FRIDAY, MARCH 12
Enjoy a Safe Patrick's Day, Reminder on Enforcement and Regulations from BACP
The IRA is encouraging all operators and patrons to enjoy a "Safe Patrick's Day" this holiday weekend. Help spread the word on social media by posting the above graphic to your Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

The city of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the Local Liquor Control Commission are stressing the importance of following state and city COVID-19 guidelines during St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Click here to review the reminder of restaurant and bar regulations issued by BACP this week.

Please note: per updated regulations from the state of Illinois, tables must now be spaced so that seated patrons are a minimum of six feet away from patrons in other tables.

Read more about local and state reopening regulations for restaurants and bars:
Monday Webinar on Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Join the IRA and National Restaurant Association Monday, March 15 at 12:00 p.m. (Central) for a webinar to review the next steps on the $28.6B Restaurant Revitalization Fund, including:

  • How the RRF became law
  • What type of RRF grant funds will be available
  • How it will be administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Recommended next steps for restaurants interested in RRF
 
Click here to register.

Click here for a breakdown of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), including details on eligibility, prioritization, and distribution.
Applications Now Open for Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Applications are now open for the Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance program.

The Program pays up to 12 months of missed rent and utilities payments and up to 3 months of future rent payments. Payments will be made directly to a recipient's landlord and utility company. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Live in suburban Cook County and rent their home (Landlords may apply on behalf of eligible tenants)
  • Lack access to other support (e.g., don’t live in public housing or receive rental assistance from other programs during the same time period)
  • Have proof of financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Have a household annual income at or below certain requirements

Click here to learn more.
Sanchez Opens New River North Restaurant

Congratulations to IRA Chairman Sam Sanchez of Third Coast Hospitality on the opening of his new River North concept Tree House. Sanchez is opening the restaurant with his daughters Samantha and IRA Advisory Council member Korina Sanchez.

Click here to read more from Crain's Chicago Business.
Watch On Demand - Managing Taxes, Finances, and Cash Flow Webinar
Thank you for everyone that attended and our panelists from Plante Moran and Taft Law for joining our webinar providing expert ideas and guidance for your taxes and finances, as well as info on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), and preview of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and more.

This webinar was provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.

Click here to watch the webinar recording. Click here to download the slide presentation.
DoorDash Storefront and Main Street Strong Programs
DoorDash Storefront is a commission-free online ordering system so customers can order directly from restaurants. Restaurants can add pickup and delivery to their website in minutes by signing up in their Merchant portal.

Click here to learn more and sign up.

For Merchants with 5 locations and under, fees are waived through July 31, 2021 as part of DoorDash's Main Street Strong relief program if you sign up before May 31, 2021. Click here to review a case study from Texas de Brazil.

Contact your local DoorDash representative today to explore which DoorDash products work best for your business.
Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 2:55 p.m. on Friday, March 12.
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