The Independent Restaurant Coalition was founded on the simple belief that our small businesses have the power to affect legislative change if we unite our voices. We are delighted to offer three classes of membership: Trade Members, Partner Members, and Associate Members. Dues are based on class of membership and business revenue.
The services and products to support our members will evolve over time. Sponsorships are also available, please contact us for more information.
Advocacy: The IRC is the only organization solely dedicated to ensuring that independent restaurants and bars are being supported by our federal policy makers. As a member you determine our legislative priorities.
Cost Savings: The IRC has created multiple partnerships to support members with:
- Discounted Food Handlers & Managers Certification: We're thrilled to work with Always Food Safe, an online based, ANSI accredited training provider that specializes in food safety to ensure that your staff and guests have a safe and positive experience. IRC members receive discounted classes and the opportunity to join a nationwide network of test proctors.
- Employer Sponsored Health Insurance: Thanks to the incredible creativity and diligence of our partners at Marsh McLennan IRC members have access to three different types of programs to improve the medical and mental health of their full time and part time teams.
- Business Insurance: Our partners at Marsh McLennan have extensive experience with hospitality businesses and supporting IRC members with your insurance needs from property to business interruption to liquor and cyber liability.
- Discounts on thousands of leading brands: IRC members and their teams will have access to the largest member discount program in the world offering savings through exclusive discounts on leading brands. From fitness to flights, car rentals to clothing, electronics to entertainment, utilizing this marketplace saves consumers an average of over $4000 per year.
Community: Our coalition of over 100,000 people keeps in touch with each other and current issues through the coalition's web site, webinars and email updates of emerging issues relevant to our industry.
Education: Gathering knowledge about everything from tax credits to hiring practices to the latest pandemic inspired pivot can be daunting. IRC members have the opportunity to share ideas, and develop new ways to improve their business and the industry through member forums, seminars and workshops.
Please note, members of all levels must abide by the IRC's Code of Ethics, please take a moment to carefully read this document before completing your membership application.
Trade Members
Are you an owner or operator of an independent restaurant or bar who is actively involved in the daily operation of the business? Trade membership is for you. Trade members pay an annual membership fee, are entitled to vote, have access to leadership calls, and the opportunity to participate in committee level work. You will also have direct access to IRC consultants as well as a network of industry mentors.
This class of membership is for restaurants and bars only, if you own a market, catering company, event venue, or franchise we would love for you to join us as a Partner member below.
Yes, I want to become a Trade Member!
Partner Members
If you are an individual or represent an entity that does not own or operate independent restaurants and bars but whose business activities are directly engaged with the restaurant and bar industry this is the right membership for you.
Partner members pay an annual membership fee, may occupy a designated Board position, may serve on committees and are not entitled to vote.
Examples of business types that would fit into this category: Caterers; Event Venues; Markets; Farmers; Ranchers; Fisherpeople; Wine, Beer & Spirits producers and distributors; Coffee, tea and other beverage producers; Food Distributors; Marketing and other professional services.
Yes, I want to become a Partner Member!
Associate Members
Individuals and entities who are unaffiliated with the Restaurant Industry directly, but who wish to sponsor and support the Restaurant Industry through the IRC's activities should select this membership category.
Associate members pay an annual membership fee, may occupy a designated Board position, may serve on committees and are entitled to vote.
Examples of businesses types that would fit into this category: Associations and Non-Profit Organizations.
Unlike our other membership classes associate membership rates are customized to meet the specific needs of the organization, please contact us and we'll create a custom package for your organization.
Yes, I want to become an Associate Member!