National Restaurant News -- Restaurants in Chicago, Midwest brace for subzero temperatures
Joanna Fantozzi, Lisa Jennings | Jan 30, 2019
Restaurants across the Midwest are shuttering in anticipation of the sub-freezing polar vortex that is forecast to send temperatures plummeting into the negative double digits in the Midwest on Wednesday.
In the middle of Chicago’s winter Restaurant Week, which runs until Feb 7., restaurants were choosing to stay closed rather than have employees and customers face the historically low temperatures, which were expected to fall past minus 20 degrees.
“Restaurants should keep their thermostats turned up to the minimum requirement of 68 degrees during hours of operation, and higher if possible, to account for the extremely low temperatures” and any affect they might have on heating systems, said Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, in an emailed statement.
“Ensuring that sidewalks and all entryways are clear of snow and ice is also extremely important to the safety of both guests and employees,” Toia said. “Transportation may be delayed, so team members should allow for plenty of travel time to work and be advised to dress in their warmest winter clothing for their commute.”