Sun-Times file
Noise. Trays full of drinks skillfully navigating crowded rooms. Live music.
Bar and restaurant owners took a few minutes Thursday to express their joy that the sounds and sights they took for granted prior to the coronavirus pandemic will be returning, beginning Friday, as the state lifts social distancing and capacity mandates.
“It’s extremely exciting,” said Jodi Agee, owner of the Jefferson Tap in the West Loop. “I’m actually near tears. It was really hard for everybody. . We’re at the end of the tunnel, the light is here.”
Len DeFranco, owner of Hawkeye’s Bar & Grill in Little Italy, was eager to once again host diners who could sit down and relax without fear.
HARRIS to visit Chicago KICK-START for Illinois RAY LaHOOD’s error of omission
Presented by Uber Driver Stories
Happy Thursday, Illinois. Watch for Mayor
Lori Lightfoot and Doctors
Vice President
Kamala Harris will travel to Chicago on Tuesday for a quick trip to address vaccine equity with Mayor
Lori Lightfoot.
Chicago’s mayor invited Harris to showcase the city’s work in getting shots in arms, especially within the city’s Black and Latino communities, a spokeswoman for Lightfoot told Playbook.
In a tweet, the mayor said she was “excited to welcome @VP” Harris to Chicago. “Our team prioritized equity in the rollout of our Covid vaccines. I’m looking forward to sharing details with her.”
Restaurant workers next in line for vaccine beginning March 29
Restaurant workers next in line for vaccine beginning March 29
With being hours away from what is usually a big day for bars and pubs St. Patrick ’s Day restaurant workers have a plea. They want to get vaccinated, but officials say that is still more than a week away.
CHICAGO - Hours away from what is usually a big day for bars and pubs St. Patrick s Day restaurant workers have a plea. They want to get vaccinated, but officials say that is still more than a week away.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file photo
With Phase 1B of Illinois’ vaccine rollout underway, restaurant owners are advocating for their employees to be prioritized for the shot.
The Chicago Restaurants Coalition demanded the city expedite vaccines for at least four employees per restaurant at a Monday news conference. Food service workers are expected to become eligible during Phase 1C of Illinois’ rollout plan, which has an estimated start date of March 29 in Chicago.
“Chicago’s 7300 restaurants are absolutely essential to our city’s economic survival,” coalition coordinator Roger Romanelli said. “It’s critical to look at restaurants as integral to our daily lives.”
Chicago restaurants push for increase in dining capacity
By Sally Schulze
Chicago restaurants have upped the pressure on City Hall, saying they need more diners inside within days.
CHICAGO - Chicago restaurants have upped the pressure on City Hall, saying they need more diners inside within days.
Wolcott Tap General Manager Lindsey Smith says allowing just a few more seats to be filled would make a huge difference. On a Friday or Saturday night, even if I have an open table, I have to turn people away, she said.
Lori Lightfoot to increase indoor dining capacity to 50 percent by Thursday, over the current 40 percent.