Staffing Campaign, CPS Culinary Competition, D.C. Updates

Looking to Hire Team Members for the Holidays and Beyond? Post on Social Tomorrow at 10:00 AM!

The IRA recognizes the ongoing staffing challenges that restaurant and hospitality operators around the state have been facing for months. In order to help raise awareness about exciting opportunities available in our industry, we are launching a campaign on social media tomorrow morning to help our members attract team members during the holidays and into 2022.

Here's how you can be engaged:

• Post the above graphic - in English or Spanish - on your personal and company Facebook and Instagram pages tomorrow morning, Thursday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m.
• Customize and include the below caption in your post. If you are holding an open call or request that individuals apply in person, please update the copy to best suit your needs.
  • The restaurant industry continues to rebound, bringing unlimited career opportunities. First jobs, second chances, lifetime paths - we have rewarding positions for everyone this holiday season...and beyond! Our team at (insert restaurant) is hiring for several positions now. (Visit our website at insert website) OR (See link in bio) to begin your new chapter. Please share! #HungryForOppsIL @Tag1 @Tag2 @Tag3
• Tag three industry colleagues in the industry in your post to encourage them to share for their business.

We appreciate you taking a moment tomorrow to help rebuild our workforce by highlighting opportunities available at your establishment.

Congress Returns, Faces Deadline to Avert Government Shutdown

Congressional lawmakers returned to Washington, D.C. this week with a long “to do” list for the rest of the year. The most pressing need is for Congress to avoid a shutdown and fund the government beyond the current Dec. 3 deadline. Congressional leaders are negotiating a short-term continuing resolution (CR), which would fund the government at existing levels until a longer-term spending agreement can be reached. Republican lawmakers are inclined to let the CR run longer, as the previous Administration’s negotiated spending levels would remain intact during that timeframe. Democrats want a shorter-term CR so they can more readily put their spending priorities in place. Unfortunately, the CR is expected to be limited, making the inclusion of Restaurant Revitalization Funds unlikely.

In addition to government spending, Congress will focus on passing defense authorization, an increase in the debt limit, and the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). Timing on the BBBA remains in question, as Democrats have not reached a final agreement within their caucus on what to include in a BBBA, and when such a bill may reach a floor vote in the Senate.

Spaces Available for Restaurants to Attend CPS Culinary Competition

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Culinary Program is excited to host its first annual culinary competition on Saturday, December 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Roberto Clemente Community Academy. The competition's goal is to re-engage and excite students (and families) about culinary arts with a bit of friendly competition, along with hosting a post-secondary and industry fair.  

There are still spaces available for restaurants to attend the industry fair to connect with students and potential employees. Each company/restaurant will have a 4x4 table on the first floor lobby to talk with the competitors, families, and other CPS students throughout the day.

If you are interested in attending, click here to complete the registration link. If you or one of your colleagues are also interested in judging the competition, please indicate on the registration form. 

Last Day to Complete End of Year Survey

The IRA and National Restaurant Association have launched our last restaurant operator survey of the year. The results and data we receive from this survey will be critical to our continued advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

If you haven't done so already, please take a few minutes today to complete the survey. The survey closes at the end of today.

Action Needed on ERTC - Sign Our Petition

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) has been a critical recovery tool for thousands of restaurants. But as we move closer to the end of the year, too many restaurants have yet to see their refund checks from the IRS.

Click here to sign our petition to get the ERTC process moving and to protect vulnerable restaurants who will soon be due for January tax payments.

Watch On Demand - Boosting Restaurant Sales and Savings Webinar

Thank you to everyone that attended and our panelists from Sysco, Heartland, and Farmheads for joining our recent webinar that provided seasonal cost saving and revenue generating ideas on everything from ordering, to technology, to trends for guest experiences.

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