CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- In the latest wave of reopening the city, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Friday that the city is reopening the Chicago Riverwalk for the use of residents and visitors.
Starting Friday, the city will begin a phased-in approach to vendor reopening, starting with Island Party Hut, Beat Kitchen on the River, and City Winery.
In the subsequent weeks, the following vendors will reopen on a weekly/bi-weekly basis:
• Northman Beer & Cider Garden
• Chicago Brewhouse
• Tiny Tapp & Café
• Mercury Cruise lines & Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
• Downtown Docks
• Chicago Electric Boats
• Chicago Cycleboats
• Sweet Home Gelato
• O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café
• Urban Kayaks
Also, Pier 31 on the Riverwalk will begin operations for the first time this May.
The city hopes to fully reopening the Riverwalk by the end of May.
“The Riverwalk is not only an important part of our city's economic engine, but it also adds to the liveliness of our iconic summers," said Mayor Lightfoot, in a statement. "That's why I am especially thrilled to announce its concessions program is reopening earlier than any other previous season. This reopening serves as yet another indicator of our city's resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we look forward to making this Chicago staple available to residents and visitors this spring and summer."
Additionally, guests are encouraged to visit the Community Marketplace, which will also be reopening this May. Building on the Riverwalk’s successful concession program, the Community Marketplace was constructed in 2019 to expand the program to minority- and women-owned businesses representing the cultural diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Following current CDPH guidelines, patrons must be six feet apart, groups will be limited to 10 people, patrons must remain seated, face coverings are required except for when actively eating or drinking and employees must wear face coverings at all times. Reservations are not required, but strongly recommend because of the limited seating.
Despite that, this is a needed opportunity for vendors whose revenue was down roughly 54 percent last year, according to the city.
To view the full reopening schedule and list of participating vendors, please visit www.chicagoriverwalk.us.
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