THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026
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Recap of the IRA Annual Golf Classic

The rain stayed away yesterday for the 2026 Illinois Restaurant Association Golf Classic, Summer Camp Swing presented by 1800 Tequila and DoorDash. More than 300 players spread across two golf courses enjoyed a full day filled with games, food & beverages, networking, and 18 holes of golf. Thank you to everyone involved who helped to make this year's outing a wonderful success!

DIRECTV Will Continue to Show NFL Sunday Ticket

Last Friday, DIRECTV and Everpass announced that they had reached a multi-year agreement that will allow DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS to continue streaming NFL Sunday Ticket to restaurants, bars, and other businesses. DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS will also offer other games through NFL RedZone, ESPN+, MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, MLS Season Pass, and more.


This is a huge win! For many operators, transitioning to EverPass would have meant an estimated $15,000 to $40,000 per location in added expenses for internet upgrades, streaming equipment, wiring, and other system changes.


We are proud that our industry's advocacy resulted in a solution that protects restaurants and bars from unnecessary costs and disruptions. At a time when the hospitality industry continues to face higher than usual costs, we welcome any agreement that lowers expenses for restaurateurs.


For more information or for questions, please read the announcement from DIRECTV on the deal with Everpass.

Updated TPS Extensions

USCIS has once again updated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) related work authorization guidance. The new deadline is today, August 6, for nationals of Ethiopia and South Sudan; August 7 for nationals of Burma (Myanmar); and August 10 for nationals of Somalia.


As things remain fluid, we recommend checking USCIS for the most up-to-date expiration and re-verification information.


We also recommend viewing the National Restaurant Association's webinar on the latest TPS changes and what employers need to know.

From Reviews to Revenue: Using Customer Feedback to Grow Your Business
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Cook County Small Business Source logo

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, 20fy.ai, and the Cook County Small Business Source for an action-oriented session on online customer engagement and how independent restaurants can turn customer feedback into business growth.


Walk away with proven strategies to manage online reviews, monitor social media conversations, spot operational opportunities, and grow your business without adding to your workload.


Date: Wednesday, August 12


Time: 10:00am


Click here to register for the customer feedback virtual business advising session.

Access to Capital Roundtable in Flossmoor
Illinois Restaurant Association Access to Capital Roundtable, August 13, 2026, 10:00–11:30 AM at Beyond Borders Cafe, 1036 Sterling Ave, Flossmoor. Free event with funding experts; scan the QR code to register.

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, JFLC, Southland Development Authority and the Cook County Small Business Source for a complimentary Access to Capital Roundtable on Thursday, August 13 from 10:00 to 11:30am at Beyond Borders Café in Flossmoor.


Connect with restaurant owners, funding experts, and small business resource partners to learn about financing opportunities, available capital resources, and practical strategies to support your business growth.


Register now! Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served.


Click here to register for the Access to Capital Roundtable.

Restaurant Space Available in Downtown Elmhurst

Now available in the heart of Downtown Elmhurst, 123 N. York Street offers approximately 5,400 square feet for a signature restaurant concept, just steps from the Metra station and York Theatre. The property features prominent York Street frontage, expansive storefront glass, seasonal sidewalk seating, a private rear patio and a full basement offering significant storage and back-of-house potential. The flexible layout can accommodate a full-building operator or be divided into smaller suites, with negotiable tenant-improvement packages available. For leasing information, contact Blaine Reames at blaine@peerlessdev.com.

Take the CHEx Institute Survey

Chicago's restaurant scene is world-class. But the guest experience doesn't always match the food. The CHEx Institute is building a first-of-its-kind hospitality soft skills certification program right here in Chicago and we want to hear from you. If you own or operate a restaurant, bar, café, or carry-out, take 5 minutes to share your insights and you could win a $50 Visa gift card. One winner drawn from all completed surveys.


Click here to take the CHEx Institute survey.

IRA New Member Spotlight
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The IRA would like to thank all existing members and welcome the following new members:



For more information about the benefits of becoming an IRA member, contact Lisa Gilbert.

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS
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Illinois Restaurant Association | 33 W. Monroe Street Suite 250 | Chicago, IL 60603 US

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