TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

From all of us at the Illinois Restaurant Association, we wish you a

Happy New Year!

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

Chicago Budget Updates

On Saturday, December 20, the Chicago City Council passed the 2026 alternative budget. Mayor Johnson has confirmed that he will not veto this budget, so it will take effect on January 1, 2026.

We are excited to announce that the head tax was not included in this budget! We were a part of a business coalition that fought hard to oppose this tax, which would have disincentivized growth and job creation in the city. Thank you to our coalition partners, as well as those of you who contacted your alder to oppose the head tax!

Here are other notable aspects of the Chicago Fiscal Year 2026 budget:

• No increase to garbage fees
• Legalizing video gaming terminals
• Increasing the personal property leasing tax to 15%
• Taxing off-premise liquor sales at 1.5%. This excludes bars and restaurants. (As of December 29, discussions are ongoing regarding the implementation date of this tax being delayed to March 1, 2026.)
• Increasing plastic bag fees to 15 cents per bag
• Selling advertising on bridge houses, light poles, and fleet vehicles
• Increasing business license fees and fines
• Expanding the downtown area where rideshares are charged congestion surcharges

Click here to read more about the 2026 Chicago City Budget.

Treasury Department Issues Penny Guidance

The Treasury Department has issued guidance for businesses in regards to the phase-out of the penny, including information about rounding. According to the Treasury:

The NCSL’s November 21, 2025 report entitled Elimination of the Penny: Cents-able Considerations states: “The most recommended form of rounding is symmetrical rounding whereby if the final digit of the total transaction amount (including taxes) is 1, 2, 6, or 7 cents, the amount is rounded down to the nearest multiple of five. If the final digit is 3, 4, 8, or 9 cents, the amount is rounded up. Transactions totaling exactly $0.01 or $0.02 might be rounded up to $0.05. Rounding rules would not apply to payments made via electronic methods, checks, gift cards, or other non-cash instruments.”

The Treasury Department also answered questions about businesses requirements for accepting pennies, updating cash registers, and more. Please note, however, that it is considered non-binding guidance.

Click here to read guidance from the Treasury Department on penny production cessation.

Business Advising Through the Cook County Source

The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources, and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. 

FINAL COUNTDOWN for the National Restaurant Association Show

The countdown is ON, and every day that passes is money out of your pocket. Time to grab Early Bird pricing at just $99 before it vanishes into thin air.

The Early Bird Deadline That Changes Everything

December 31st isn't just another date on the calendar. It's the final bell for your $50 savings. After that? You're looking at $149, and there's no going back.

What You're Missing While You Wait:



A Taste of the States Pavilion

• Premium snacks and local proteins from America's best food innovators

The Beverage Room Pavilion

• Latest drink trends that elevate your entire menu and boost revenue

Global Food Expo Pavilion

• World-class ingredients to satisfy adventurous Millennial and Gen Z diners

Organic & Natural Pavilion

• Clean-label solutions that taste good AND boost your bottom line

TECH Pavilion

• AI and automation that'll make your operations legendary

December 31st = game over for $99* pricing. Don't be the operator who pays $149 in January while everyone else locked in their price weeks ago.

Click here to register for the National Restaurant Association Show.

*Want the full Show experience? Choose the Expo + Education upgrade for an additional $250 for access to 30 operator-led sessions, exclusive networking opportunities and on-demand session recordings. Click here for further details.

Please note: Expo badge pricing is based on your attendee category. The price shown in this email is for operator attendees only.

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS