On February 27th, the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting at the Union League Club of Chicago. The afternoon included the installation of new Officers, the Board of Directors as well as the appointment of Steven Hartenstein, Creator and Owner, Lucca Osteria and Bar, to serve as Chair of the Board. During the annual luncheon, Sam Toia, President & CEO, IRA, welcomed the Honorable Don Harmon, Illinois Senate President, 39th District, for a keynote address. The IRA also named its annual award recipients in three categories, including Chef Erick Williams, Founder, Virtue Hospitality Group, as the 2023 Restaurateur of the Year.
The Annual Meeting served as a moment for the restaurant community to share its vision for the future. Remarks centered on the Association’s recent efforts to protect, promote, educate, and advance the industry.
In his keynote address, Harmon touched on the contributions that restaurants make throughout the state. He made clear that there is a need to support restaurants just as they support their communities. "Now more than ever, restaurants play a vital role in the economic health of our communities. I appreciate the advocacy that the Illinois Restaurant Association does on behalf of these small businesses throughout the great state of Illinois,” Harmon said.
During the luncheon, Toia welcomed key leadership. “I am proud to introduce Steven Hartenstein as the next Chair of the Board of the Illinois Restaurant Association,” said Toia. “Steven has a long history of service to our community. He is the consummate teammate and never misses an opportunity to assist his fellow operator. Few others match his passion and his service. We will benefit greatly from his foresight and leadership.”
Prior to opening Lucca Osteria & Bar, Hartenstein held an executive position with Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants for nearly 30 years. In his earlier career, he worked with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and Levy Restaurants in addition to several other restaurants. He currently serves on the advisory boards of A Safe Haven Foundation, DePaul University’s Hospitality and Sports Business Board, Fra Noi, and the Magnificent Mile Association. He recently began his own 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization called Lucca Charities.
“There has never been a more critical moment for our industry,” said Hartenstein. “It’s imperative that we navigate the current headwinds with a shared sense of purpose and pride, strengthened by our unwavering resolve. The future of our industry relies on it.”
The IRA also recognized the efforts of the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), which has awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarships and has provided over $292,500 in IRA Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund grants to 569 food service workers in need.
The Association named its annual award recipients. Honorees included:
Restaurateur of the Year was awarded to Chef Erick Williams, Founder, Virtue Hospitality Group, for his advocacy for the restaurant industry, mentorship, and the recently launched Virtue Leadership Development Program, a not-for-profit incubator created to serve as a vehicle to equip local young adults of color with the necessary skills to learn value-driven entrepreneurship through training at Virtue restaurant.
Vendor of the Year was awarded to Ecolab for its impact on the future of the workforce. Ecolab’s donations enable the IRAEF to provide ProStart high school students with scholarships and resources, guiding them towards successful careers in hospitality. Ecolab has been a sponsor of Chicago Gourmet since 2019 and a Silver Sponsor of the Illinois Restaurant Association since 2022. Adam Barrons, Senior Corporate Account Manager, accepted the award and was recognized for serving on the IRA’s Advisory Council and as the First Vice Chair of the IRAEF Board of Directors.
Sara Rowe ProStart® Company of the Year was awarded to the Terlato Wine Group for its outstanding support. Anthony Terlato II accepted the award on behalf of the company. In addition to donating over $40,000 to the IRAEF, Terlato serves on IRAEF Board of Trustees, actively engages with students and instructors in local high schools, and has supported the Employee Relief Fund.
On February 27th, the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting at the Union League Club of Chicago. The afternoon included the installation of new Officers, the Board of Directors as well as the appointment of Steven Hartenstein, Creator and Owner, Lucca Osteria and Bar, to serve as Chair of the Board. During the annual luncheon, Sam Toia, President & CEO, IRA, welcomed the Honorable Don Harmon, Illinois Senate President, 39th District, for a keynote address. The IRA also named its annual award recipients in three categories, including Chef Erick Williams, Founder, Virtue Hospitality Group, as the 2023 Restaurateur of the Year.
The Annual Meeting served as a moment for the restaurant community to share its vision for the future. Remarks centered on the Association’s recent efforts to protect, promote, educate, and advance the industry.
In his keynote address, Harmon touched on the contributions that restaurants make throughout the state. He made clear that there is a need to support restaurants just as they support their communities. "Now more than ever, restaurants play a vital role in the economic health of our communities. I appreciate the advocacy that the Illinois Restaurant Association does on behalf of these small businesses throughout the great state of Illinois,” Harmon said.
During the luncheon, Toia welcomed key leadership. “I am proud to introduce Steven Hartenstein as the next Chair of the Board of the Illinois Restaurant Association,” said Toia. “Steven has a long history of service to our community. He is the consummate teammate and never misses an opportunity to assist his fellow operator. Few others match his passion and his service. We will benefit greatly from his foresight and leadership.”
Prior to opening Lucca Osteria & Bar, Hartenstein held an executive position with Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants for nearly 30 years. In his earlier career, he worked with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and Levy Restaurants in addition to several other restaurants. He currently serves on the advisory boards of A Safe Haven Foundation, DePaul University’s Hospitality and Sports Business Board, Fra Noi, and the Magnificent Mile Association. He recently began his own 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization called Lucca Charities.
“There has never been a more critical moment for our industry,” said Hartenstein. “It’s imperative that we navigate the current headwinds with a shared sense of purpose and pride, strengthened by our unwavering resolve. The future of our industry relies on it.”
The IRA also recognized the efforts of the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), which has awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarships and has provided over $292,500 in IRA Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund grants to 569 food service workers in need.
The Association named its annual award recipients. Honorees included:
Restaurateur of the Year was awarded to Chef Erick Williams, Founder, Virtue Hospitality Group, for his advocacy for the restaurant industry, mentorship, and the recently launched Virtue Leadership Development Program, a not-for-profit incubator created to serve as a vehicle to equip local young adults of color with the necessary skills to learn value-driven entrepreneurship through training at Virtue restaurant.
Vendor of the Year was awarded to Ecolab for its impact on the future of the workforce. Ecolab’s donations enable the IRAEF to provide ProStart high school students with scholarships and resources, guiding them towards successful careers in hospitality. Ecolab has been a sponsor of Chicago Gourmet since 2019 and a Silver Sponsor of the Illinois Restaurant Association since 2022. Adam Barrons, Senior Corporate Account Manager, accepted the award and was recognized for serving on the IRA’s Advisory Council and as the First Vice Chair of the IRAEF Board of Directors.
Sara Rowe ProStart® Company of the Year was awarded to the Terlato Wine Group for its outstanding support. Anthony Terlato II accepted the award on behalf of the company. In addition to donating over $40,000 to the IRAEF, Terlato serves on IRAEF Board of Trustees, actively engages with students and instructors in local high schools, and has supported the Employee Relief Fund.
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