"We invested a lot by doing this and we've got to try and make some of that money back and the clock is ticking," Glick said.Ĭhicago's lakefront beaches and beach houses do not have a date for reopening. Hopes for a bountiful 2020 summer season faded with restrictions due the pandemic.
Reggie's on the Beach only opened at Hayes Beach House last Labor Day. "So it's like a third of our summer season is gone." "We have basically between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so we have about 14-15 weeks depending on the calendar," said Robby Glick, of Reggie's on the Beach. Some businesses that depend on summertime income along the lakefront hope they will be next in line to open.
#GAY BARS IN CHICAGO OPEN TILL 4 INSTALL#
The Chicago Park District will also install signs along the trail to encourage proper use, and Social Distancing Ambassadors will be stationed along the trail to make sure everyone is abiding by the guidelines. Parks and beaches east of Lake Shore Drive will remain closed.Ĭhicagoans must abide by a "keep it moving" strategy where only walking, running, biking, and rollerblading will be allowed. In addition to bars and breweries reopening, on June 22 the Lakefront Trail will open east of Lake Shore Drive for exercise and transit only, to keep the flow of traffic going. "For the social aspects and to be part of our community."Ĭhicago’s beaches and beach houses do not have a date for reopening, so there will be no outdoor dining at this lakefront restaurant. "That's why I own this business," said Sheila Murphy. The outdoor patio seating is about a third of what they have inside, but at this point they are just glad to be back in business. Like many small business owners, they feel like it's a victory to have survived the loss of business during the stay-at-home order.
"There's no better place to kick back and blow off some steam," said Parnell.Īt Gannon's in the North Center neighborhood, the owner spent the day getting ready to open Wednesday evening. Sean Parnell has documented many of them in his book, "Historic Bars of Chicago." Some are important gathering places that are woven into the fabric of their blocks. Neighborhood bars are a Chicago institution.