COUNTDOWN TO CHEFS TABLE 2024

ADVOCACY UPDATES

A restaurant roundtable hosted at El Meson Express in Berwyn.

Legislation to eliminate the tip credit in the entire State of Illinois as early as January 1, 2025, was introduced in Springfield this month. This legislation would affect all businesses in the State, including the City of Chicago, by pre-empting the 5-year phase out of the tip credit passed last year in the City.

Bill Summaries

HB5345 Sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez (D-Cicero), Eliminates the tip credit statewide on January 1, 2025. Preempts home rule.

SB3776 Sponsored by Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), says from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, the tip credit allowance would be lowered from 40% to 20%. Starting on July 1, 2026, the tip credit would be eliminated entirely statewide. Bans an employer from withholding from gratuities any credit card processing fees that the employer must pay in connection with the transaction. Provides that any service charge imposed by an employer on a customer shall be a gratuity and is the property of the employees.

Roundtables

The IRA is hosting roundtables around the state to bring restaurant operators and employees together to organize against this legislation. Please join us and share the invitation with industry peers and workers. Our confirmed events include:

Oak Brook, March 12, 2:00pm

Lucca Osteria, 1415 W. 22^nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523

Lake Forest, March 13, 2:00pm

Sophia Steak, 181 E. Laurel Ave., Lake Forest, IL 60045

Peoria, March 19, 2:00pm

Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery Peoria, 321 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603

St. Charles, March 27, 2:00pm

Alter Brewing + Kitchen, 12 S. 1^st Street, St. Charles, IL 60174

McHenry County, April 11, Time TBD

1776 Restaurant, 397 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Please email Christine DeSousa at cdesousa@illinoisrestaurants.org to RSVP.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Click here and sign up to join our fight! Please pass this link around to your restaurant industry friends and employees to sign up as well.

Click here to find your state legislators. Click here for talking points to help you explain what the elimination of the tip credit would mean to your business.

The IRA is doing everything possible to fight this misguided legislation. For more information and to join our team and lend your support, please fill out this form or contact Andy Peters.

HOSPITALITY HIRES

Alongside Choose Chicago, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Magnificent Mile Association and others, the IRA is proud to be hosting the spring 2024 Hospitality Hires Chicago on Tuesday, April 16th at the Palmer House Hilton. A collaboration with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Hospitality Hires Chicago is an event for employers and pre-screened job seekers to meet and interview.

The venue has a strict limit of 65 tables for the event. It is imperative to register for a table as soon as possible to ensure your participation.

Click here to register.

GEAR UP FOR THE SHOW 

Is the new month adding a spring to your step? Then it’s the perfect time to solidify some spring plans, starting with your trip to the National Restaurant Show in May! As the premier annual event in foodservice, attending the Show is critical for your business. Don’t miss your chance to dig into the latest trends, insights and opportunities at your industry’s biggest display of foodservice innovation—register now! You won’t regret it.

Click below to register and claim your 2024 Show Expo badge for a special Advanced Rate of only $115.

Attend the Show in May!

9 Features of BREAKTHRU NOW to Help You Build Your Business

BREAKTHRU NOW, Breakthru Beverage’s best-in-class eCommerce platform, contains a variety of features that can enhance the way you run your business. 

1. Real-Time Pricing: Visibility to current pricing on full catalog 
2. Shop Current Deals: Easily apply current deals to your orders
3. Open 24/7: The site is always accessible, and orders can be placed anytime 
4. Track My Truck: Monitor truck status and view items in shipment on designated days
5. View Full Order History: Review all your orders from all sources and easily reorder items
6. Edit Your Cart: Make easy edits to your order right in the cart
7. Detailed Product Information: Product descriptions, brand history, taste profiles, and selling points are readily available
8. Pay Your Invoices: Easily view and pay current invoices, review payment history, and add and manage payment methods, including paying via ACH and Credit Card
9. Item Availability Indicator: Limited or out-of-stock products are clearly marked 

Visit now.breakthrubev.com to start your account today!

FRONT BURNER 

March 12: Oak Brook Roundtable

March 13: Lake Forest Roundtable

March 19: Peoria Roundtable

March 19: Illinois Government Contracting Summit

March 20: Webinar: Funding Your Small Business With Advantage Illinois

March 12, 18, 20, 25, 27: Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification Class

April 18: Chef's Table

March 12: Oak Brook Roundtable

March 13: Lake Forest Roundtable

March 19: Peoria Roundtable

March 27: St. Charles Roundtable

April 11: McHenry County Roundtable

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS