Peace, Love, Partying and Bidding - For a Cause
We hope to see you tonight at Chef's Table presented by Sysco and 8|Hospitality at Theater on the Lake. If you are unable to attend, please consider contributing by bidding on the silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation (IRAEF) and bidding ends at 9:15 pm - don't miss out on these groovy packages, including these far out packages, including:
Fine Dining and Five-Star Digs: One-night stay for two at the London House Chicago along with a $250 Gibson's Gift Card
Play Like a Pro at Cress Creek Golf Club: A round of golf for two at Cress Creek Golf Club
Chicago Cubs Vs. New York Mets: Four 1914 Club Tickets on Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Bidding is now open and closes at 9:15 pm tonight. See all the packages here.
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IRA Voices Concerns about Unruly Downtown Chicago Crowds | |
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The IRA is in constant communication with the City of Chicago on the unrest that resulted in dozens of arrests last weekend.
"Obviously, my members are concerned, especially those along Michigan Avenue. They want to work with the mayor-elect to see what can be done to prevent a repeat as we get to the warm weather months of June, July and August" said IRA President & CEO Sam Toia in a recent Crain's Chicago interview.
Further coverage of Sam Toia working on behalf of the IRA to promote and protect downtown restaurants can be seen at ABC7, Fox32 Chicago, and NBC5 Chicago.
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Register For Power Networking at Meet the Experts | |
Court Throws Out Berkley California Ban on Natural Gas | |
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Earlier this week, a federal appeals court ruled that the city of Berkeley cannot ban natural gas hookups in new buildings because a U.S. federal law preempts its rule.
In a win for a lawsuit brought by the California Restaurant Association, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said Berkeley’s 2019 ban on new gas hookups effectively barred appliances that use the fuel, and that the U.S. Energy Policy Conservation Act preempts such a move. The ruling stated that a local ordinance that bans appliances such as gas stoves "impacts the quantity of energy" they consume, which is regulated by the federal government.
Nationwide, dozens of other cities including, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle have enacted comparable restrictions. A similar ordinance was floated in Chicago this year. The IRA successfully held off that legislation. At least 20 states with Republican-led state legislatures have enacted laws that preempt local governments from banning natural gas hookups. On the Federal level, the Biden administration said earlier this year that there are no plans for a nationwide ban on gas stoves.
The federal appeals court ruling is the first to weigh in on bans for new natural gas hookups. The ruling is expected to be appealed. To learn more click here.
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Restaurant B2B Grants Now Open Through May 10 | | |
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As of yesterday, 1,295 restaurants have applied for the B2B restaurant grants!
All applicants will receive a grant as long as the business meets eligibility requirements and submits proper documentation by the May 10 deadline.
Restaurants, taverns, bars, caterers, breweries, wineries, and food trucks can all apply. Eligible hospitality businesses will be determined by revenue declines, as reflected on tax returns.
For more information about these grants and the application process, click here.
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IRA Partners to Host 6th Hospitality Hiring Event | |
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Yesterday, the Illinois Restaurant Association, Choose Chicago, The Magnificent Mile Association, Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, Chicago Loop Alliance, Near South Planning Board, World Business Chicago, and Cook County partnerered with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) to host the 6th Hospitality Hires Chicago (HHC) event.
The hiring event featured 65 employers and over 850 registered job seekers. The IRA will continue to work with partners to help the hospitality industry staff up and prepare for a busy summer season and next year's 2024 Democratic Convention. To learn more about the event, click here.
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Grubhub to Award Restaurant Strong Grants to Small Chicago Restaurants | | |
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The Greg Hill Foundation's Restaurant Strong Fund and Grubhub want to award and further aid small business restaurants by providing them with the opportunity to grow. The Restaurant Strong Grant, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, will provide $1.25 million to small business restaurants.
To support small business restaurants, The Restaurant Strong Fund will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the need and growth opportunity showcased in the application. Restaurants with a single location and 50 or fewer employees are eligible for the grant which, are open April 19 through May 10. For more information and how to apply, click here.
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Taste of Chicago Vendor Applications Now Open | |
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Vendor applications are now open for Taste of Chicago 2023. Restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and shared kitchens can all apply to participate.
This year, Taste of Chicago will have three pop up events on June 24, July 15, and August 5 in neighborhoods across the city, as well as in Grant Park, September 8, 9, 10.
Participants must be located in the City of Chicago. Preference will be given to those participants who exemplify the culinary treasures of the city and/or are a part of Chicago’s exciting culinary scene, who propose to serve unique menu items, and who represent ethnic and culinary diversity.
Applications are due May 1. For more information on applications, click here.
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Sign up for Advancing Health & Well-being Conference at Kendall College | |
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The IRA is partnering with Kendall College for an inspiring, interactive conversation with industry leaders and experts about how to create a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture.
The conference is Friday, April 28 from 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. For more information and to sign up, click here.
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Register now for the 2023 Show! | | |
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Want to find the products that will transform your business? The Show is your chance to see and experience the latest and greatest in foodservice—from award-winning food, beverage and equipment to groundbreaking technology, eye-catching decor and more—and walk away with the business-boosting solutions you need most. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to connect with the best in the industry (including over 1900 quality exhibitors) and get everything you need all in one place.
Don’t miss it.
Click here to register for the 2023 Show today and say “yes” to joining your operator community at the industry’s premier event.
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