Send a Message on RRF, Survey Data, Technical Assistance for Back to Business Grants

Latest Customer Survey and Letter to Congress, Take Action to Replenish RRF

Today, the National Restaurant Association, IRA and other state restaurant association partners sent a letter to Congressional leadership, sharing concerning new consumer confidence survey findings and urging swift replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).

Our industry is already under financial strains, rising labor costs, workforce shortages, increased food and supply prices, capacity restrictions and mounting debt. This challenge is particularly tough on the 177,000 restaurants still awaiting grants from the depleted Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) - 11,132 of whom are located in the state of Illinois. The positive growth many restaurants have had in recent months is in danger of being wiped away.

We need you to contact our Illinois Congressional delegation to urge them to replenish RRF. This task could take weeks – possibly months, so we need to be focused and vocal now. Even if you have received an RRF grant, we need to come together as an industry and speak with one voice on behalf of all operators who are suffering. 

Click here to watch a 90 second video update from the National Restaurant Association.

Signage Required, Chicago and Cook County Now Require Masks in All Indoor Public Places

The city of Chicago and Cook County now require masks in indoor public settings for all persons over 2 years old - regardless of vaccination status.

All businesses are required to post face covering signage at their establishments. Download signage for Chicago and Cook County.

The IRA has developed a graphic template for businesses in Chicago or Cook County to add to your touchless menus in order to remind customers of local mask requirements.

WBEZ Segment on Mask Requirements, Vaccines, Replenishing RRF

IRA President & CEO joined WBEZ to discuss the status of the restaurant industry, reactions to mask requirements, the need to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), operational challenges at restaurants, and more.

Listen to the full segment here and here.

Technical Assistance Available for Back to Business Grant Applications

The application portal for the state's $250M Back to Business grant program is now open.

The IRA and Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance program can provide free technical assistance to small businesses seeking to apply for Back to Business grants. Click here to learn more and sign up for one on one assistance.

Click here to review the program FAQ. Click here to review the documents required to apply.

Click here to watch the IRA's webinar from last week with DCEO and the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development on Back to Business grants, who is eligible, and how to apply.

IRA Statement on Rahm Emanuel Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Japan

The IRA applauds the nomination of Rahm Emanuel by President Biden as the United States Ambassador to Japan. This appointment signals a key moment for the Biden administration as it continues to augment the country’s global profile and bolster relationships with Japan and other countries worldwide. 

Click here to read the full statement.