Sam Toia

Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association

Mr. Sam Toia is the President of the Illinois Restaurant Association, a non-profit trade association representing the industry that is the state’s largest private sector employer, with over 400,000 employees and $18 billion in annual sales. In addition, he serves as trustee of the association’s charitable arm, which awards dozens of scholarships annually to area high school students seeking further education in the field.   A long-time restaurateur, Sam is a member and former chairman of the board of the IRA. Sam was elected president in July of this year.  He is a graduate of DePaul University and is a specialist in community and government relations.  He has served in leadership positions in many civic and public agencies, including the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Board, the Counseling Center of Lakeview, the Uptown Learning Center, and the Kimbark Plaza Co-Op in Hyde Park.    Sam has also served as board member and president of the Central Lakeview Merchants Association.  He currently serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

President at Illinois Restaurant Association

July 2012 - Present | Chicago, IL