Illinois Restaurant Association

08/21/2026

We’re proud to highlight the businesses that open their doors to students and help prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Thank you to Ms. Tittle's Cupcakes for supporting students and investing in our community! 💙

08/20/2026

👋 Meet our new IRA member: Sanders BBQ Supply CO!

We’re proud to have Sanders BBQ Supply Co. in the Illinois Restaurant Association, bringing authentic, wood-smoked BBQ and a true smokehouse experience to Chicago's South Side. 🤝

📍 Learn more at https://sandersbbqsupply.com/

🌟 Want to connect with industry leaders?

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

08/20/2026

Past and future IRA chairs joined special guest Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza at a Cubs vs. White Sox game this week, bringing IRA leadership together for an evening of baseball and camaraderie.

Former IRA Chair Grant DePorter graciously hosted the event, while Former IRA Chair Sam Sanchez hosted a pre-game gathering.

08/20/2026

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Amundsen Davis, LLC, and the Cook County Source for a practical session on tip pooling requirements under federal and Illinois law. Learn common compliance pitfalls, best practices, and steps restaurant operators can take to reduce risk and avoid costly claims.

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Time: 10:00AM CT

Register:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WblRjSmPRdOqY1RK7iEQYw

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Amundsen Davis, and the Cook County Small Business Source for a practical session on tip pooling requirements under federal and Illinois law. Learn common compliance pitfalls, best practices, and steps restaurant operators can take to reduce risk and avoid c...

08/19/2026

👋 Meet our IRA member: Heytruffle!

We’re proud to have heytruffle in the Illinois Restaurant Association, helping local hospitality businesses. 🤝

📍 Learn more at https://heytruffle.ai/ -choose-us

🌟 Want to connect with industry leaders?

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

08/19/2026

🍦🎉 100 years of sweet memories!

Happy 100th anniversary to The Original Rainbow Cone, a true Chicago icon and Illinois favorite.

For a century, generations have gathered to enjoy those colorful, delicious cones and we’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.

Here’s to 100 years of tradition, joy, and scoops of happiness! 🌈🍦

08/18/2026

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Laner Muchin Law, Harper, Cook County Source, and The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois for an informative Employment Law Roundtable designed for small business owners.

Bring your employment law questions, hear from legal experts, and connect with fellow small business owners.

Date: Wednesday, August 26
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: El Cid, 2645 N Kedzie, Chicago IL 60647

Register:

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Laner Muchin Law, and the Cook County Small Business Source for an informative Employment Law Roundtable designed for small business owners.

08/17/2026

Cheers to our incredible 2026 IRA Annual Golf Classic sponsors! ⛳️👏

Your support helps make events like Summer Camp Swing possible, bringing together restaurant operators and associate members to build connections, grow relationships and strengthen Illinois’ restaurant industry.

Thank you for showing up for our industry and helping make this year’s Golf Classic one to remember!

Want to get more involved with the Illinois restaurant community?

Join the IRA and become part of a network that brings our industry together by clicking https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/page/BenefitsServices

And if you missed this year’s sponsorship opportunities, keep an eye out for what’s next! 👀

08/14/2026

Recapping last week’s 2026 IRA Annual Golf Classic: Summer Camp Swing! ⛳️☀️

From great swings to even better conversations, the Golf Classic brought together restaurant operators and associate members for a day of networking, relationship-building and fun.

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors and golfers for making this event such a success and a special shoutout to our Presenting Sponsors, 1800 Tequila and DoorDash!

Events like this are just one of the ways IRA membership helps connect and strengthen Illinois’ restaurant community. Ready to get involved?

Become an IRA member today https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/page/BenefitsServices

08/13/2026

👋 Meet our IRA member: Pilot Project Brewing!

Pilot Project Brewing is a Chicago-born brewery, tasting room, restaurant, and beverage incubator dedicated to helping talented brewers bring their ideas to life. 🍻✨ Through recipe R&D, production scaling, marketing, distribution, and more, Pilot Project provides a launch pad for emerging breweries while creating vibrant spaces for the community to gather and enjoy craft beverages.

📍 Learn more at pilotprojectbrewing.com

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

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