| | |
Mayor Johnson's 2027 Budget Proposal
Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his 2027 budget address and shared his plans for generating revenue in the upcoming fiscal year. The total expenditures add up to $17.6 billion, which is $1 billion more than his 2026 proposal.
Other highlights include:
-
Creating a head tax of $25 per month per employee that resides within the city of Chicago, excluding socioeconomically disadvantaged areas on the South and West sides
-
Creating a new license for mobile food cart vendors
-
Raising the personal property leasing transaction (PPLT) tax to 20%, up from 15%
-
Adding a $0.15 package tax (excluding food delivery and take-out)
-
Raising the online sports wagering tax to 20%, up from 10.25%
-
Raising the liquor tax on packaged, off-premises liquor to 3%, up from 1.5%
-
Increasing the property tax levy by more than $20 million to a total of over $1.8 billion
The Illinois Restaurant Association is staunchly against any taxes that make it harder for hospitality businesses to operate in Chicago. We will be working alongside other business organizations to oppose the mayor's proposed budget and make it clear that we cannot balance the budget by taxing businesses that create jobs, improve our neighborhoods, and raise tax revenue for our city.
| |
New Restrictions on Hemp-Derived Products Beginning November 12
Earlier this month, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) put out an informational bulletin aimed at businesses selling hemp products. Beginning November 12, 2026, any consumable or topical product containing more than 0.4 mg of total THC per container will no longer meet the definition of “hemp”. Such products are now categorized as “cannabis” and may only be grown and sold pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA).
Hemp products with less than 0.4mg of total THC per container will now fall under the definition of "final consumer hemp cannabinoid product" and must adhere to the Illinois Hemp Act.
Additionally, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) has noted that following rules regarding the exchange or return of hemp beverages:
- Distributors may not exchange hemp beverages for alcoholic beverages.
- Exchanges for non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.
- Distributors may issue a credit for hemp returns, which retailers can apply to future purchases of alcoholic beverages.
Previously, we reported that the federal deadline had been extended to December 12, 2026. However, this deadline no longer applies, as Illinois has opted to abide by the original November 12, 2026, deadline.
We urge any operator that is currently selling hemp-derived beverages or other products to read the new guidance from the IDOR. Please ensure you are in compliance before the November 12th deadline.
| | | | |
New Corporate Sponsor: Jack Tuchten Wholesale
We are thrilled to welcome Jack Tuchten Wholesale as a new Silver Corporate Sponsor of the Illinois Restaurant Association! A family-owned, woman-owned Chicago business serving the hospitality industry since 1974, Jack Tuchten Wholesale offers more than 1,000 products, including fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world, specialty produce, dried fruits, nuts, and more, delivered directly to customers throughout Chicagoland.
| | | | |
Recap of Fall Board of Directors Meeting
Last week, we held our Fall Board of Directors Meeting at Experience 868. Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward joined us as guest speaker. Committee chairs shared updates on government relations, membership, education, special events, and the IRA Educational Foundation, followed by a networking reception.
| | | | |
Sam Toia Testifies in Support of Cook County Small Business Source
Earlier this month, Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, testified at the 2027 Cook County Budget Hearing in support of continued funding for the Cook County Small Business Source. The Source has been a vital resource for small businesses across Cook County, providing essential guidance, resources, and connections to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and grow their businesses.
| | | | |
Discover the technology shaping the future of restaurants at the 2026 IRA Tech Tour on Tuesday, November 10.
Hosted in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, this complimentary event brings together restaurant operators and industry experts to explore new tools, trends, and solutions to help businesses work smarter and grow.
Registration and lunch are complimentary; registration is required.
Click here to register for the 2026 IRA Tech Tour.
| | VIRTUAL BUSINESS ADVISING | | |
Holiday Ready: Practical AI Tools for Restaurant Success
The holiday season brings increased demand, busy schedules, and new opportunities to attract guests. Discover how AI can help your restaurant save time, streamline operations, and make the most of the holiday rush. Join the Illinois Restaurant Association; James D. Feldman, CSP; and the Cook County Small Business Source for a live virtual workshop exploring practical ways to use AI to create targeted holiday promotions, respond to guest feedback, and prepare your team for the busy season. Learn how to simplify everyday tasks, strengthen guest engagement, and maximize holiday marketing efforts. Attendees will leave with reusable templates, a review checklist, and a 30-day action plan to put AI to work.
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 10:00am
Click here to register for the "Holiday Ready" virtual session.
| | VIRTUAL BUSINESS ADVISING | | |
Serving Gluten-Free with Confidence: What Every Restaurant Should Know
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, CheSa's Bistro & Bar, and the Cook County Small Business Source for practical guidance on safely preparing and serving gluten-free food. This one-hour session will cover ingredient sourcing, kitchen setup, staff training, cross-contact prevention, clear communication with guests, and procedures restaurants and food businesses can implement to serve gluten-free customers with greater safety and confidence.
Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 10:00am
Click here to register for the "Serving Gluten-Free with Confidence" virtual session.
| | | | |
Partner with the IRA’s Preferred Gaming Operator!
Business owners in Illinois, including the City of Chicago, can earn an additional $149,000* annually in video gaming revenue when partnered with J&J Gaming.
J&J Gaming is a long-time supporter of the Illinois Restaurant Association and is the expert in taking your business to the next level with video gaming. Whether you have offered gaming under a previous operator or are starting out fresh, J&J Gaming is the IRA’s preferred choice in operator!
Partner with J&J Gaming today!
Call 855-785-5036 or visit the J&J Gaming website.
*Avg. location share for T1-T5 locations in IL in 2025.
| | | | |
Wonder and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund are proud to announce a new $1,000,000 grant cycle made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund to support independent small business restaurants across the country.
Grants will be awarded in the amount of $5,000 to help drive revenue growth and support key operational needs, including upgrading technology or equipment, marketing and PR services, staff training programs, incentive-based wages, and physical infrastructure maintenance or enhancement.
Click here to review full guidelines and submit an application for the Restaurant Strong Fund grant. Applications are open now on a rolling basis through Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | | | |
