By Deborah Alexander, LISC Chicago’s New Communities Program Joyce Brown is no stranger to people in need. As the project coordinator for the Englewood Food Network, she’s been organizing food pantries and serving up meals to hungry clients for a long time. But during the past year, she’s seen a pronounced difference in the...
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Budget-conscious diners in the city aren’t normally at the vanguard of food trends. But when it comes to recession-proof eating, they lead the way – straight to the nearest BYOB. Restaurants inviting diners to bring their own bottle, or BYOB, are gaining in appeal and growing in number. There are close to 500 restaurants...
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By Christopher Pratt of The Urban Coaster July 27, 2009 – More than 800 people per month are being served by a Rogers Park food bank, a number that has doubled since last summer, and an already busy crew of volunteers and human-services workers will be asked to give more time to provide for...
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By Curtis Black of Community Media Workshop June 18, 2009 – Englewood residents and food justice activists will celebrate “the death of a food desert” when a new food market featuring local and organic produce opens for a community dinner and fundraiser Friday. Graffiti and Grub, a project of urban farm pioneer LaDonna Redmond...
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By Dylan Heath of  The Urban Coaster June 11, 2009 – After a period of sometimes heated community discussion, an Aldi grocery store is set to open in Edgewater. Bill Platt of the Access Realty Group estimates that in about two months the store will take over half of the Clarovista condominium building’s ground-floor...
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Mr. Beef, a local landmark eatery Mr. Beef, a popular River North lunchtime and anytime beef joint, is facing a foreclosure suit, according to Thomas A. Corfman in Chicago Real Estate Daily . Mr. Beef’s co-owners, Joseph Zucchero and Michael Genevese, are alleged to have failed to pay off two loans, and missed payments...
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Jan. 22, 2009 – Michael Farah’s phone is buzzing again. Leaning back against his chair, he glances down quickly, looking at it vibrate on the table in front of him.  He just got off the phone with an investor, but he has to answer this next call, he explains after politely excusing himself. It’s about his trip to Israel at...
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Jan. 15, 2009 – Andrea Tahlier, manager of Kroll's South Loop, says the end-of-year holidays are usually the restaurants busiest time of the year, but lately she's noticed fewer customers at lunch time. "People just don't seem to be going out for lunch anymore," Tahlier said. While the bar at Kroll's has boosted business. "When times are hard, people...
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Jan. 5, 2009 Story by Evan Minsker An economic downturn sprouts many worries. Topping the list for food pantries across the country is, “Will we run out of food?” That’s the issue the Jewish United Fund (JUF) is addressing. A financial crisis means more people in need. “We’re definitely seeing more people coming to...
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Dec. 3, 2008 Story by Leo Moskal As the country’s financial situation continues to be grim, one little café on the north side of Chicago is trying to help those who are in need. First Slice Café caters to anybody who is willing to cough up a few dollars and have a piece of...
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