Illinois Restaurant Association

Illinois Restaurant Association The Illinois Restaurant Association protects, promotes, educates and improves the restaurant industry in Illinois. "Invest in Your People. Protect Your Business.

Advance the Industry."

The hospitality industry is navigating another severe margin squeeze.Recent reporting from the Chicago Sun-Times highlig...
10/10/2026

The hospitality industry is navigating another severe margin squeeze.

Recent reporting from the Chicago Sun-Times highlights how surging diesel fuel costs, reaching historic highs over $7.00/gallon in Chicago are triggering steep delivery surcharges for food and supplies.

Combined with reduced consumer discretionary spending, operators are caught in a difficult spot.

The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to advocate on behalf of our state's operators to address supply chain pressures, support local business resilience, and safeguard the economic engine that is Illinois food service.

The Google Maps Fan-Favorite Dining List is live! 🍽️✨Congrats to the 45 Chicago spots recognized in Google’s first-ever ...
10/08/2026

The Google Maps Fan-Favorite Dining List is live! 🍽️✨

Congrats to the 45 Chicago spots recognized in Google’s first-ever global roundup!

Driven by real reviews, ratings and search trends, local favorites are sharing the spotlight with culinary hotspots from Tokyo to London across categories like celebration spots, good vibes and sweet treats.

Thank you to the incredible chefs, operators and staff keeping Chicago’s dining scene world-class. 👏

Chicago has been named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the 10th year in a row.Nearly 80...
10/07/2026

Chicago has been named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the 10th year in a row.

Nearly 800,000 travelers voted for their favorite places around the globe, and we are humbled to see our city recognized once again.

Our legendary food scene, diverse neighborhoods, and rich culture make Chicago special, but it’s the warmth, dedication and resilience of our hospitality community that truly bring it to life every day.

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Heytruffle, and the Cook County Source for a virtual session on how AI tools c...
10/05/2026

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Heytruffle, and the Cook County Source for a virtual session on how AI tools can help restaurants capture more revenue from the demand they’re already generating.

Lucas Espina, CEO & Co-Founder of Hey Truffle, will share practical strategies for using AI-powered phone answering, reservations, ordering, and catering management to turn more calls and inquiries into booked reservations, orders, and events.

Date: Wednesday, October 7th
Time: 10:00AM CT

Register:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ckz3NBq5S7OOu8Evf9dESg?fbclid=IwY2xjawUwqn1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7xTmE1fOJrFfntCj9x5M3MdPjvgk9wxKAUVVSeOZhYlFtu-SYiROQ1SsxcVA_aem_dpuRTrIYbU9TF-Pj8TwkjQ #/registration

10/05/2026

👋 Meet our new IRA member: The Mirage Restaurant!

Located in Schiller Park, The Mirage Restaurant offers a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere where hearty comfort food meets creative culinary flair.

🌟 Want to connect with industry leaders and access exclusive member benefits?

Explore IRA membership and join today:
https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/page/BenefitsServices

10/03/2026

👋 Meet our new IRA member: Angelini & DiLeo Law!

Angelini & DiLeo Law is a premier Chicagoland boutique law firm providing sophisticated legal counsel to business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and families across Cook and DuPage Counties. Bringing the deep expertise of a large firm paired with direct partner access, their team delivers personalized strategies across business law, commercial transactions, corporate litigation, employment law, and family law, protecting what local business leaders have built and what matters most. ⚖️💼

🌟 Want to connect with industry leaders and access exclusive member benefits?

Explore IRA membership and join today:
https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/page/BenefitsServices

10/02/2026

👋 Meet our new IRA member: Gatherset!

Gatherset provides venues and hospitality groups with an AI event coordinator named Diana that streamlines private dining and event bookings. By responding to guest inquiries in minutes, verifying calendar availability, quoting exact package pricing, and filing leads directly into existing CRMs, all with total human approval and control, Gatherset ensures no event inquiry falls through the cracks, day or night. 🍽️️🗓️

🌟 Want to connect with industry leaders and access exclusive member benefits?

Explore IRA membership and join today:
https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/page/BenefitsServices

On behalf of the Illinois Restaurant Association, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees named as 2...
09/30/2026

On behalf of the Illinois Restaurant Association, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees named as 2027 The Banchet Awards Finalists!

The Jean Banchet Awards celebrate the exceptional talent, resilience, and culinary craftsmanship that define our vibrant food and beverage community. We look forward to gathering to celebrate these extraordinary industry professionals.

Discover the technology shaping the future of restaurants at the 2026 IRA Tech Tour on Tuesday, November 10. Hosted by G...
09/30/2026

Discover the technology shaping the future of restaurants at the 2026 IRA Tech Tour on Tuesday, November 10.

Hosted by Google in partnership with the Cook County Source and sponsored by Square, this complimentary event brings together restaurant operators and industry experts to explore new tools, trends, and solutions to help businesses work smarter and grow.

Registration and lunch are complimentary; registration is required.

Register: https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/events/eventdetails.aspx?id=2090056

Address

33 W. Monroe, Suite 250
Chicago, IL
60603

Telephone

+13127874000

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