CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It's been a tough 20 months for the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Sam Toia with the Illinois Restaurant Association said the state has lost 20% of its restaurants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But this week the industry is celebrating again with Chicago Gourmet but on a smaller scale.
"The reason we came up with the mini Gourmet goes back to the restaurant finding workers. Usually, we have over 200 restaurants participating on the lawn at Millennium Park. Well, these restaurants can't participate this year because they can't even get the help in a restaurant let alone send help to Millennium Park for a whole weekend," Toia told WBBM Newsradio.
Tacos & Tequila, Hamburger Hop and the Grand Cru wine event will be the only in-person events this year.
Toia said the main event on the Great Lawn will make its return next year.
All proceeds will go toward the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and to the Employee Relief Fund.
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