Business Relief Package, RRF Tracking Tool, and More

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE

IRA AT YOUR SERVICE

Earlier today, IRA President & CEO Sam Toia joined Mayor Lightfoot after she introduced a business relief package that will create $10M in hospitality grants, reinstate the cap on fees delivery services can charge restaurants, streamline permitting, allow a-frame signage, and more. Read the full announcement here, and learn more from Crain's Chicago Business and Chicago Sun-Times.

The SBA has now closed down the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) application portal, having received over 362,000 applications seeking $75 billion in funding. RRF grant recipients can download a new budget tracking tool designed to help track expenses and facilitate SBA’s annual validation process. The IRA and National Restaurant Association are urging Congress and the White House to replenish RRF as soon as possible. Click here to add your name to the petition calling for additional funding, and spread the word on social by sharing this graphic.

Last night, we were honored to accept a $40,000 contribution to the IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund from Terlato Wines and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. We thank the Terlato and SGWS teams for their generosity and support of hospitality industry workers. Click here to make a contribution to the Fund today, or contact Kristen Hodges for more information.

The IRA's Sanitation Manager certification class schedule is posted through August. It is more important than ever to train staff in critical food safety protocols. Sign up for a class with expert instructors at the IRA, or schedule a private class at your location today.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Restaurant Dive - Now hiring: How the labor shortage is squeezing full-service restaurants

Eater Chicago - Armed With $2.3 Million in Grants, Chicago Pushes Outdoor Dining to More Areas

CNN - Chef transplants are bringing new flavor to suburbs and smaller cities and towns

JD Supra - Restaurants are Prime Targets for FLSA Lawsuits: 6 Tips for Employers Relying on the Tip Credit

Modern Restaurant Management - The Pandemic Made Delivery a Necessity for Restaurants. What’s Next?

The Counter - Restaurants need workers. Would an employee vaccine mandate bring them back?

AP - Suit challenges restaurant aid priority to women, minorities

PERFECT PAIR

How to Use Tech to Delight Savvier Restaurant Guests

Consumers crave a big return to restaurants; however, customer expectations have changed. As restaurants begin to reopen in communities across the U.S., they face strong headwinds. Returning to dine in restaurants will help consumers feel normal again.

But there’s one caveat. When they return, they’ll examine quality, cleanliness and safety like never before. You'll need tech tools that cater to new customer expectations.

Click here to learn more from Heartland.