What's Hot Forecast, ETS Update, Expanded Outdoor Dining into 2022

ETS Vaccine Mandate Status Update

As noted in previous updates, multiple legal challenges have been filed in Federal Circuit Court (FCC) against the federal vaccine mandate for employers with more than 100 employees.

As a result, a lottery was held to determine which Circuit Court would hear the argument. Yesterday afternoon, the 6th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals was announced as the winner of the lottery. The 6th Circuit is located in Ohio, and is made up of 11 Republican and 5 Democratic-appointed judges. It is expected that all pending cases will be quickly consolidated in the coming days and the court will issue a nationwide permanent injunction blocking OSHA from implementing the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for now. This is not a guarantee that the ETS will be struck down or upheld, it is simply the next step in the legal process.

Until the 6th Federal Circuit Court issues a ruling, the operations of your business will remain status quo in regards to vaccination and testing of employees. The IRA continues to encourage impacted employers to strategize on how to implement a potential mandate, but not commit significant resources until after a 6th Circuit ruling. As additional information becomes available, we will keep you updated. 

Click here for a breakdown of the current ETS from the National Restaurant Association.

What's Hot 2022 Culinary Forecast Now Available

Yesterday, the National Restaurant Association released the What’s Hot 2022 Culinary Forecast. The report returns to its pre-pandemic glory, and takes a look at next year’s hottest food, beverage and off-menu trends.

There were plenty of new trends topping the list this year: foods that are believed to boost the immune system; alternative sweeteners; globally inspired salads, even upscale potato chips in unexpected flavors. But the list wouldn’t be complete without trends we expected to be perennial favorites, like off-premises packaging.

The Association partnered with the professional chefs of the American Culinary Federation, inviting them to review and rank—as Hot, Not Hot and Perennial Favorite—more than 100 food items and culinary concepts identified by the Association and Technomic’s Menu Research & Insights Division.

Click here to download the free report.

Expanded Outdoor Dining Through 2022, Reduced Sidewalk Cafe Permit Fee Ordinance Introduced

Earlier today, Mayor Lightfoot, BACP Acting Commissioner Kenneth Meyer, CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi, and DCASE Acting Commissioner Erin Harkey introduced an ordinance to extend the city's Expanded Outdoor Dining Program through 2022. The ordinance introduced today would also continue a 75% reduction in fees for sidewalk cafe permit applications.

The Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit allows establishments with valid Retail Food Establishment, Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity liquor licenses to temporarily expand operations into the public way or other private property (i.e., parking lots and open space). The permit is good for up to 180 days, as long as the restaurant follows all rules and guidelines. In 2021, 179 Expanded Outdoor Dining Permits were issued representing 303 establishments, with 100 of those operating on private property throughout the City.

The IRA has been advocating for an extension of the program and continued reduction of fees for sidewalk cafes, which will help stimulate outdoor dining year-round. We commend the Mayor and Commissioners for taking further action to support Chicago's restaurant community.

Click here to read the full announcement.

Webinar Next Tuesday - Maximizing Sales & Savings for Restaurants Over the Holidays

Join the IRA and panelists from Sysco, Heartland, and restaurant operator Farm Bar next Tuesday, November 23 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar providing seasonal cost saving and revenue generating ideas on everything from ordering, to technology, to trends for guest experiences.

Learn ways restaurant operators can save money as well as new ideas for generating revenue now

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.

Burrito Beach Opens Seventh Location in Lincoln Park

Congratulations to IRA Immediate Past Chairman Greg Schulson of Burrito Beach on the opening of their newest location in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Established in Chicago in 1995, Burrito Beach has been successfully serving up its distinct style of toasted burrito, taco, nacho, quesadilla, and bowl creations packed with exceptional ingredients for 26 years.

As this new outpost has opened just ahead of the holiday season, the Burrito Beach team is also pleased to announce that it will take this opportunity to start giving back to the local community. Beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 26th, holiday shoppers and locals alike can take part in this effort. Through the end of the year on Friday, December 31st, $1 from every Burrito Magnífico sold at the Lincoln Park Burrito Beach location will go to benefit Lincoln Park Community Services, a celebrated local organization that brings communities together to empower individuals facing homelessness and poverty to secure stable housing and make sustainable life changes.
 
Visit burritobeach.com or contact info@burritobeach.com for more information about the Lincoln Park location, Burrito Beach catering, and more.

Hospitality Meet and Greet with Senator Mike Simmons

Restaurant and hospitality professionals are invited to join Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons (7th) for a Hospitality Industry Meet and Greet tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, November 18 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Urban Brew Labs.

Contact senatormikesimmons@gmail.com for more information or to RSVP.