Grace Wong

Austin Harvey stocks the cooler Aug. 28 at Beermiscuous, one of many food and drink establishments with owners frustrated by the city's decision to fine establishments up to $10,000 for violating COVID-19 guidelines.

Facing COVID-19 fines up to $10,000, some restaurants say punishment doesn’t fit the crime: ‘It feels like we’re blocked at every turn’

August 31, 2020 at 9:45 p.m.

As with so many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there had to be a learning curve for Chicago restaurants and bars as they reopened in early June — something the...

Participants include, clockwise from upper left corner, Diana Davila of Mi Tocaya, Rohini Dey of Vermillion, Beverly Kim of Parachute, Wherewithall, Julia Momose of Kumiko, Jennifer Kim of Passerotto and Carrie Nahabedian of Brindille.

Celebrate Women’s Restaurant Week with deals at women-owned Chicago restaurants

August 29, 2020 at 1:21 a.m.

There are still a few days left of Women's Restaurant Week, which runs through Aug. 31 and aims to celebrate women-owned restaurants in Chicago both in the city and in...

Outdoor dining spaces, such as Joy Yee's patio in the Chinatown Square outdoor mall, have allowed restaurants to serve more customers and in many cases survive the pandemic.

Chicago launches restaurant design challenge to find solutions to winter outdoor dining

August 25, 2020 at 4:27 p.m.

Restaurant design likely will never be the same in a post-coronavirus world. A key element of adapting to restricted customer capacity has been and will continue to be outdoor dining....

2 Chicago restaurants among 4 businesses cited for coronavirus guideline violations

August 24, 2020 at 9:29 p.m.

In another weekend of enforcement, the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection shut down four more businesses, including two restaurants, after investigators found them in violation...

LondonHouse Chicago sous chef Malcolm Hilliard sits atop the downtown Chicago hotel July 23, 2020. He says that by sharing the stories of racism he experienced in other restaurant kitchens that he can help bring a change to the culture.

How a Black chef from Englewood battled racism in Chicago’s top restaurants: ‘I was never seen as an option to rise’

August 23, 2020 at 12:18 a.m.

Malcolm Hilliard, 27, has had his fair share of strife during his time in the restaurant industry. Like many chefs, he has experienced the long hours, the grueling work and...

Chicago closes 5 more restaurants and bars for COVID-19 guideline violations

June 14, 2024 at 6:48 p.m.

Five businesses were closed down over the weekend after investigators from the city of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection found them to be in violation of reopening...

Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, speaks during a press conference at Chicago City Hall May 8, 2020. He has announced a new program to bring aid to Illinois restaurant workers.

2 restaurant employee relief funds offering Chicagoans millions of dollars in aid

August 13, 2020 at 9:13 p.m.

Against the backdrop of the economic blow dealt to the restaurant industry by COVID-19, and predictions of more closings to come, two new funds were announced Thursday to help employees....

José López cocina comida para ser donadas a trabajadores de restaurantes desempleados en el centro de Dallas, miércoles 8 de julio de 2020.

Restaurantes lanzan fondo de ayuda para sus empleados en Illinois

August 13, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

No es un secreto que la industria de los restaurantes está luchando ante el golpe económico provocado por COVID-19, por lo que el jueves, la Illinois Restaurant Association anunció que...

Order a picnic from these 31 restaurants near Chicago parks for the ultimate COVID-era hang

August 11, 2020 at 6:40 p.m.

During a summer laced with anxiety, socially distanced picnics in the park have become my favorite pandemic pastime. With my mask on and tiny cooler in tow, attending these small...

Bethany Fisher makes a lakefront spritz behind the bar at the Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake on Aug. 6, 2020, during its soft launch.

Lakefront restaurants to reopen this week, many as early as Friday

August 6, 2020 at 10:44 p.m.

While beaches remain closed, you'll still get a chance to enjoy the sand and surf this summer: The Chicago Park District has announced that restaurants and concessions east of Lake...

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