Mask Menu Graphic, Federal Grants Update, Bridge Phase Notice
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help employers and employees address concerns about COVID-19. Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30. *** Mask Policy Reminder - Download for Your Menus 
The IRA has created a graphic template for operators to add to their touchless menus in order to remind customers of the state of Illinois' requirement that patrons wear masks/face coverings at all times when not actively eating or drinking. We urge all operators to utilize the graphic at your establishments to reinforce the need for masks and face coverings, which will help keep restaurants and bars on a safe and steady path for reopening and recovery. Click here to download the template and add it to your menus. RRF Update - Not Necessary to Sign Up for SAM.gov or DUNS Number The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) confirmed this afternoon that applicants for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) grant program will not need to register for a DUNS number or on SAM.gov. This is a change from early March, when it was expected that applications would require this process as they currently do under the Shuttered Venues Operators (SVO) grant program. The shift by SBA recognized the significant demand for the RRF program – up to hundreds of thousands of applicants are expected – and the voices of the IRA and National Restaurant Association who asked SBA to streamline and simplify the application process to avoid administrative complexity. We are optimistic this demonstrates the SBA is creating a user-friendly, efficient application process, and we will share additional updates as soon as they are available. Click here to review COVID-19 relief program options from SBA. Chicago Liquor License Holders Webinar - Tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the city of Chicago will be holding a briefing tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31 at 11:30 a.m., to provide important information for Chicago bars, restaurants and residential buildings to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 regulations. The city expects all restaurant owners, liquor licensees and residential building owners/associations to attend this meeting. At the meeting, you will hear important updates from the Mayor’s Office, the Chicago Department of Public Health and BACP related to regulations and enforcement in order to combat the rise in COVID-19 cases. Click here to register. IDPH Announces State Won't Advance to Bridge Phase While Cases/Hospitalizations Increase Earlier today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that as long as new hospital admissions due to COVID-19 continue to increase, the state will not advance to the Bridge Phase and on to Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan. The number of people being admitted to the hospital in Illinois due to COVID-19 continues to increase, and number of cases of COVID-19 has seen an increasing trend as well. Health officials continue to urge all residents to continue to mask up, socially distance, and avoid crowds to reduce transmission and bring the metrics back in line to transition to the Bridge Phase. Click here to read the press release. 90 Second Federal Update 
Today's 90 second video from the National Restaurant Association includes updates from SBA on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Congress extending PPP loans, and a great addition to the list of speakers at our Public Affairs Conference next month. Click here to watch the update. Spread the Word on Social - Industry Workers Now Eligible for Vaccines 
As of Monday, March 29, all restaurant, hospitality, and foodservice workers in the city of Chicago, Cook County, and state of Illinois are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in Phase 1C. The IRA encourages all operators and employees to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The IRA has launched our "Let's Do Shots!" social media campaign to promote the availability of the vaccine to all restaurant and foodservice workers in Illinois. If you haven't already done so, please post the above graphics - in English or Spanish - to your personal and business Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter channels with the following caption, hashtag, and profile tags: Time to roll up our sleeves! Effective 3/29, all restaurant industry workers in Illinois are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit illinoisrestaurants.org to learn how, when, and where you can take advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated. #ILRestaurantsServingSafely Tag: @illinoisrestaurants (Facebook and Instagram), @illinirestassoc (Twitter)
¡Es hora de enrollar las mangas! A partir del 3/29, todos los trabajadores de la industria de restaurantes en Illinois son elegibles para la vacuna COVID-19. Visite illinoisrestaurants.org para saber cómo, cuándo y dónde puede aprovechar la oportunidad de vacunarse. #ILRestaurantsServingSafely Tag: @illinoisrestaurants (Facebook and Instagram), @illinirestassoc (Twitter)
For more information about vaccination locations and appointments: Click here to visit the IRA vaccination resources webpage. State Announces New Vaccination Sites Opening for All Eligible Residents Yesterday, Governor Pritzker announced the launch of four new state-supported mass vaccination sites. Three brand-new sites will open in Kane County, Lake County and Will County, and an existing an Grundy County site will expand to serve any Illinois residents as a mass vaccination location. Starting this week, these sites offer free COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible Illinoisans regardless of zip code. Click here to read the full announcement. Sam Toia on WGN Radio - Expanding Outdoor Dining IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recently joined Bob Sirott to talk about loosening Chicago’s outdoor dining restrictions, and how to prioritize safety moving forward. Click here to listen to the interview. Shedd Penguins Visit Shaw’s Crab House to Celebrate Chicago Restaurant Week 
Last week, Shaw’s Crab House welcomed penguins from the Shedd Aquariam to help celebrate Chicago Restaurant Week - happening now through April 4. Diners can still enjoy special prix fixe menus at participating restaurants around the city but with the option to eat outdoors, pick up orders or have their food delivered. Shaw’s Crab House and all of Lettuce Entertain You restaurants have signed up to support the Shedd Aquarium’s new “Let’s Shedd Plastic” program designed to help restaurants reduce their plastic footprint. Click here to watch the video.
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