The Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) is the largest, most active resource for the restaurant, bar and hospitality industry of Illinois. In addition to legislative advocacy, we provide access to cost saving programs, networking events, referrals, educational seminars and webinars, marketing opportunities, certification classes, and a distinguished board of nationally-recognized restaurant and food service companies.

Membership in the IRA gives you access to:

Advocacy

The IRA has achieved countless successes in recent years through our nonstop advocacy efforts. We work with our members and elected officials to successfully protect the interests of the restaurant industry in Illinois on various legislative and regulatory issues. 

The IRA works 24/7 to protect and support restaurants so they can survive now and thrive in the future. The Association has achieved the below results on behalf of the restaurant and hospitality industry.. 

• Passage of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) 

  The IRA worked alongside the National Restaurant Association and state restaurant associations around the country to pass the $28.6B Restaurant Relief Fund (RRF) into law in early 2021. We are continue to advocate for Congress to replenish the Fund as soon as possible. 

• Reopening Restaurants/Bars/Events with Pragmatic Regulations

  The Association worked tirelessly to reopen restaurants with pragmatic regulations and remains in constant communication with local and state leaders and public health officials to maintain safe indoor dining and events. 

• Industry Fixes in Paycheck Protection Program

  The IRA worked alongside the National Restaurant Association to urge Congress to make necessary reforms to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including: extension of the loan covered period from 8 weeks to 24-weeks, additional loan forgiveness eligibility if at least 60% of the loan is used on payroll (instead of 75%), and more.

• Streamlining Outdoor Dining Options and Permits

  The IRA worked with Governor Pritzker and the state of Illinois to allow for expanded outdoor dining options for restaurants and bars during Phase III of Restore Illinois. The city of Chicago also now allows for expanded outdoor dining permits and extended sidewalk cafes.
  

• Cocktails to Go

  The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation that allows for the sale of cocktails to go and for delivery. This pragmatic law change was the direct result of IRA advocacy alongside the Cocktails for Hope initiative. 

• Alcohol Carry Out and Delivery Sales

  During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRA successfully petitioned the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to allow for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits for carry out and delivery from restaurants and bars. 

• Allowing Flexibility Between Retailers and Alcohol Distributors

  Our Association collaborated with the ILCC and liquor distributors to temporarily suspend the state’s retailer delinquency list, and allow for additional payment flexibility between restaurants and distributors.

• Pro Bono Consultant Networks for Restaurants

  The IRA has enlisted a dedicated group of attorneys and architects that are offering pro bono assistance to restaurant operators. These free resources further establish the IRA as the go-to resource for restaurant reopening questions and guidance.

• Capping Fees, Ensuring Transparency from Delivery Services

  The IRA advocated for a temporary cap on fees that third party delivery services can charge onto restaurants in Chicago. In 2020, the city of Chicago took regulatory action due to IRA efforts that requires third party delivery services to fully disclose the fees charged to customers and restaurants on each transaction. This measure creates needed transparency and more fair competition in the delivery space.

• Cutting Chicago Sidewalk Cafe Fees

  The IRA worked with Mayor Lightfoot and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) to cut sidewalk cafe fees in Chicago by 75% and streamline the process for operators to obtain necessary permits for expanded outdoor dining. 

• Deferred Business Taxes in Chicago and Cook County

  The IRA requested and secured several business tax deferrals from local authorities, including deferred alcohol and amusement taxes in Cook County, and deferred restaurant, parking, and amusement taxes in the city of Chicago. 

• Even more IRA Legislative Victories

• Secured restaurant-friendly concessions and exemptions in Chicago's Fair Workweek ordinance
• Protected tip credit and ensured reasonable minimum wage increases in the city of Chicago, Cook County, and state of Illinois
• Repeal of the Cook County soda tax
• Brought happy hour back to Illinois
• Secured restaurant exemption from the Chicago bag tax

Discounts on Certification Classes and Training Products

Discounted tuition rates available to IRA Members for ServSafe Food Service Sanitation Manager, Food Handler, Alcohol/BASSET, and Allergen certification classes. Monthly classes held at the IRA office in English and Spanish. Private on-site classes available for groups of 10 or more.

Cost Savings Through IRA Endorsed Programs

Through IRA Endorsed Programs, suppliers to the foodservice industry offer valuable members-only savings on everyday expenses, such as: health care, music licensing, credit card and payroll processing, energy bills, insurance, uniforms, and more.

Educational Seminars and Webinars 

The IRA hosts a variety of webinars and seminars on pressing issues facing our industry, such as staffing and hiring, revamping indoor/outdoor spaces, menu profitability, mental health supports, labor and employment liabilities, and much more. All past webinars can be watched on demand here. 

Expert Referrals

Membership provides access to industry experts in a variety of fields from HR, law, food safety, PR, insurance, accounting, and more.

Membership Events

The IRA regularly hosts an array of membership events including several mixers, roundtables and Meet the Experts, which features top hospitality leaders for one-on-one speed coaching and power networking sessions. Each year, the IRA also hosts our Annual Golf Outing and Chef’s Table fundraiser, which bring together hundreds of industry professionals to raise money for the Association and Educational Foundation.

Connections to the Next Generation of Culinary Leaders

IRA members can mentor and hire ProStart® students through the IRA Educational Foundation (IRAEF). ProStart® is a national, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders.

Interested in Joining?

Review our Member Dues Structure Below:

• Operator Member Dues
• Associate Member Dues
• Student & Faculty Member Dues