Kankakee Times

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is threatening to permanently close any business that defies him, and many small business owners do not agree. 

While some establishments were able to limp along earlier in the pandemic by moving dining outdoors, the onset of winter is ending that option, according to coverage by ABC 7.

"It's a sad day for the restaurant industry. I have no words. It's like a piece of your heart is missing during a time like this," Dominic Ranieri, manager of Ki's Steak and Seafood in Glendale Heights, told ABC 7.

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The new ban on all indoor service at bars and restaurants has many small business owners in Chicago questioning whether they will have to choose between obeying the government directives and going permanently out of business. 

"We've been struggling. To shut us down again would be crippling," owner Spiro Roumpas told ABC 7.

Ki's has been serving customers in Glendale Heights for 86 years, but the new restrictions make it likely this year will be their last, according to ABC 7.

In Plainfield, Culver’s is betting on takeout and drive-thru service to keep them in operation, according to ABC 7. Billy Brick's Pizza in Lombard is keeping afloat the same way.

Dino's Cafe Pancake House and Restaurant in Bloomingdale has also managed to stay alive in the past through takeout business, though they are feeling the pinch of having to close back down after only two months back to somewhat-normal operations, according to ABC 7 reports. In the first round of closures, Dino’s had to lay off employees to stay in business, and they are not looking forward to more of the same.

"If we need to close down bars and restaurants and take away their liquor licenses, take away their gaming licenses, we will do that," Pritzker was quoted as saying by ABC 7.

Still, Pritzker isn’t offering any mercy to businesses that defy his dictates. He pledged that those who defy him in order to avoid closing permanently, he will ensure they are closed permanently.