The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) congratulates Sam Sanchez, elected Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA).
As the first Mexican-American to step into this role, his story is one of resilience, hard work, and passion.
As restaurants begin to slowly reopen, his vision and expertise in entrepreneurship will prove to be invaluable on the long road to recovery.
On behalf of more than 100,000 hispanic-owned businesses across Illinois, I want to extend congratulations to my dear friend Sam Sanchez for his appointment as Chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association,” said Jaime di Paulo, President & CEO of the IHCC. “Sam is known for his extraordinary leadership, character, and determination, and he is the right person to lead this industry through recovery. We look forward to continuing our great relationship with the IRA as we work to rebuild from the devastating impacts that COVID-19 has had on small businesses.”
In the mid-eighties, Sam Sanchez moved from his family’s hometown in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico to start what is now an accomplished hospitality career in Chicago.
With an extensive background that spans concept development to daily operations, his extensive knowledge of all things restaurant-related drives the success in his businesses.
Sanchez most recently served as the IRA’s First Vice Chairman and is the Founder and CEO of Third Coast Hospitality Group.
He is the principal partner overseeing operations and business development for Moe’s Cantina, Old Crow Smokehouse, and Tree House, with forthcoming concepts on the horizon.
I am honored to have been elected Chairman of the IRA,” said Sanchez. “I’ve been involved with the association in many ways over the years, but it is a proud moment to be the first Mexican-American operator to serve in this role. We have a big journey ahead of us, and I’m ready to get to it and work in lockstep with Sam Toia, his team, and the industry that is so critical to our local economy.”