COUNTDOWN TO ILLINOIS PROSTART INVITATIONAL | | 2026 ANNUAL MEETING & LUNCHEON | | |
Today, the IRA hosted the 2026 Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers Luncheon at the Union League Club of Chicago. The event featured a keynote address from The Honorable JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois.
Congratulations to Liz Lombardo Stark of Gibsons Restaurant Group on being appointed Chair of the IRA Board of Directors and to our newly inducted Board of Directors and Advisory Council members. We'd also like to congratulate the winners of the IRA Industry Awards:
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Restaurateur of the Year, presented by GrubHub: Christina Gonzalez, Taqueria Los Comales
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Vendor of the Year: Acqua Panna & S.Pellegrino, Christine DeSousa
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Sara Rowe ProStart® Company of the Year, presented by Hotel Communications Network: Edward Don & Company, Tyler Bruesewitz
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Cornerstone Award: JCDecaux, Gabrielle Brussel
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Blackout Period for ILCC Portal
Please be advised that the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) will implement a blackout period beginning February 11 as they transition to the new ILCC Portal. During this timeframe, no licensing activity of any kind will be processed nor accepted.
February 11 at 5:00pm is the final deadline for completing all ILCC business in MyTax Illinois. After this time, licensees and applicants will no longer be able to submit or update applications, renewals, payments, or compliance documentation through MyTax Illinois. This blackout period also includes in person and/or emailed submissions, including special event applications. The last day for in-person appointments will be February 10.
We strongly urge licensees with February and March renewals to renew as early as possible via your MyTaxIllinois account —and no later than February 11—to avoid delays during the transition, February renewals were made available on 01/02/2026 and March renewals will be available on 02/02/2026. Please note that any applications that remain incomplete or are rejected during the downtime must be resubmitted in the new ILCC Portal once it goes live.
Click here for additional information on the ILCC upcoming blackout period. Users should ensure they have an active iLogin account to facilitate smooth access once the new portal opens.
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Hemp Beverages Excluded from Chicago Ban
This month, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance that bans the sale of hemp THC products. Ordinance sponsor Ald. Marty Quinn of the 13th Ward worked with the hospitality industry to exclude hemp beverages from the ban, as well as ointments. IRA President and CEO Sam Toia testified in favor of the ordinance, which passed by a vote of 32-16. The ban will go into effect on April 1.
Click here to read more about Chicago's hemp THC ban.
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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.
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Take the 2026 Advocacy Survey
The National Restaurant Association has launched their 2026 Advocacy Survey, and your response can help guide our shared agenda this year. This year, policymakers will be considering everything from treatment of third-party delivery companies to immigration reform to tariffs, and we need your input! The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete and is anonymous.
Click here to take the survey. Please submit a completed survey by January 31.
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The IRA was proud to sponsor the Jean Banchet Awards this past weekend! Held at Venue SIX10, this event celebrated the artistry, grit, and heart of Chicago’s hospitality industry.
We would like to congratulate the 2026 winners who continue to make our city a global culinary destination:
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Restaurant of the Year: Indienne
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Chef of the Year: John Manion of El Che Steakhouse & Bar and Brasero
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Best New Restaurant: Feld
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Rising Chef: Javauneeka Jacobs of Frontera Grill
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Pastry Chef of the Year: Justin Lerias of Del Sur Bakery & Cafe
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Bar of the Year: Gus' Sip & Dip
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Best Heritage Restaurant: Nine Garden
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Sommelier of the Year: Alex Cuper of El Che Steakhouse & Bar and Brasero
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Best Neighborhood Restaurant: Mahari
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Best Counter Service: Sanders BBQ Supply Co.
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Best Design: The Alston
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Best Hospitality: Feld
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Iconic Restaurant: Gene & Georgetti
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Culinary Excellence: Grant Achatz of Alinea
Click here to learn more about the Jean Banchet event and winners.
| | VIRTUAL BUSINESS ADVISING SESSION | | |
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Laner Muchin Employment Law Firm, and the Cook County Small Business Source for a must-attend legal updates advising session. Experts will break down new and updated Illinois laws taking effect in 2026 that directly impact restaurant operations, including changes to labor and employment requirements, workplace policies, and compliance obligations.
You’ll gain a better understanding of what’s changing, how these updates affect your business, and the steps you should take now to reduce risk and remain compliant. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get their questions answered live.
Date: Tuesday, February 3
Time: 11:00am
Click here to register for the Illinois laws business advising session.
| | GOOGLE POSTS 101: A VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP | | |
Join Google for a 30-minute introductory workshop on February 25 at 11am CT, where you'll learn how to use the newly updated Google Posts tool to keep your customers in the loop on timely events, offers, and updates.
What to expect:
- A beginner-friendly breakdown of the Google Posts tool
- Best practices for effective posts
- Live Build: Google will create and publish a post in real-time
- Plenty of time for questions during live Q&A
Click here to register for the Google Posts workshop.
| | APPLY FOR THE NGLCC FOOD PROGRAM | | |
We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the NGLCC FOOD: Fueling Opportunities for Owner Development Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund.
This year’s program features a refreshed structure with two e-learning cohorts, providing restaurants with not only funding but also training and peer learning opportunities to help strengthen and sustain their businesses.
Eligible restaurants can apply for grants of up to $2,500, which can be used for:
- Purchasing equipment or supplies
- Marketing and digital presence upgrades
- Community initiatives and programming
- Staff training or support
- General business improvements
Click here to apply for the NGLCC FOOD program. Applications are due by February 10.
For full details on restaurant eligibility, the application process, timelines, and program resources, contact the NGLCC team at nglccgrants@nglcc.org.
| | CITY OF CHICAGO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS | | |
The City of Chicago is now accepting applications for small, medium, and large Community Development Grants. Small grants up to $250,000 are intended to support eligible commercial, mixed-use, and light industrial projects. Priority is given to proposals that strengthen local communities by leveraging neighborhood assets and contributing to long-term vitality. Eligible applicants include private and nonprofit developers, property owners, and businesses.
Click here to apply for City of Chicago Community Development Grants. Applications for small and medium grants are due by 11:59pm CT on February 13.
| | MCKINSEY FAST GRANTS 2026 | | |
Through the Fast Grants initiative, McKinsey & Company’s Chicago office helps local organizations with underrepresented founders tackle their toughest challenges and achieve sustainable, inclusive growth at scale.
McKinsey is partnering with Source Business Support Organization Allies for Community Business (A4CB) to provide four $10,000 grants to organizations whose founders show significant promise for impact. Grantees will also have access to McKinsey support to help refine and scale their organizations over a six-month period.
Click here to apply for the McKinsey Fast Grants initiative. Applications are due by 5pm CT on February 18.
| | GAMING GOING LIVE IN CHICAGO! | | |
Video Gaming is on its way to Chicago!
Boost your business's annual revenue by $193,000 when you partner with J&J Gaming versus the Cook County average of $146,000.
With over 95+ years of experience, J&J Gaming provides new & existing locations with 24/7, 365 service, top-of-the-line gaming machines, customized marketing, analytical business reviews, and more. From the initial licensing and installation of gaming to ongoing compliance & helping businesses maximize their video gaming results, J&J Gaming is positioned to support your success.
Click here to get started with J&J Gaming.
*Based on J&J Gaming establishments in Cook County and the overall Cook County municipalities' average revenue from October 2024 to September 2025.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | | | |
