employees to navigating wage-and-hour requirements, employee relations, and an ever-changing compliance landscape.
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Asure Software, and the Cook County Small Business Source for a virtual session exploring practical strategies to build a stronger, more engaged, and compliant workforce. Attendees will learn how to improve hiring and onboarding practices, reduce employee turnover, equip managers to handle workplace issues more effectively, and identify common HR compliance risks before they become costly problems.
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Time: 10:00am
Click here to register for the restaurant workforce virtual advising session.
| | Holiday Ready: Practical AI Tools for Restaurant Success | | | | |
The holiday season brings increased demand, busy schedules, and new opportunities to attract guests. Discover how AI can help your restaurant save time, streamline operations, and make the most of the holiday rush.
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association; James D. Feldman, CSP; and the Cook County Small Business Source for a live virtual workshop exploring practical ways to use AI to create targeted holiday promotions, respond to guest feedback, and prepare your team for the busy season. Learn how to simplify everyday tasks, strengthen guest engagement, and maximize holiday marketing efforts.
Attendees will leave with reusable templates, a review checklist, and a 30-day action plan to put AI to work.
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 10:00am
Click here to register for the "Holiday Ready" virtual advising session.
| | Register for Tech Tour on November 10 | | | | |
Discover the technology shaping the future of restaurants at the 2026 IRA Tech Tour on Tuesday, November 10.
Hosted in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, this complimentary event brings together restaurant operators and industry experts to explore new tools, trends, and solutions to help businesses work smarter and grow.
Registration and lunch are complimentary; registration is required.
Click here to register for the 2026 IRA Tech Tour.
| | Chicago Is Calling: Register for the 2027 Restaurant Show | | | | |
May 2027 brings the foodservice industry to Chicago—and for Illinois Restaurant Association members, that means direct access to the ideas, products, and partners shaping what comes next.
The National Restaurant Association Show is where operators go to solve real business challenges. Explore the trends and innovations transforming commercial kitchens, front-of-house operations, and menu development. Discover solutions designed to improve speed of service, increase ticket average, boost efficiency, and help you manage labor pressure and tight margins.
This is your chance to compare equipment and technology side by side, connect with suppliers and manufacturers who understand the realities of running a restaurant, and uncover practical ideas you can bring back to your business right away.
Click here to register for the 2027 Restaurant Show.
| | CheSa’s Bistro & Bar Providing Free Hot Meals Every Tuesday in November | | | | |
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar (3235 W Addison St, Suite C) will provide free hot meals to members of the community on Tuesdays throughout November from 4 to 6pm. No identification, proof of need, or explanation is required.
CheSa’s launched its community meal initiative during the November 2025 federal government shutdown. With community support, the restaurant served more than 500 hot meals. Donations this year will help purchase ingredients, beverages, packaging, and supplies.
Click here to make a donation to CheSa's Bistro & Bar to support the Giving Back Tuesdays initiative.
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The IRA would like to thank all existing members and welcome the following new member:
For more information about the benefits of becoming an IRA member, contact Lisa Gilbert.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | | | |
