Liz Lombardo Stark named IRA Chair as industry celebrates big wins

Chicago’s hospitality industry gathered in force at the Union League Club on Jan. 29 as the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) hosted its 2026 Annual Meeting, installing new leadership, celebrating legislative victories, and honoring standout figures shaping the future of dining across the state. At the center of the afternoon’s momentum was Liz Lombardo Stark of Gibsons Restaurant Group, officially appointed Chair of the IRA Board of Directors for 2026, a role that places one of Chicago hospitality’s most respected next-generation leaders at the forefront of the industry’s advocacy and growth.

The event also included a keynote address from Governor JB Pritzker, recognition of industry award recipients and an overview of major policy wins achieved over the past year under the leadership of IRA President and CEO Sam Toia. But much of the conversation centered on the appointment of Lombardo Stark, whose career reflects both deep roots in Chicago’s restaurant legacy and a forward-thinking approach to hospitality operations.

A second-generation leader within the iconic Gibsons Restaurant Group, Lombardo Stark grew up immersed in the restaurant world. Since officially joining the company, she has helped guide the modernization and expansion of beloved destinations including Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, and Quartino Ristorante. Her leadership has also played a critical role in launching major ventures like Gibsons Italia and forging partnerships with global culinary brands, including collaborations with the José Andrés Group.

Beyond operations, Lombardo Stark has built a reputation as a passionate advocate for the broader hospitality community. Having previously served on the IRA Board of Directors, she has contributed to educational and legislative initiatives designed to protect and strengthen restaurants statewide. Toia praised her appointment, noting her blend of operational expertise and heartfelt commitment to hospitality as essential for the industry’s next chapter.

The luncheon also spotlighted the Association’s aggressive advocacy efforts, which have yielded significant wins for restaurant operators. Among them was maintaining the state’s tip credit structure, a move estimated to save businesses between 20 and 40 percent in labor costs. The IRA also successfully kept a proposed “head tax” out of Chicago’s 2026 budget, worked to pause efforts to eliminate Chicago’s tip credit, and pushed forward legislation supporting hemp beverage legalization.

Additional victories included eliminating a proposed $1.50 delivery fee, making cocktails-to-go permanent, legalizing video gaming in Chicago, and banning unauthorized third-party reservation sales, all measures designed to protect restaurant revenue and operations. Toia emphasized that the organization remains committed to protecting operators’ bottom lines while ensuring Illinois remains competitive as a business environment.

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Governor Pritzker’s address highlighted the resilience of the hospitality industry, praising restaurants for their economic and cultural contributions while acknowledging the challenges faced in recent years. He credited restaurant operators and workers for standing together through pandemic disruptions and recent civic challenges, underscoring the industry’s importance to communities across Illinois.

The meeting also celebrated standout talent within the restaurant community, naming Christina Gonzalez of Taqueria Los Comales as Restaurateur of the Year, recognizing her impact and success within Chicago’s vibrant dining landscape.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation continues to expand its reach, having awarded more than $3.6 million in scholarships to support the next generation of hospitality professionals. The organization’s Employee Relief Fund has raised nearly $600,000, distributing over $322,000 in direct grants to food service workers facing hardship.