National Restaurant Association Show to Stay in Chicago

Did you feel the stiff breeze along the lakeshore this morning? I think it was caused by the collective sigh of relief over at the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, as they received word that the National Restaurant Association's annual trade show is going to remain in Chicago at McCormick Place through 2011 in what's being called an unprecedented five-year deal.

After last year's show, there were rumors aplenty that the high profile show was going to take its business elsewhere after 2007 -- resulting in over a $100 million loss in spending in Chicago. Not only that, but since the NRA show has been held here for 56 years, it also would have been another blow to the Windy City's (not to mention Mayor Daley's) ego, as Chicago just recently lost the National Association of Realtors and the Food Marketing Institute conventions.

The reason the National Restaurant Association was looking to possibly move was due to the fact that Chicago was not as competitive on labor work rules and hotel costs as compared to Las Vegas and Orlando. Fortunately, a new deal with Riggers Union Local 136 and various hoteliers came through and helped seal the deal.

I've been to the National Restaurant Association trade show several times while my family owned a restaurant, and it really is a must attend for those in the restaurant industry. Not only is it a great place to discover new innovations to help save on costs and increase customer service, but it's also a lot of fun mingling with fellow restaurateurs and chefs from around the country. Kudos, NRA, thanks for staying (and as well you should, with our ever growing array of excellent 4 star Chicago restaurants)!