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, as well 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
social media of their outdoor dining experience to encourage others to join them,” according to the release.
Highland Park restaurants also are fortifying delivery and curbside pickup options.
Chamber representatives were quick to point out that most restaurants have adapted admirably to the environment of change.
“Our local restaurant industry has suffered significantly through the coronavirus outbreak. Sales are down dramatically and job losses are up. It is impressive to see how some restaurants previously had limited pick up or delivery were able to adapt to make those choices available to their patrons,” President and CEO of Elgin Area Chamber Carol K. Gieske said.
However, the lack of certainty has taken its toll. “A rainy day or cooler weather we have experienced this week can cost restaurants tremendous revenues from outdoor seating. Shifting in the number of virus cases just can happen over a period of days can force a restaurant to lose major revenue streams,” Naperville Director of Government Affairs Reba Osborne said.
Osborne pointed out in August, Will County was forced to move back to phase three as virus numbers rose. Restaurants that had just begun to offer limited indoor dining had to close for another period of a few weeks. The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, along with other nearby chambers of commerce, sent a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker “challenging this inequity in how our businesses can operate,”
Osborne said.
A particular challenge for some chambers that their members are in more than one county, and, in fact, more than one of the COVID regions Gov. J.B. Pritzker has designated. “With our members spanning three counties and two COVID-19 regions, the regulations and enforcement from one municipality, county and region is challenging especially for businesses that have multiple location each with differing regulations,” Aurora’s Doyle said.
Elgin and Naperville face similar obstacles.
Some businesses were able to change plans in a way that helped them. “MORA on the River is a great example of a business that took action during this crisis. In the midst of construction to build out restaurant located in the hearth of downtown Aurora, MORA on the River’s owner, Jason Morales, had the vision to
open the restaurant early — to patio dining only. The access to outdoor space afforded the restaurant to open in advance of its launch time-frame,” Doyle said. MORA was open all summer, but recently closed until early 2021.
“Our role is more important than ever. We are speaking with our members and businesses regularly as we continue through the pandemic. The Elgin Area Chamber has hosted dozens of complimentary webinars to provide all businesses with the information needed on strategic and tactical efforts,” Geiske said.
“Our restaurants will continue to provide dining according to the guidelines issued during the fall and winter for restaurants and bars,” Geiske said.
We can all help by keeping local restaurants in mind for delivery and pickup as winter looms on the horizon.
Dining options during the pandemic
Find information on restaurants at these websites.
Aurora: Aurora Downtown – Outdoor Dining Guide: auroradowntown.org/ outdoor-dining-guide/; Aurora Downtown – Pick-up/Delivery Guide: auroradowntown.org/carry-out-delivery-guide-fordowntown-aurora/; city of Aurora: www.aurora-il.org/2157/Restaurants.
Elgin: www.elginchamber.com/food-resources includes the restaurant information, as well as where to go if you need food assistance, where you can donate to help those in need, and where you can volunteer.
Highland Park:
cityhpil.com/businessdirectory. This list will be updated with information about curbside pickup, delivery, and outdoor dining options.
Naperville:
members.naperville.net/ directory/Search /restaurants-food-beverages145985 or www.naperville.net/ naperville-restaurant-guide/.
“We find, that most places now are able to accommodate all variations of curbside and delivery, so this list is most likely not current,” Osborne said.