Input Needed, Hiring Resources, Breast Cancer Screenings

90 Second Federal Update - Survey Input Needed

The National Restaurant Association has released a new 90 Second Update covering the latest from the Hill, status of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and more.

Click here to watch the update.

The SBA recently did one last round of RRF awards, and then formally closed the program. Until Congress adds more funds to the program, the SBA will not award any more RRF grants. 

The SBA released a report detailing RRF awards by state, which can be found here. Overall, roughly one in three applications received funding. Clearly, the need for assistance remains high. Next week, we will release a new fact sheet outlining the industry need for more RRF funds and why Congress needs to step in.

Click here to take a one minute survey to share what content and issues are most important to you.

Reach Hospitality Job Seekers with Culinary Agents - Discount for IRA Members

The IRA has recently formed a new partnership with Culinary Agents, a platform that empowers aspiring and existing hospitality industry talent to easily discover and apply to the best jobs. Culinary Agents also provides a one stop shop for job marketing, recruiting, and employer branding to help businesses hire the best talent. 

With almost 1M registered users across the United States, Culinary Agents supports over 30K hospitality businesses with all levels of front and back of house talent sourcing needs. Their growing community includes all levels of talent as well as restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering, foodservice, schools and organizations of all sizes.

IRA members receive 10% off job posts with Culinary Agents through Tuesday, August 31.

Click here to learn more and sign up today. Contact Christine DeSousa with any questions.

Click here to view the IRA's job board for current opportunities posted through Culinary Agents.

Free Breast Health Testing Available to Industry Workers Through A Silver Lining Foundation

A Silver Lining Foundation’s (ASLF) mission is to provide access to respectful and equal access to cost-free breast health testing through a network of partnerships with community, advocacy and healthcare organizations.

Given the ongoing hardships continuing to face the restaurant and hospitality community due to COVID-19, the IRA and ASLF have partnered to share the availability of these services for industry employees. ASLF works with 15 partner hospitals throughout the greater Chicagoland area, Rockford and Elgin.

If you need breast health testing and are associated with the IRA in any way, reach out to A Silver Lining Foundation at (312) 345-1322 to see if you qualify.

You will be asked the following questions:

• Do you have insurance of any kind at all?

• Do you have insurance, but can't afford the deductible?

• Do you have an order for breast health testing?

Be prepared to give some general information including your address, date of birth, and contact information (phone and email, if you have one). You will not be asked about financial or immigration status.

When we ask how you heard of us, say "RESTAURANT".

The goal of A Silver Lining Foundation is to provide access to potentially lifesaving breast health testing to those in need.

Borderless Magazine on Challenges Facing Immigrant Restaurateurs

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recently spoke with Borderless Magazine about the ongoing challenges facing immigrant restaurateurs and the impact of various grant programs on the hospitality industry.

"The Chicago Hospitality Grant Program provided crucial support to minority- and immigrant-owned restaurants that are cornerstones of our 77 communities," said Toia. "We are now on a path to rebuild the industry, but restaurants still need help.”

Click here to read more from Block Club Chicago.

Sign Up Now - Virtual Run/Walk to End Homelessness

Sign up now for A Safe Haven's 2nd Annual Global Virtual Run/Walk to End Homelessness, taking place Saturday, July 17 through Sunday, July 25. The IRA is a proud Community Partner for this year's event.

Unfortunately, the need to help raise awareness to support the homeless has never been more urgent, because around the world, COVID-19 has caused the homeless numbers to rise at an alarming rate.

Proceeds will go to support helping to prevent and to transform lives from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. 

Click here to learn more.

This Sunday - Let's Talk Womxn Picnic in White

Don't miss out on Let's Talk Womxn Picnic in White this Sunday, July 11 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Millennium Park.

Wear your breezy whites, feast on gourmet $45 curated picnic boxes and cocktails by Chicago's leading women restaurateurs, party with women performers, and enjoy a power soundtrack for the closing event for Taste of Chicago To Go.

Preorders can be made anytime leading up to the event. Click here to learn more.