Fall, winter bring new challenges to restaurants

With cooler weather starting to hit the Midwest, restaurants are going to have to adapt again as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyday life.

Suburban restaurant owners already had to pivot earlier in the year, as many that had never offered outdoor dining scrambled to set up tables and umbrellas outside. With winter on the horizon, local chambers of commerce are looking at what the future holds for area restaurants. This is clearly uncharted territory.

According to a justreleased survey of Aurora area restaurants, one-sixth of respondents were looking at trying to continue with outdoor dining into the winter months.

The survey pointed out some of the obstacles about winter outdoor dining.

“Significant outdoor dining equipment, such as large tents/warming areas, heaters, additional outdoor furniture, lighting, and warm clothing for servers, could create additional costs for dining establishments. Additionally, businesses must consider approaching local municipalities regarding outdoor dining permits and permissions, aswell as identifying necessary safety measures for securing outdoor dining structures.”

Director of Member Engagement Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Colleen Doyle said the survey encouraged business owners to reach out to the city of Aurora or their local municipality for help and appropriate permits for winter outdoor dining.

The city of Highland Park has plans to help restaurants extend outdoor dining in the near future, according to a press release.

“Ravinia Brewing Company, Norton’s, and Michael’s have embraced the concept of outdoor dining during the fall and winter, investing in elements such as outdoor heating and coverings to ensure comfort and create ambience for patrons,” according to a news release. Ravinia Brewing Company will continue to host live music in a tented dining area, and its beer garden will show football games on a large screen TV.

“Our collaborative efforts have been successful as outdoor offerings gave residents and visitors the opportunity to safely enjoy moments of normalcy in a community well-known for its charming business districts, vibrant music and fine art scene, and world class dining establishments,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said in a news release.

“The City’s new #BYOBlanket campaign asks diners to bring a blanket and snap a selfie to post on