THURSDAY, MARCH 2

2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report

This week, the 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report was released by the National Restaurant Association. The report examines key factors impacting the industry including the current state of the economy, operations, workforce, and food and menu trends to forecast sales and market trends for the year ahead. The report is an authoritative look at the industry and its opportunities based on a range of national surveys of restaurant owners, operators, chefs, and consumers. Some key takeaways from the report are below:

• The restaurant and foodservice industry is fueling the American economy. The industry hiring rate and wage increases are outpacing the overall private sector, and this year our industry will contribute nearly $1 trillion to the economy. 

• An industry of opportunity: The restaurant industry has long been the primary training ground for new entrants to the workforce and in 2022, nearly a quarter of jobs were filled by first-time employees.

• Consumers want restaurant experiences: 84% of consumers say going out to a restaurant with family and friends is a better use of their leisure time than cooking and cleaning up.

• Rising costs create challenges: 92% of operators say the cost of food is a significant issue for their restaurant.

Click here to download the 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report.

Chef's Table 2023: Peace, Love and a Party!

The 2023 Chef's Table presented by Sysco and 8 Hospitality benefiting the IRA Educational Foundation will take place Thursday, April 20 at Theater on the Lake. We are excited to celebrate this year’s theme, Peace, Love & Party, a fun night celebrating the 70's era. 

Click here to purchase your tickets for this groovy event today! 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Click here to view the 2023 sponsorship packet. Please contact Katie Driscoll for more information. 

Can't make the event? You can participate by donating to the silent auction. Click here for information on how to donate to the silent auction or raffle. 

Chicago Municipal Election Recap

In Chicago's Tuesday election, Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson finished first and second and will vie to become the next Mayor in the runoff. Vallas received 34% of the vote and Johnson received 20% of the vote, guaranteeing Chicago will have a new Mayor decided on April 4th.

On the City Council front, all 50 wards were up for reelection, with 9 being uncontested. Twenty-eight races were decided on Tuesday and 13 races will go to a runoff, pending final vote counts.

Both candidates for Mayor have been invited to meet individually with IRA Board leadership to present their policy positions and answer questions. There will also be a Government Relations Meeting in the near future to provide a full rundown.

For more information on the Tuesday's outcome click here.

New IRA Members Have Arrived!

The IRA would like to welcome the following new members: Restaurant dining app inKind,

the tequila seltzer Freshie, Te-J's Sports Connection in Peoria, Maya Hospitality of May Del Sol in Oak Park and Pizza Capri in Lincoln Park, Astor Club in Chicago, the software company Adobe, and Chicago PR Firm Kurman Communications.

The support of new and existing members makes the work of the IRA possible. For more information about the benefits of becoming an IRA member, contact Christine DeSousa.

Support IRAEF at the ProStart Invitational Competition

Join us for the IL ProStart Invitational Competition at Kendall College on March 18 from 9:30 am - 4 pm. If you are unable to cheer on the ProStart Culinary team competition in person, please consider donating a team scholarship or items for the winning teams.

To donate, click here or contact Jessica Blomquist for more information about ProStart and IRAEF.

Webinar: Spring Menu Trends

Stay current with business-building menu ideas for your restaurant this Spring.

Industry panelists from Sysco join the IRA and the Southland Development Authority for a webinar offering timely and creative menu trends to implement this Spring to delight your guests and keep them coming back for more.

The webinar will be on Thursday, Wednesday March 9 at 10 am. To register, click here.

Throughout the year, the IRA will continue to host webinars alongside the Cook County Small Business Source. If you would like to see a webinar on a topic that can help your business, please contact Theresa Crisanti.

NEXT COURSE

March 5: JBF Taste of America in Chicago

March 7 & 14: Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification Class

March 6/13: Spanish Class: Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification

March 9: Webinar on Spring Menu Trends

March 14: Greater River North Business Association Annual Meeting & Albert M. Friedman Award Dinner

March 16, 23 & 28: Summer Festival Certification Training

March 18: IL ProStart Invitational

March 20: Chicago Chefs Cook for Earthquake Relief

April 12: Save the Date: IRA Spring Board of Directors Meeting

April 20: Chef's Table

May 20-23: National Restaurant Show

FOOD TRUCK PARTNERSHIP WITH PACE BUSES

Pace Buses is looking to partner with food trucks during heritage months to cater to their workforce and celebrate diversity. During lunch hours, Pace is seeking vendors for cultural celebrations at their garage terminals located throughout Cook and collar counties.

Heritage months include: March for Women's History Month, May for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, September - October Hispanic Heritage Month, October for LGBTQ Heritage Month and Disability Employment Awareness Month.

For more information, contact Lorri Newson or call 847-228-4244.

Heartland has all your Payment Solutions

National Restaurant Association Show

In foodservice, change is the order of the day — and the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show is where you’ll find everything you need to deliver. Whether you’re looking to satisfy diners’ evolving tastes, minimize inflation’s impact on your business, or integrate automation to do more with less, the Show is your ultimate destination for industry solutions. As the western hemisphere’s largest and most-trusted foodservice event, there’s no better place to get answers to your real-time challenges, gain inspiration to craft new experiences and prepare for what’s next.

To register for The National Restaurant Show, click here.