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Springfield Veto Session Update
The Illinois General Assembly held its last day of veto session today, and we are excited to report that the House passed the large liquor omnibus bill 104-6-0, which means that all it needs now is Gov. Pritzker's signature. This bill includes a provision to remove the sunset from cocktails-to-go and also requires a signature for delivery. A big thank you to Senator Feigenholtz for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the hospitality industry!
Although as of writing this newsletter, the General Assembly is still in session, we have strong reason to believe that there will be no retail delivery fee added in the transit bill. There is some talk of an amusement tax, but our team is hard at work fighting against it in Springfield as we speak.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our call to action and contacted their legislators. The IRA and a coalition of other business associations will remain vigilant in our advocacy to ensure that a retail delivery fee is not included in any future legislation.
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Chicago 2026 Budget
City Council is currently working on establishing a FY2026 budget. Mayor Johnson shared his budget proposal last week, which included:
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Implementing a head tax of $21 per month per employee for businesses operating in Chicago with more than 100 employees who spend at least 50% of their time working in the city. As of today, a majority of the City Council is objecting to reinstating Chicago's head tax.
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Increasing the Personal Property Lease Transaction tax (or cloud computing tax) from 11% to 14%
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Implementing a Social Media Amusement & Responsibility Tax that charges social media companies $0.50 per each active user over 100,000 in Chicago
The IRA continues to oppose to any budget that will eliminate jobs, inhibit growth, or discourage investment in the Chicago. We are working closely with a coalition of business leaders to oppose this budget and will continue to share updates.
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Take the 2025 Restaurant Business Conditions Survey
It's that time of year again! The National Restaurant Association is collecting information about current business conditions in the restaurant industry to find out what opportunities and challenges will shape 2026.
Share your thoughts! Click here to take the 2025 Restaurant Business Conditions survey. But don't wait — the survey will close on November 14.
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Immigration Action Resources
The City of Chicago and nearby suburbs have been seeing increased immigration action in recent weeks. Below we've compiled a list of resources for how to prepare for a visit from Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or ICE:
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No Tax on Tips Guidance
The National Restaurant Association has launched a dedicated "One Big, Beautiful Bill" webpage to help operators and employees make the most of the new tax laws. It’s designed to be a one-stop resource hub with resources such as:
| | | | This Tuesday, Sam Toia headed down to Springfield for a Dia de los Muertos Reception for members of the Illinois Latino Caucus. The IRA co-hosted the event with Lizbeth Ramirez and Tony Munoz. A big thank you to everyone who attended and to Ramona Tacos and Mezcal for having us! | | | | Last week, the IRA held its Fall Board of Directors Meeting. Attendees heard from Lyons Township Assessor Pat Hynes before receiving department updates from the IRA and IRAEF. Thank you to our gracious hosts—Bob Collins, president of Chicago Beverage Systems, and the Reyes Beverage Group team—for making the event such a success! | | | |
Last week, in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, the IRA held a Small Business Roundtable at Sip & Savor. The event brought together local entrepreneurs, community partners, and elected officials for an engaging discussion. Special thanks to Senator Mattie Hunter, State Representative Kim Du Buclet, and all of our speakers for sharing valuable insights. | | | |
And also last week, ProStart® teachers from across the state headed to Sysco for their Fall Professional Development workshop. The agenda covered the ProStart curriculum, teaching tools, student scholarships, ServSafe, dual-credit tracks and certificates of achievement, National Restaurant Association Show HS days, and prep for the Feb. 28 IL ProStart competition, plus creative ways to enrich classroom learning with speakers, field trips, and industry mentoring. | | CATALYST GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE TOMORROW | | |
Tomorrow is the final day to submit your Catalyst Grant application! Cook County is awarding up to 88 businesses with $100,000 grants to support their next phase of growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for critical investment to fuel what's next and help your business grow.
Eligible businesses must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a for-profit business located in Cook County
- Have at least one full-time employee in addition to the owner (in 2024 and at time of application)
- Have documented revenue of between $500,000 and $10 million (in both 2023 and 2024)
- Eligible industries include construction, finance and insurance, information technology (IT), manufacturing, professional services, and real estate.
Need help applying for the Catalyst Grant? The Source and Allies for Community Business are offering a virtual help desk that provides the support you need, no appointment needed! To ensure your Catalyst Grant application is ready to submit, visit cookcountysmallbiz.org/catalystgrant today for more information and assistance!
