Sam Toia Testifies Against the Elimination of Tip Credit | | |
Today, servers and restaurant operators joined IRA President and CEO Sam Toia to testify in Springfield against HB 2982, which would eliminate the state tip credit by 2027.
Tipped workers already earn well above minimum wage. The median tipped restaurant worker in Illinois makes $28.48 per hour under the current system. Eliminating the tip credit would lead to higher prices, job losses, and more struggling small businesses. No one wins—not workers, not businesses, not consumers, and not Illinois.
We had over 750 witness slips filed in opposition to the bill. A big thank you to everyone that filed!
We’ve been assured that this bill will be held and won’t be called for a vote. We’ll continue to update you on our fight to protect Illinois hospitality—because Illinois deserves better.
| | NRA Public Affairs Conference Is Next Month! | | | | |
Save the date! The National Restaurant Association's annual Public Affairs Conference will take place April 1-3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Connect with restaurant industry leaders from across the country to advocate on key issues that impact your business.
Click here to register for the 2025 Public Affairs Conference. Use the code IL25 to join the Illinois delegation.
| | Sam Toia Speaks at Naperville and Schaumburg Roundtables | | | | |
Last Thursday, March 14, Sam Toia spoke with members of the hospitality industry in Schaumburg about issues affecting restaurants, such as efforts to eliminate the tip credit, immigration, and inflation. This roundtable was held at Chandler's Chophouse, Grille, & Banquets. A big thank you to IRA Advisory Council Member Jim Earley for hosting!
And yesterday, March 19, Sam was back at it for the Naperville Annual Restaurant Meeting. Hosted by Dine Naperville, this event took place at Elements at Water Street.
A big thank you to everyone who attended. Stay tuned for future events!
| | Navigating Immigration Laws: A Roundtable for Restaurateurs | | | | |
Join the IRA, Hinshaw Law, and Los Comales for a roundtable event and learn how to protect your business and employees. Get all of your questions answered by experts!
We will also be joined by Senator Celina Villanueva of the 12th district and Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez of the 22nd ward.
Food and beverages will be served.
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 11:00am to 12:30pm
Click here to register for the roundtable.
| | Apply for a Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking Grant | | | | |
The Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking program is offering grants of up to $250,000 to support collaborative community projects in suburban Cook County. Non-profit organizations should work with community stakeholders to create their application proposals.
The deadline to apply is April 7 at 11:59pm! Learn more today at cookcountyarts.org.
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In 2024, Breakthru Beverage Group gained a ‘3-peat’ when named to the “U.S. Best Managed Companies” list for the third year in a row. Breakthru knows this type of accolade starts with our people and continued drive to bring higher value to our customers.
One way we drive our value is by constantly improving Breakthru Now, our best-in-class eCommerce solution for customers to manage and grow their business. So much more than a 24/7 ordering tool, Breakthru Now contains a full suite of business management tools and immediate access to information, including Real-Time Pricing, Full Order History (including invoices & credits), and the newly-launched, AI-driven Business Insights to help our customers maximize their competitive advantage, maintain stock, and stay ahead of local trends!
Visit now.breakthrubev.com to start your account today.
| | Chef’s Table Tickets On Sale | | | | |
Join us at this year's 46th Annual Chef's Table event presented by Home Grown by Sysco. The event will take place at a new venue this year, Rockwell on the River, on Thursday, April 17 with more than 30 tasting stations from restaurants throughout Chicago.
Join us for a masq-nificent time at this year's masquerade-themed event to celebrate and honor the food service industry while raising funds that benefit the IRA Educational Foundation.
Click here to purchase tickets for Chef's Table.
| | See Everything for Just $135 | | | | |
The Show for You
Everything new and next in foodservice is at the National Restaurant Association Show—just-launched products, up-and-coming suppliers, and big, bold ideas. There’s only one place to see it all, and it’s here.
Just picture yourself:
- Sampling FABI Awarded food and beverage products and exploring groundbreaking equipment innovations in the KI Showroom.
- Recording inspirational advice from our Keynote with Carla Hall to share with your team.
- Connecting with dozens of up-and-coming suppliers offering fresh solutions in the Emerging Brands Pavilion.
- Seeing the future of beverages in the new Non-Alcoholic Adult Beverage and Hemp Beverage Pavilions in The Beverage Room.
This industry moves fast, but the Show is here to help you keep pace. There’s only one industry event that’s unmissable, and it’s us.
Click here to register for your 2025 Show Expo badge at our Advanced Rate price of just $135.
P.S. Want more from the Show? Upgrade to the Expo + Education badge for access to 45+ operator-led sessions, an exclusive general session and all the extra know-how to keep your business thriving. Just select “Expo + Education” when you register.
And don’t forget your hotel!
Our official hotel partner, onPeak, offers exclusive rates, easy booking policies, and a “book now, pay later” option, so your stay is just as effortless as your registration.
Click here for onPeak details.
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The IRA would like to thank all existing members and welcome the following new members: 220 Wine & Spirits, Alstork's Lil Bundles, Carnitas Uruapan, EL BEE'S Gourmet Eats, Jim Lyons Insurance Agency, Pour Decisions Group, Shero Coffee Club, LLC, Shrimp Stop & Chicken Market Inc., and The Sole Ingredient Catering.
Thank you as well to Anna Dawson of SpotOn and Jovan Nicholas of The Flavour Unit Corporation for referring new IRA members!
New Members who join this month receive a FREE ticket to Chef Table, and Operators receive a FREE ticket to the National Restaurant Association Show
For more information about the benefits of becoming an IRA member, contact Lisa Gilbert.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | | | |
