Expanded Outdoor Opportunities for Bars, Restaurant Relief Update

The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help our employers and employees address concerns about COVID-19.

Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

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Expanded Outdoor Opportunities for Bars 

Today, the City of Chicago announced an expansion of its Outdoor Dining Program. The new reforms will make it easier for bars, taverns and breweries affected by the latest rollback of the reopening guidelines to operate outdoors.

Effective immediately, individual establishments that serve alcohol without a Retail Food License may apply to use this program to temporarily operate on the sidewalk in front of their establishment, and all restaurants and bars may use the permit in outdoor areas that would typically require an Outdoor Patio License. 

The requirements of the new program include:

• Setting up sidewalk space with six feet of pedestrian clearance

• Enclosing service areas with a barrier

• Partnering with a food establishment to ensure that food is available for patrons if the liquor establishment does not have a Retail Food License

To help businesses navigate the permit, the City will be holding webinars next Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00am and Thursday, August 6 at 2:00pm. To register, visit chicago.gov/businessworkshops.

To learn more about the Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit and to apply, click here.

Click hereto view the full Press Release. 

Webinar on Maximizing Your Guest Space: Architects & Planners Offer Reopening Guidance

Join the IRA and experts architects and planners for a webinar Thursday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. to learn how to open and maximize the safe use of your indoor and outdoor space.

From permits to design, architects and planners from City Open Workshop will join the Illinois Restaurant Association for a webinar offering expert advice for restaurants and bars looking to optimally use their space for guests.

This webinar is provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.

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

**此网络研讨会有中文及英文两种放送版本**

Click here to register.

Restaurant Relief Update

As we have all seen in the headlines from Washington, there is debate as to whether Congress will pass a fourth coronavirus relief bill before they adjourn for the August recess. In the video found here, Sean Kennedy from the National Restaurant Association offers a 90-second update on the current landscape, how restaurants could be affected, and what steps the National Restaurant Association is taking on behalf of the industry. 

Please visit RestaurantsAct.com to receive the latest updates on how actions in Washington can affect your restaurant.

MFHA Virtual Town Hall: COVID-19 & Black Franchisee Perspectives During the Anti-Racism Movement

Join the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance on Wednesday, August 5 at 1:00 p.m. (Central) for a free virtual town hall that will cover:

• Insights on how COVID-19 and the anti-racism movement is impacting Black restaurant owners as individuals.

• Unique examples of how employees from different cultural backgrounds have responded to the shutdown.

• Perspectives on what’s working and what’s needed to help franchised businesses navigate the changing landscape of the restaurant industry during COVID-19.

Town Hall speakers are Gerry Fernandez, MFHA; Daniel Halpern, president & CEO, Jackmont Hospitality; Karim Webb, CEO, 4THMVMT & Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee; Linda Dunham, owner operator – New York Region, McDonald’s Corp.; and Michael Quinn, owner of JJB Brands & Pizza Hut Franchisee.

Click here to register.

Calling All Chefs - Sign Up Today for Can't Stop the Hop!

Chicago Gourmet’s fan-favorite Hamburger Hop competition will expand in 2020 with Can’t Stop the Hop!

Chefs from across Chicago and around the state are invited to participate by offering a competition burger at your restaurant from Tuesday, September 1 to Sunday, September 13. Chicago Gourmet fans will be encouraged to hop around, try an array of burgers, and virtually vote for their favorites. The winning chef will be announced the week of September 14.

Proceeds from Can’t Stop the Hop will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. The fund will be launched in conjunction with Chicago Gourmet come September. We're encouraging participating restaurants to donate $1 from each burger sold to support the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund.

Click here to complete your Can’t Stop the Hop application. Please contact Ashley Brandon with any questions.

HEALS Act - Analysis and Impact on Restaurants

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans introduced a series of bills that collectively make up the Health Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act Proposal.

In short - the HEALS Act is a step in the right direction. However, more targeted relief for the restaurant industry - including the tenets of the Blueprint for Revival - is needed.

Click here to review an analysis of the HEALS Act from the National Restaurant Association.

We continue to push Congress to take action to pass the RESTAURANTS Act - a $120 billion restaurant recovery fund - proposed by Senators Wicker and Sinema in the Senate. 

Click here to urge Illinois' Congressional leaders to support restaurants and employees by passing the Blueprint for Revival.