Jodi Agee News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

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...

Pompei has served the area since 1909. In all the ups and downs of the Italian eatery's history, this time doesn't compare with other tough times, according to owner Ralph Davino. "I've never had it this bad at Pompei, and I took over in 1984," said Davino. Davino stood with other restaurateurs, calling for some indoor dining to be restored. They are urging city and state officials to make changes in COVID-19 policy so that thousands of Chicago restaurants can reopen January 29, partially indoors. "It is now critical for Mayor Lightfoot and the aldermen to restore indoor dining to 20-percent ...

"Despite indoor dining closures, obviously we are seeing continued spread throughout our city and region with the horrible COVID virus," he said. The closure is having an immense impact on small restaurants. Jodi Agee has owned Jefferson Tap and Grille for 19 years and says her sales are down 50% in just one month, and she's had to furlough 10 employees. "Emotionally and physically it’s the worst stress I’ve ever been under in my entire life," said Agee.  "I need guests. I need customers in my chairs to make money. I don’t have that right now." In addition to restoring indoor dining, t...