Bringing People and Businesses Together.

Join Us.

We help the hospitality industry thrive. Period. The Illinois Restaurant Association is the largest, most active resource for the Restaurant, Bar and Hospitality Industry in the State 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, hospitality and bar operators. We ensure that you stay connected to the pulse of the industry.

Just The Facts

Who Joins the Illinois Restaurant Association?

The IRA is a community of hospitality businesses -- trusted peers and thought leaders dedicated to the growth and advancement of the restaurant, bar, and hospitality industry in Illinois.

Operator Members include: Restaurants of all types (chef driven concepts, fine dining, fast casual, independent, etc.), as well as bars, event venues, food trucks, caterers, banquet halls, airport concessions, and more.

Associate Members include: Product and service suppliers, distributors, lawyers, accountants, tech companies, insurance brokers, and more.

What Reasons Do Members Join?

The Illinois Restaurant Association is the largest, most active resource for the Restaurant, Bar and Hospitality Industry in the State of Illinois. Members join for a number of reasons including:

• Advocacy and Representation
• Industry Updates and Resources
• Networking Opportunities
• Training and Educational Programs
• Discounts and Preferred Pricing
• Marketing Support and Recognition

There is strength in numbers - joining IRA pledges your support to the food service and restaurant industry.

Why Do Businesses Find Membership Valuable and Continue to Renew?

Joining the Illinois Restaurant Association is good for business. Your business. Members have access to essential operating benefits such as:

• DISCOUNTS ON CERTIFICATION CLASSES AND TRAINING PRODUCTS - The IRA offers mandated food safety and responsible alcohol certification trainings with tuition discounts available for IRA. For more information, visit IRA Certification Classes & Training.


• DUAL NRA/IRA MEMBERSHIP - Membership in the Illinois Restaurant Association includes a membership in the National Restaurant Association.


• 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. For more information, visit IRA Endorsed Programs.


• EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND WEBINARS - The IRA hosts a variety of webinars and seminars on pressing issues facing our industry.


• 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 from small gatherings to extravagant festivals. There are also many committees to become a part of.


• CONNECTIONS TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF CULINARY LEADERS - IRA members can mentor and hire ProStart® students through the IRA Educational Foundation (IRAEF).

For over 100 years, it has been the mission of the Illinois Restaurant Association to provide unparalleled support for our members, and to strengthen our industry now and in the future.

The Illinois Restaurant Association is the resource and the voice on issues that matter to your business. Become a member and take advantage of everything IRA has to offer.

View our 2025 IRA brochure here.