Hundreds of Chicagoans submitted creative ideas to help keep local restaurants afloat as the city prepares for colder weather.
Now, the winners are in.
Chicago officials announced the contest with BMO Harris Bank and the Illinois Restaurant Association. They sought “solutions to stimulate and encourage safe outdoor dining…during cold weather months in Chicago.”
On Thursday (October 8), Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveiled the three winners who will each receive a $5,000 prize.
"As we approach the winter months and adapt our COVID-19 response accordingly, we owe it to our restaurants to make sure they have what they need to continue keeping their doors open and serving their communities," Lightfoot said in a news release. "Thanks to IRA and the outstanding creativity of our Winter Dining Challenge winners, we will be able to not only make this a reality, but do so in a way that is safe and showcases our City's innovative spirit.”
Here’s who won and what they came up with:
- Amy Young, Cozy Cabins
- Neil Reindel, Block Party
- Ellie Henderson, Heated Tables
Those three ideas stood out from 643 submissions. Judges — architects, designers, chefs and other restaurants industry officials — evaluated and determined that the winners “not only capture the spirit of Chicago but can provide feasible and safe options for Chicagoans to enjoy dining out as temperatures drop.”
“We are honored that our concept was chosen for the Chicago Winter Dining Challenge. Our Cozy Cabins idea focused on creating a warm, welcoming experience to encourage Chicago residents to safely dine in rather than take out,” Young, of ASD | SKY, said in the release. “We wanted to create an outdoor destination centered around new experiences, neighborhood connections, and a sense of community—elements lost while dining at home. We hope this idea helps support small businesses and safely bring people together during this difficult year.”
Lightfoot also announced in the press release Thursday that the Illinois Restaurant Association and DoorDash would collaborate to give $500,000 in grant funding to help Chicago restaurants “cover the costs of winterizing their outdoor dining areas."
Photo: Getty Images