The restaurant and bar community formed the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) to save the independent restaurants and bars and the 11 million people we employ — and the 5 million workers up and down the supply chain — who are affected by COVID-19. The IRC was founded on the simple belief that our small businesses have the power to affect legislative change if we unite our voices. 

We continue to fight to create meaningful change for independent restaurants and bars nationwide by providing strong advocacy centered on making sure that independent businesses are being seen, heard and supported by federal policy makers. In 2023 our priorities include changing immigration policy, advocating for antitrust policies, fighting unfair credit card fees, seeking financial assistance for those who did not receive the RRF and much more. 

Our purpose is to build a sustainable future for independent restaurateurs, their employees, and the communities they support. Being independent shouldn’t mean being alone. We believe independent restaurateurs deserve a voice that’s heard, collaborators who care, a roadmap to resources, and the potential for profit. To do this work, we engage inclusively, collaborate generously, educate tirelessly, and advocate loudly.  We hope you'll join us.

The IRC is a  nonprofit corporation with tax-exempt recognition under Section(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.