Chicago lands 3 James Beard Award finalist nominations
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Chicago’s restaurant scene secured three James Beard Award finalist spots as the city prepares to host the prestigious ceremony at the Lyric Opera House this June.

What Chicago’s tip credit fight means for restaurants
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Rebekah Paxton of the Employment Policies Institute discusses the push to freeze Chicago’s phaseout of the tipped wage credit. Supporters of the pause say the change could raise costs for restaurants, slow hiring and hurt workers, while city leaders weigh whether Chicago could face some of the same challenges seen in Washington, D.C.

Restaurants hit a price ceiling and look for new ways to cut costs
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A new industry report finds many independent restaurants can’t keep raising menu prices, forcing operators to focus on cutting costs, staffing challenges, and changing dining habits.

Taco Bell drops 20 new menu items — including dessert Crunchwrap | ChicagoNOW
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Taco Bell just announced 20 new menu items at its Live Más Live gala — and confirmed Nacho Fries are staying on the menu permanently. New additions include Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Cheesy G Sliders, a Crème Brulee Crunchwrap, Mountain Dew Baja Midnight Pie and several Cantina favorites.

Hamilton is back in Chicago — and there’s a themed happy hour to match | ChicagoNOW
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Hit Broadway show “Hamilton” is back in Chicago for a limited run! We’re celebrating with The Grillroom Chophouse & Wine Bar – they’ve got a special Hamilton-themed happy hour! 

AI, crypto, pro-Israel groups spend $18M in Illinois primaries | The Chicago Report
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Several open Democratic primary races in Illinois are seeing huge sums of money spent by special interest groups, to the tune of more than $18 million, according to Axios.

Pizza Di Farfalla: The New Lenox gem that Dave Portnoy drove 90 minutes for
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Business is booming in New Lenox! After Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy traveled 90 minutes to give Pizza Di Farfalla a 7.9 rating, owner Giovanni Oriente says weekly orders have nearly doubled. Fox Chicago’s Gabriella Premus visits for a "Second Bite Pizza Review" to see what’s drawing the crowds. 

Chipotle giving away free chips and queso -- here's when

Chipotle is celebrating National Tortilla Chip Day 2026 with a three-day promotion offering free chips and Queso Blanco.

The gift of food and community: Mahari in Hyde Park
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"Experience Mahari: an award-winning restaurant serving diverse African diaspora cuisine and vibrant libations in Hyde Park," the restaurant's website states.

Paczki Day crowds line up early at Oak Lawn bakery
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The mother-daughter team behind The Velvet Bakery shares what Paczki Day means to their family, the most popular flavors, and how many of the Polish treats they expect to sell during one of their busiest days of the year.

Wendy's to close hundreds of restaurants as company looks to focus on value to boost sales

Wendy’s announced plans to close hundreds of underperforming U.S. restaurants as part of a broader turnaround effort aimed at reviving sales and restoring customer trust.

Garfield Ridge coffee shop rallies community support after ICE backlash
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A Cup of Joe Coffeehouse in Garfield Ridge is receiving an outpouring of support after owners say they were harassed over a social media post critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,

Lake County Flavor Fest highlights deals at Mickey Finn’s Brewery
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Mickey Finn’s Brewery owner Brian Grano talks about the restaurant’s history, what sets it apart, and the special food and drink deals being offered during Lake County Flavor Fest.

Crying Tiger becomes one of Chicago’s hottest Valentine’s Day reservations
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Chef Thai Dang shares what makes Crying Tiger a must-book date-night destination, highlights romantic dishes perfect for sharing, and offers tips for creating a special Valentine’s celebration at home.