THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Join the Waitlist for Next Week's Tech Tour

The 2024 Tech Tour will take place next week on Wednesday, November 20 from 9:30am to 1:30pm at Google Chicago located at 320 N. Morgan.

Hosted in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, the Tech Tour will bring together restaurant operators and expert panelists to address the array of technological challenges and opportunities facing restaurants.

All spots have been filled. If you would like to join the waitlist, please email Theresa Crisanti.

Tell Your Alder to VOTE NO on the Proposed Alcohol Tax Increase

As negotiations for City of Chicago 2025 budget are still ongoing, we need to make our voices heard. Tell your alder to VOTE NO on the proposed alcohol tax increase! If Mayor Johnson's 35% alcohol tax hike passed, Chicago will have the 2nd highest wine and spirits taxes and the 7th highest tax on beer of any major U.S. city. We can't afford another tax increase!

Click here to tell your alder to VOTE NO on the liquor tax increase! Please also share it with your Chicago network and ask them to send a letter as well.

IRA Attends Fall Government Affairs Conference

Two members of the IRA team were in Las Vegas this week attending the Council of State Restaurant Associations (CSRA) | NRA Fall Government Affairs Conference. President & CEO Sam Toia and Communications & Government Relations Manager Ali DeGuide heard presentations from fellow state restaurant associations and industry experts on a whole host of topics from the tip credit to swipe fees. A big thank you to the hosting committee and to all the conference partners who made this event so successful!

NRA Releases 2025 What's Hot Culinary Forecast

The National Restaurant Association has just released its 2025 What's Hot Culinary Forecast! Over 300 industry professionals weighed in to rank 71 items across 7 categories: dishes, ingredients, flavors, condiments, beverages, alcohol, and macro trends. And the results are in: sustainability and local sourcing top the trend list, while Southeast Asian cuisines also take center stage.

Click here to read the press release and view the top 10 overall trends.

Click here to download the 2025 What's Hot Culinary Forecast.

Applications for the Restaurant Strong Fund Due Tomorrow

Don't wait! Applications for the Restaurant Strong Fund are due tomorrow, November 15, 2024. Through this program, restaurants can apply for capacity-building grants from $5,000 to $10,000 for uses such as updating technology/equipment necessary to enhance day-to-day operations, marketing and public relations services, staff training programs, incentivized wages, or maintenance/updating of current infrastructure.

In addition, Grubhub has also partnered with Restaurant Strong Fund to relaunch the Restaurant Strong Community Award. Through this award, grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to restaurants working to support their broader communities and local community organizations.

Click here for more details about the Restaurant Strong Fund.

Chicago Park District 2025 Concessions Application Is Open

The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for new concession opportunities for 2025, which presents substantial opportunity for small businesses. Applications are due by 3:00pm on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Click here to submit your concession application.

Everything New and Next Is Here!

The birthplace of innovation in foodservice!

Featuring thousands of innovative suppliers, the Show is the premier event to see groundbreaking new foodservice products. From cutting-edge equipment and delectable food and beverages to the latest in technology and décor, find what’s fresh and forward-thinking—all in one place. Experience it here first, only at the Show.

Click below to secure your Expo badge at a special Early Bird rate of just $99 – rate ends Monday, Nov. 18. We can’t wait to see you in May.

Register now.

P.S. Interested in more than just Expo access? Unlock operator-led education sessions, extra networking opportunities and more with the 2025 Expo+Education badge.

Share Your Thanksgiving Specials

Is your restaurant offering something unique this Thanksgiving? Whether it's a discount, new menu item, or something else, we'd love to promote it! Send information about your Thanksgiving specials to Ali DeGuide, and we'll do our best to share them on the IRA channels.

IRA New Member Spotlight

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