Americano is opening in Lincoln Park, offering an eclectic menu with international flavors and classics, curated beverages, and a space that caters to families and pets. Reservations open 10 days before its June 17, 2024 launch.

Chicago chefs are contenders in the 2024 James Beard Awards, with the ceremony at the Lyric Opera House, where local talents vie for titles in various categories.

Calumet Fisheries in Chicago is reopening on Saturday after renovations due to a fire, offering its traditional smoked seafood and outdoor dining experience.

Chicago celebrates National Doughnut Day with promotions from local doughnut chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin', commemorating the event's historical origins from 1938.

Portillo's is adjusting its operating hours to open earlier and close later at select locations, aiming to accommodate changing consumer habits and late-night dining.

The iconic Chicago ice cream stand, The Freeze, is set for revival by Hogsalt Hospitality's Brendan Sodikoff, with plans to co-locate it with a new Small Cheval burger outlet.

Chicago’s Original Rainbow Cone ice cream shop opens its first Michigan location in New Buffalo, offering its multi-flavored signature cones and other treats.

Celebrity chef Rick Bayless opens a new fast-casual Mexican restaurant, Tortazo, inside the Macy's at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, offering a range of Mexico City-style dishes.

Chicago allows partial outdoor dining on Clark Street in River North, mixing vehicle traffic with diners; the compromise elicits mixed reactions from local officials and businesses.

Chicago issues a new permit for expanded outdoor dining on Clark Street to support local restaurants and enhance River North's street life without impeding traffic.

Cicero, Illinois has enacted an ordinance to halt liquor sales at midnight due to concerns about violence and disturbances, facing opposition from local business owners.

Red Lobster faces financial struggles and is considering bankruptcy, with over 80 U.S locations temporarily shut and an auction of equipment from 50 sites. The chain experienced heavy losses partly due to an unsuccessful promo deal.

Chuck E. Cheese is replacing its iconic animatronic band with modern attractions at most locations, while debates arise around the true recipe of deep dish pizza and Illinois considers changing its tipped minimum wage.