More Chicago Restaurants, Bars Going Out Of Business Amid COVID-19 Restrictions, Say City Hospitality Grant Wont Be Enough – CBS Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) And another one a longtime tavern in Bucktown is calling it a night for good because of COVID-19 and Chicagos restrictions stemming from the virus.

As CBS 2s Jermont Terry reported Thursday night, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a $10 million hospitality grant program for local bars and restaurants earlier in the day. But for some, its not enough and its too late.

This weeks unseasonably warm weather in November allows people across Illinois still to enjoy a meal on a patio. But the reality is that fewer people are able to dine out during the recent COVID-19 shutdown.

A lot of my employees stay home because theres nothing to do, said Mauro Mafrici, owner of Pelago Ristorante, 209 E. Delaware Pl.

At the Streeterville restaurant, the patio is set. Yet Mafrici said he has already reduced his staff from 45 to fewer than 15 on the payroll.

And when the temperatures drop next week, neither the patio nor grabbing a table inside will be an option.

I wish not too many restaurants close because Chicagos a great restaurant city, Mafrici said.

But indeed countless businesses are closing. Among the latest is Dannys Tavern, at 1951 W. Dickens Ave. in Bucktown.

It has been in business since 1986, and its doors are closing for good due to COVID-19.

And the list keeps growing. Lawrys the Prime Rib on Ontario Street off the Magnificent Mile is also closing permanently, and in Fulton Market, Maudes is also closing up.

And no one will stand again inside Standing Room Only in restaurant Printers Row, as it has also gone out of business.

Money is tight, and Mafrici said government needs to consider a rent moratorium for business owners.

This doesnt make sense, he said. If youre not allowing me to serve nobody, theyre supposed to freeze everything.

Under the plan with the emergency grant that Mayor Lightfoot announced Thursday, businesses with annual revenue of less than $3 million would qualify for up to $10,000 apiece.

But without a rent moratorium, Mafrici questions just how much that would help.

Its a lot of restaurants in Chicago, he said. I dont think if you split %10 million with all the restaurants, I think its very little.

Pelago hopes to weather this COVID-19 storm. As for those grants, the application process starts Nov. 16, and will get distributed through a lottery.

The mayor also wants the City Council to temporarily cap the fees that third-party companies can charge restaurants for their delivery services.

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More Chicago Restaurants, Bars Going Out Of Business Amid COVID-19 Restrictions, Say City Hospitality Grant Wont Be Enough - CBS Chicago