THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Last Chance to Apply for Good Food Fund Grant

Don't miss out! The deadline to apply for round 2 of the Good Food Fund Grant is tomorrow, September 13.

The program provides grants between $10,000 and $100,000 to eligible entrepreneurs. Applicants must be in the food and beverage industry (growers, distributors, manufacturers, and grocers are strongly encouraged to apply), located in Chicago, hold a food and beverage business license (or apply for one), have filed a federal tax return in 2023, and have a business bank account. Grants will be prioritized based on a list of equitable criteria.

The grant is made possible by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and administered by Allies for Community Business. Find detailed criteria and apply for the Good Food Fund Grant here.

Cook County Community Voices Survey Closes Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the last day to fill out the ARPA Resident Voices Project Survey! The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been funding community programs since the pandemic, but in 2026 this funding will end.

Those who live or work in Cook County are invited to fill out a community survey. Responses to the survey will help Cook County learn more about your priorities and concerns. The results from this survey will inform the development of the County’s long-term ARPA programs. The survey will close tomorrow on Friday, September 13.

Click here to access the survey.

Read a New Letter to the Editor on Tip Credit

Ron Helms of Mercedes Restaurants Inc. wrote a letter to the editor about how eliminating the tip credit would harm local businesses and employees. Here is an excerpt from his thought-provoking piece:

"What the elimination of the tip credit will do is to add 40% cost to our server, bus staff, and bartender wage categories. Many restaurants, including one owned by my company, will soon operate at a loss and be forced to close, thus adding more people to the state of Illinois’ unemployment roster. It will also mean the closing of many favorite restaurants throughout the state."

Click here to read the full piece in the Peoria Journal Star.

Comments Open for OSHA Proposed Heat Rule

Public comments on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) proposed rule on heat injury and illness prevention are due December 30. The rule was just published in the Federal Register, which means the 120-day comment period is now open.

We recommend reviewing the proposed heat rule here.

Click here to post a public comment on the heat rule or reach out to the National Restaurant Association to share your insights and concerns.

Mayor Johnson Opens Bid for O'Hare Concessions

Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation announced the bid opportunity for 112 concessions at Terminals 1 and 3 at O'Hare International Airport. Of these 112 concession locations, 75 will be food and beverage. 10% of the available space is also reserved for small businesses.

Interested applicants can attend an optional pre-proposal meeting on Monday, September 30 at 10am at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, which will be followed by a networking event from 11am until noon. This pre-proposal meeting will also offer a remote option.

The final date to submit questions about the RFP is Friday, November 8, 2024. Proposals are due by Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Click here for resources and information on how to submit a bid.

Chicago Gourmet Starts Next Week

Chicago Gourmet is only a week away! This event, which is one of the nation's top culinary festivals, will take place from September 21-29. With the IRA as the founding sponsor and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as the presenting sponsor, this year's theme for the culinary extravaganza is "Fashion, Plated"—a celebration of the seamless fusion of food and fashion.

If you haven't already, get your Chicago Gourmet tickets now.

Webinar: Workers' Comp and Beyond - Insurance Insights for Restaurants

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, One Digital, and the Cook County Small Business Source for an insightful webinar where we’ll discuss how the tip credit impacts workers’ compensation premiums, discover strategies to avoid unexpected premiums from end of year audits, and dive into coverages that are often overlooked by operators that may leave them exposed.

Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024

Time: 10:00am CT

**Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.**

**此网络研讨会有中英双语放送选项**

Register for the webinar here.

Your Business Is More Than Just Food

Looking for innovative ways to boost your business? Performance Foodservice-Chicago offers customized consultations at its Montgomery, IL, Test Kitchen.

Experience new products and menu concepts prepared by Performance Corporate Chef Steve Zabel in a fun, interactive food and idea exchange that’s more than just a tasting.

Are You Ready?

Chef Steve and the Chicago Specialist Team (Center of the Plate, Pizza/Italian, and Non-Foods) offer personalized consulting targeting your restaurant’s needs. From culinary inspiration to inventory, food costs, and management tools, they have the resources and expertise to help your business thrive.

Contact your Performance-Chicago Area Manager or list Test Kitchen Visit under Comments.

IRA New Member Spotlight

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS