VERMONT INDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS
On a mission to advance Vermont’s restaurant industry.
ABOUT
Vermont Independent Restaurants (VTIR) is a coalition of Vermont restaurants and bars that emerged at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. As stewards of Vermont hospitality, VTIR is on a mission to safeguard and advance the industry. A working partner of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, VTIR is dedicated to building, connecting, and inspiring.
Advocacy Working in partnership with the Vermont Chamber to advocate for restaurants and bars, ensuring that their voices are heard. By leveraging the Chamber's experienced and effective lobbyists, VTIR actively works to support and promote the state's vibrant restaurant industry which is a key economic driver for the state.
Community Creating a sense of community, fostering a collaborative environment where businesses can learn from and support one another.
Resources Providing access to a wide range of impactful resources, helping Vermont restaurants and bars to succeed and thrive.
ADVOCACY
Elevating the importance of the hospitality industry to the Vermont economy through strategic communication and collaboration with legislators and state officials. A collection of legislative priorities that have been advanced to ensure Vermont’s restaurants and bars recover from the pandemic are outlined below:
Pandemic-Related Relief
Secured tax deferment at the onset of the pandemic to provide immediate financial support for the restaurant industry.
Worked alongside the Vermont Chamber to secure more than $300 million in economic relief for Vermont businesses through multiple rounds of emergency grants and economic recovery assistance.
Ensured meaningful relief for unemployment insurance rate increases due to the pandemic.
Ran social campaigns to raise industry awareness and create a groundswell of support for the industry.
Federal Engagement
Engaged with Vermont’s congressional delegation to:
Secure support for financial relief through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
Adjust PPP relief program to ensure it served the hospitality industry.
Liquor Law Modernization
Championed removing the current sunset to make alcohol-to-go permanent in Vermont.
Advanced amendments to Vermont’s liquor liability laws to ensure restaurants and bars will have the ability to purchase liquor liability insurance.
Learn more about the team advocating for Vermont businesses.
ENGAGE
VTIR is a community that fosters a collaborative environment where businesses can learn from and support one another. We provide access to a wide range of impactful resources, helping Vermont restaurants and bars to thrive. Membership is open to independently owned Vermont restaurants and bars, suppliers, vendors, and producers.
Industry Resources Curated resources, tools, and relevant information through the publication of a monthly industry-specific newsletter. Browse selected archived VTIR newsletters: April 2023, March 2023, February 2023, January 2023
Education & Training Virtual forums and webinars with subject-matter experts. Topics have included PPP, EIDL, state grants, marketing, and consumer trends. Food safety training, exams, and educational materials are available.
Marketing Opportunities The Vermont Tourism Marketing Program is a collaborative effort with the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. This powerful partnership leverages the millions of dollars invested annually to maximize exposure.
Membership support is essential to our efforts to advance Vermont’s restaurant and bar industry. Click here to join VTIR.
PRESS COVERAGE
Selections from August 2021 - Present
Rising Insurance Rates Threaten Vermont Bars, Clubs and Restaurants (Seven Days)
House Judiciary working fast to tweak state liquor insurance law (Rutland Herald)
McCrorey Wells: Vermont restaurants need help now and the way forward is clear (VermontBiz)
Vermont restaurants see a ‘dire tipping point’ as Omicron recedes (VTDigger)
Businesses Struggle To Find Workers As Vermont Labor Force Hits Historic Lows (Vermont Public)
Press inquiries can be directed to Hazel Brewster.
VTIR LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Sue Bette, Bluebird Hospitality | Cara Chigazola Tobin, Honey Road, The Grey Jay | Alex Crothers, Higher Ground | Jed Davis, The Farmhouse Group | Chris Karr, Karr Group | Mark Frier, The Reservoir, The Bench | Leslie McCrorey Wells, Pizzeria Verità, Trattoria Delia and Sotto Enoteca | Leo O’Reilly, O’Reilly & O’Reilly Business Services | Chiuho Sampson, A Single Pebble | Stuart Timmons, Farrell Distributing
→ Get in touch: We are actively looking to expand our leadership council to ensure representation throughout the state. If you are interested in joining the leadership council or participate at a heightened level please get in touch.