Tom Colicchio Instagram – For more than 100 years, independent restaurants & bars have not had a seat at the table in Washington, DC.   For far too long, legislative policies have favored large businesses over small, chains over independents, the connected over the vulnerable. As a result, massive restaurant chains like McDonalds are recording record profits while neighborhood restaurants struggle to survive or worse yet, having to close their doors. It doesn’t have to be this way.   Today, I’m challenging @spikethechef, @ericripert, @gailsimmonseats to join me in supporting the IRC, a grassroots organization committed to creating a sustainable future for independent restaurants and bars, our teams and our communities. Being Independent doesn’t mean being alone. Spike, Eric, and Gail, you have 24 hours to join me in supporting the IRC. Please visit independentrestaurantcoalition.com and click the donate button now. Together, we can build a better future for independent restaurants and bars.