CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- With COVID-19 cases rising and more restrictions being put on Illinois restaurant owners, one isn’t shying away from the challenges.
Charmaine Rickette is CEO of the Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken chain, which currently has locations on Chicago’s south and west Sides, as well as in Broadview.
“I am going to be opening a fourth location in Bolingbrook on Thursday,” she said. “I know some people are like, ‘why now? During a pandemic?’”
Rickette has a few reasons for this week’s grand opening: one, she said, is the fact that no matter what, people still need to eat, and many have been relying on carry out orders.
Another is job creation.
“I’m looking to bring on 20 part-timers and probably three full-time staff members. I also have a great position open for assistant manager," she said.
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While she admitted that being a business owner in 2020 hasn’t been easy, Rickette did point out a bright spot.
“One of the great things that is coming out of it is the polarization of minority businesses like mine and them thriving," Rickette said.