THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Happy Fourth of July!

The IRA team wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday. Our offices will be closed today and tomorrow, July 5, to give our staff time to celebrate.

Read Scott Weiner's Op-Ed on Tip Credit in the Chicago Tribune

IRA Vice Chair Scott Weiner penned a letter to the editor that was featured in yesterday's edition of the Chicago Tribune. The piece discusses how legislation like the elimination of the tip credit in Chicago has made it harder for restaurants to do business in the city, as we wholeheartedly agree.

Here's a preview of Scott's remarks:

"This week marks the first phase of the elimination of the tip credit. With the holiday, the timing is ironic. At a moment when we celebrate the nation’s independence, the restaurant industry in Illinois fears for its survival. As of Monday, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, breweries and other food service businesses in Chicago face one of the most inhospitable business climates in the country."

Read the full op-ed here.

DOL Overtime Rule Went Into Effect on July 1

The Department of Labor Overtime Final Rule went into effect on July 1. The standard salary threshold increased to $844 per week, or $43,888 annually. The new salary threshold for highly compensated employees also increased to $132,964 annually.

Judge Sean Jordan issued a temporary restraining order for the State of Texas as an employer, but the rule still stands for businesses nationwide. The Restaurant Law Center (RLC) is part of a coalition challenging the rule. The IRA will continue to monitor and provide updates.

Click here to read FAQ on the DOL Overtime Final Rule.

OSHA Proposed Rule on Heat Illness Prevention

On Tuesday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule on employer requirements for protecting employees from the risk of heat illness. The requirements include:

• Developing and implementing a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP)
• Implementing initial heat trigger control measures (80°F heat index)
• Implementing high heat trigger control measures (90°F heat index)
• Developing an emergency response plan if an employee is experiencing heat illness
• Training for supervisors, heat safety coordinators, and employees
• Keeping records of indoor monitoring data for at least 6 months
• Implementing the requirements at no cost to employees

We recommend reviewing OSHA's proposed rule here. Public comments are due 120 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.

Join Hospitality Leaders in Supporting State Rep. Kelly Cassidy

Please join the IRA and other hospitality leaders for an event supporting State Representative Kelly Cassidy. The event takes place on Tuesday, July 30 from 5-6:30pm at Gibson's at 1028 N. Rush in Chicago.

RSVP for the event here or email eric@blueprintcampaignconsulting.com.

Hospitality Industry Roundtable on July 9

Join us at our Hospitality Industry Roundtable on Tuesday, July 9 from 1 to 3pm. Discover the latest industry updates and hear from Senator Mattie Hunter and State Representative Kim Du Buclet.

The event will be held at Flo & Santos at 1310 S Wabash Ave in Chicago. Light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

Click here to register for the roundtable.

Cubs Membership Mixer 2024

Join the IRA and your industry peers on Tuesday, August 20 for a night of fun, networking, and baseball at Wrigley Rooftops. Tickets to the Rooftop Membership Mixer include food, drinks, and viewing of the Tigers vs. Cubs game.

Click here to purchase tickets today. Be sure to log into your account for member discounts!

Premier sponsorship opportunities are also available. Don't miss your chance to connect with leaders of the restaurant and hospitality industry at this fan-favorite event!

To become a sponsor, or for more information on the event, contact Nia Esparza.

Register for the IRA Annual Golf Classic

Escape to paradise without leaving the fairway at the Illinois Restaurant Association’s Annual Golf Classic presented by Kraken Rum. Join us at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club for a little lei’d back golfing fun!

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Lisette Medina if you are interested in sponsoring the event.

Fuel the Future of Foodservice: Invest in ProStart Scholarships!

Every year, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) awards over $100,000 in scholarships to deserving students passionate about careers in foodservice and hospitality.

• Donate: No contribution is too small! Every dollar helps fuel a student's dream career. Donate here.
• Become a Sponsor: Honor a loved one or showcase your business by sponsoring a scholarship. Create a legacy while supporting future leaders.

The IRAEF Scholarship Luncheon will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024. If you are interested in supporting a student by making a donation, click here.

Please contact Jessica Blomquist for details.

Webinar: 10 Key Lease Points Every Restaurateur Needs to Know

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association and Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll for a webinar to help you navigate the complexities of restaurant leasing. Whether you're opening your first eatery or expanding, don't miss this opportunity to arm yourself with essential knowledge.

Date: Thursday, July 11, 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.

Discover Ultimate Comfort in Our 100% Cotton Chef Coat Collection

Elevate Your Kitchen Experience

Introducing our 100% Cotton Chef Coat Collection, designed for chefs who prioritize comfort and style. Each coat is crafted from the finest cotton, offering unparalleled softness and breathability. Perfect for long hours in the kitchen, our chef coats ensure you stay cool and comfortable while maintaining a professional appearance. Experience the difference of superior fabric that moves with you, making every culinary task a breeze. Upgrade your kitchen wardrobe with our chef coat collection and feel the luxury of pure cotton every day.

Restaurant Space Available at Old Courthouse Center in Woodstock

The historic Old Courthouse Center in Woodstock, Illinois, has a newly remodeled restaurant space available. Some highlights include:

• Situated in the heart of Woodstock Square

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Ample seating

• Stunning bar and gaming area

• Turn-key ready

• Adjacent to MobCraft Beer Woodstock

• Surrounded by stores and boutiques

More details about the property can be found here. For inquiries, please contact Patrick West of Century 21 New Heritage West at 847-809-8734.

IRA Member Spotlight

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS