Another giant has fallen in the Chicago food and bar landscape. The Chicago area staple Old Country Buffet is one of the latest landmarks to announce it has closed its door permanently. COVID-19 social distancing measures and urban flight have heavily harmed business in Chi Town, but city licensing regulations continue to make things worse. In addition to meeting social distancing guidelines, and updated cleaning measures, bars and restaurants are expected to apply for additional licenses to operate which cost several thousand dollars. City officials can and should staunch the financial bleeding by suspending excessive licensing laws.
When Gutheries on the city's North Side closed in July, the owners cited COVID-19 safety measures and excessive regulations pushing them to close after serving their community for over thirty years. Other bar owners have chosen to remain closed under Phase Four because they cannot afford licensing a patio in addition to covering costs of a struggling business.
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