RRF Poster, Latest on Masks, Scholarship Opportunities

Share RRF Poster at Your Restaurant

In order to help engage your customers on replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), the IRA and National Restaurant Association have created a QR code poster that make it easy to send our grassroots letter to Congress.

All you have to do is print and post the sign at your business. A customer can scan the QR code with their phone’s camera and link to the letter.

We appreciate your continued engagement as we advocate to replenish RRF.

Update on Mask, Proof of Vaccination Requirements in Chicago and Cook County

Last week, Governor Pritzker announced plans to end the state's mask mandate, effective Monday, February 28.

The IRA continues to urge city of Chicago and Cook County officials to align with the state and rescind their respective mask and proof of vaccination requirements on Monday, February 28. Additional updates are expected in coming days, and we will share the latest developments as soon as they are available.

Click here to read more from Block Club Chicago.

Register Now for Virtual Springfield Lobby Day

Registration is now open to join the IRA for our rescheduled Virtual Springfield Lobby Day on the afternoon of Monday, February 28.

We will be meeting with leaders in the Illinois General Assembly to discuss issues of importance to the restaurant, hospitality, and tourism industries, including the need for enhanced relief for struggling small businesses.

Registration is complimentary, and the schedule of meetings will be made available closer to the event.

Click here to register, and contact Matt Quinn for more information.

Applications Now Open for $1 Million in NRAEF Scholarships and Grants

Between now and March 15, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) will be accepting applications for more than $1 million in scholarships and grants available to individuals pursuing a secondary degree in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry.

NRAEF scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000 and can be used towards tuition and fees, books, room and board, as well as other school-related expenses. Scholarships are available to anyone pursuing higher education in a restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality-related field.

The deadline to apply is March 15, and applications can be completed through the NRAEF’s online portal.

IRA on Status of the Industry, Changing Mandates for Masks and Vaccinations

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recently spoke with WGN and Crain's Chicago Business about the restaurant industry's status mid winter, and how businesses should navigate changing mask and vaccination requirements.

Read more from Crain's Chicago Business and watch the segment from WGN.

Meeting with Rep. Lakesia Collins on Hospitality Issues

Last week, the IRA met with state Representative Lakesia Collins (9th) and restaurateurs throughout her district to discuss the challenges facing the restaurant and hospitality community and how the Illinois General Assembly can help.

Throughout the year, the IRA regularly hosts meeting with local and state elected officials through out Illinois Kitchen Cabinet program. Contact Matt Quinn to learn more.

Super Bowl Brings Needed Boost to Restaurants and Bars

CBS2 Chicago recently highlighted how local restaurants and bars saw a much-needed boost in sales and foot traffic from the Super Bowl.

“A day like Super Bowl Sunday, Saint Patrick's Day, New Year’s Eve, start up some of your top five busiest days of the year,” said Sam Toia, IRA President & CEO.

Click here to read more.

This Thursday - Webinar on New DOL Dual Jobs Final Rule and What It Means for Restaurants

The U.S. Department of Labor's new dual jobs or "80/20 rule" regulation is now in effect. Operators can no longer take a tip credit for the time employees spend on tasks considered “directly supporting work” that exceeds 20% of the workweek or 30 continuous minutes.

Join the National Restaurant Law Center for a webinar Thursday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m. (Central) to discuss with this means for restaurants and updates on pending litigation on this issue.

Click here to register.