Apply by 5pm CT on October 31.
| | VIRTUAL BUSINESS ADVISING | | |
How to Get Certified with Cook County: Everything You Need to Know
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, and the Cook County Small Business Source to learn everything you need to know about getting your business certified with Cook County. This 60-minute workshop will demystify the application and review process, providing you with the details and answers you need to submit a successful application. Gain the confidence you need to take your business to the next level.
Date: Tuesday, November 4
Time: 11:00am
Click here to register for the "How to Get Certified" business advising session.
| | VIRTUAL BUSINESS ADVISING | | |
Act Now: Build the Future-Ready Leaders Your Organization Needs
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Lake Forest Center for Leadership, and the Cook County Small Business Source for a virtual session that will guide you through the critical factors that determine leadership readiness within your organization. Discover how to look ahead, identify emerging needs, and build the capabilities of your entire team to drive sustained growth. Through reflection across four key variables, you’ll learn how to assess and strengthen your leadership pipeline, prioritize future opportunities, and position your organization for long-term success.
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 10:00am
Click here to register for "Act Now".
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Don't miss the opportunity to sign up for our annual Tech Tour hosted by Google (320 N Morgan) on Wednesday, December 3. The day will be filled with restaurant operators and expert panelists addressing the array of technological challenges and opportunities facing restaurants. Registration is complementary.
Click here to register for Tech Tour.
For questions, contact Theresa Crisanti.
| | DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT LOS COMALES | | |
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with Taqueria Los Comales. Visit the ofrenda altar, enjoy skull painting for kids, and be served by the catrinas of Los Comales.
The event takes place this Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2 from 11am to 6pm at Los Comales in Little Village (3141 W 26th St). Don't miss out on this exciting celebration!
| | DÍA DE MUERTOS AT TACOTLAN | | |
Celebrate Day of the Dead with Tacotlan! In honor of the holiday, Tacotlan has two exciting events going on this weekend.
This Saturday, November 1, join the Tacotlan team for face painting, trio music, and pan de muertos at their original location (4312 W Fullerton). The party starts at 5pm, so don't be late!
Then on Sunday, November 2, the Tacotlan team is celebrating Dia de los Muertos and the grand opening of their second location. Join them at Time Out Market Chicago (916 W Fulton Market) from 5 to 8pm for face painting and music from a live DJ.
| | XEMPASÚCHIL: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS EN LA CALLE 26" | | |
Enjoy the Day of the Dead weekend celebration supporting our businesses at the heart of Little Village, beating with tradition, color, and remembrance.
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce invites you to "Xempasúchil," a special two-day event celebrating the spirit of Día de los Muertos. Stroll through our streets and discover the magic:
- Traditional ofrendas (altars) at local businesses
- Live catrinas and catrines at local stores
- Special promotions on food and drinks
- Commemorative photo booths to capture those special moments
Date: November 1 and 2
Time: 11:00am to 6:00pm
Location: Throughout Little Village in Chicago
This is more than a celebration; it's a powerful act of community. By coming together, we honor our past and fuel our future. Let's fill our local shops with the vibrant energy they deserve.
| | ABUELITA HOT CHOCOLATE RUN | | |
The Abuelita Hot Chocolate 5K Run/Walk at Riis Park is about more than crossing the finish line. It’s about showing up for our families and neighbors, honoring those who can’t be here, and helping our small businesses recover from the challenges they continue to face.
The event takes place on Saturday, November 8 at 7:30am in Riis Park (6100 W Fullerton Ave). Registration is $59.99 per participant and includes a race bib, pre-race fruit and water, a finisher’s medal, a tamal, a cup of Abuelita Hot Chocolate, and an official 5k hoodie.
Click here to register for the Abuelita Hot Chocolate Run 2025.
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Big news for Chicago!
The City of Chicago is considering opting in to Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs). Act now and let your local officials know you support video gaming in Chicago at: https://www.jjgaming.com/chicago-vgt/.
When gaming passes in Chicago, businesses could earn an additional $135,000 on average, per year, in added revenue. Support local jobs, support your small business, and support economic growth for your community when you make your voice heard in advocating for video gaming in Chicago!
Once permitted, J&J Gaming will install state-of-the-art video gaming machines in your establishment. Not only will they act as your premium service provider, but they will also remain a dedicated long-term partner for success.
The Illinois Restaurant Association recognizes J&J Gaming as the Preferred Terminal Operator!
Be prepared for gaming in Chicago – contact J&J Gaming today at 855-785-5036 or visit our website at: https://www.jjgaming.com/chicago-vgt/.
*Avg. location share for T1-T5 locations in IL in 2024.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | | | |
