Chi Biz Strong Passes, Cook County Budget Preview, Performance Now Platinum Sponsor

Chi Biz Strong Package Passes, Including Hospitality Grants, Faster Permits, Cap on Delivery Fees

This afternoon, the Chicago City Council voted to pass Mayor Lightfoot's Chi Biz Strong relief package.

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia testified in support of the ordinance at the City Council meeting earlier this week. "By taking these next steps to address the needs of our hospitality industry, the City Council will help revive our industry, and ensure we maintain our status as the culinary capital of the United States," said Toia.

Some of the provisions that support the restaurant and hospitality industry include:

• Licensee Relief: To support small businesses as we move towards recovery, the city will provide over $10M in targeted grants for businesses citywide that have been particularly impacted by the pandemic. 

• Debt Relief: Businesses are unable to renew licenses if they owe City debt. To get businesses back in operation quickly, the city will enable all businesses to enter into payment plans with affordable down payments.  

• Third Party Delivery Fees: The ordinance reinstates the 15% cap on delivery fees that third party delivery services can charge onto restaurants until 180 days after there are no pandemic-related restrictions.

• Expedited Restaurant Licensing: The city will create an expedited food licensing process to help fill our empty restaurant spaces quickly and enable an estimated 1,000+ new restaurants to open up to 14 days sooner. 

• Cocktails to Go: The ordinance affirms that restaurants and bars can continue to sell cocktails to go.

We thank Mayor Lightfoot, her administration, and members of the City Council for working with the IRA and other stakeholders to bolster the restaurant industry across the city.

Performance Foodservice Now IRA Platinum Corporate Sponsor

The IRA would like to welcome Performance Foodservice as our newest Platinum Corporate Sponsor.

Previously a Silver Corporate Sponsor of the Association, Performance Foodservice delivers over 200,000 products to more than 125,000 customers. Their premium brands and unique products are sourced from around the world to ensure superior quality. Beyond food, they guarantee high-quality culinary equipment, as well as non-food items such as tableware and cleaning supplies.

We greatly appreciate Performance Foodservice's commitment to the Association and our industry as a whole.

To learn more about Performance Foodservice and solutions they can offer your business, please email PFSChicagoSalesSupport@pfgc.com.

Cook County Budget Preview - No New Tax Increases Expected

This week, the IRA attended a budget briefing with President Preckwinkle's office and the Cook County Department of Budget and Management Services.

The budget forecast for next year projects a roughly $121 million gap for the upcoming fiscal year with no new taxes, fines or fees. Asked if county residents could see new versions of those revenue sources — or increases in existing ones - President Preckwinkle said “not at this time.”

Cook County is also in the process of developing a responsible, comprehensive, and equitable spending plan for the nearly $1 billion it will receive from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). A final spending plan is set to be released in October.

Click here to review the budget forecast from Cook County. Click here to read more from Chicago Sun-Times.

SBA Update on RRF Payments, Fund Almost Exhausted

Get the latest intel and perspective in today’s NRA 90-Second Update.

As you know, legislation is pending in Congress to provide an additional $60 billion in funding for the RRF. If you haven’t weighed in with your Senators, please do so using this link.  Securing more bipartisan cosponsors on the bill signals to Washington leaders that finishing the mission of the RRF is a needed priority for restaurants.

Remembering Camerino Gonzalez, Founder of Los Comales

Camerino Gonzalez, an icon in Chicago’s Hispanic business community, has died at the age of 82. Founder of the Los Comales restaurant, Camerino was a living example of the entrepreneurial heart of “La Villita.”

He opened the first restaurant in 1973 on 26th Street in Little Village. Poles and Mexicans filled the neighborhood, and he quickly touched the palate of his customers with the flavors and style of tacos from the Distrito Federal in Mexico, from which he emigrated at a very early age. Today, 48 years later, Los Comales restaurant has become a small chain with 17 locations throughout Chicago, the suburbs, and in Milwaukee.

Click here to read more from Negocios Now.

Sam Toia on Labor Shortages in Restaurants

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recently spoke with the Associated Press (AP) about ongoing labor shortages facing restaurants around the country. Sam noted the need for expanded work visa programs in order to create a new pipeline of employees.

Click here to read more from the AP.

Gioia Ristorante & Pastificio Set to Open Saturday

Located in the West Loop, Gioia is officially opening this weekend after three years of planning. Chef Federico Comacchio and the Learco Restaurant Group have worked diligently to make Gioia Ristorante & Pastificio a success. Mary Kay Bonoma, IRA Executive Vice President, and Chef/Owner Federico Comacchio celebrated the opening Thursday evening, Salute!

Click here to visit their website.

On Demand - Webinar on Marketing Tips from Google and Your Tourism & Beverage Brand Partners

Thank you to everyone that attended and our panelists from Google, Kimpton Gray Hotel, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Illinois for joining yesterday's webinar providing online and in-house ideas for leveraging tools and partners to market your business.

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

Click here to watch the webinar recording. Click here to download the slide presentation.

Madison County Seeking New Cafeteria Operator

Madison County officials are looking to find a new restaurant to operate its cafeteria space that has recently become vacant. Challenge Unlimited, who has operated in the space the past four years, and opted not to renew its lease.

The county will be seeking request for proposals and will hold a pre-bid conference on Tuesday, June 29 at 9:00 a.m.. Sealed bibs will be accepted no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 9.

As part of the lease agreement, the county will provide the operator space, kitchen equipment and utilities. Other amenities will also be included, but the operator will be required to cover the cost of its own telephone service, provide insurance coverage, as well as other terms.

Click here to review the RFP.