What to Expect from Restaurant Week in Chicago

January in the Midwest often brings a quiet chill to the streets, but in the culinary heart of the city, things are just starting to heat up. For nearly two decades, one of the most anticipated events on the culinary calendar has been Chicago Restaurant Week. 

Produced by Choose Chicago, this 17-day celebration of the city's diverse food scene offers locals and visitors a chance to experience high-end dining at a fraction of the usual cost. For those of us in the hospitality industry, it represents one of the busiest and most rewarding stretches of the year.

The Economic Impact on Chicago

Chicago Restaurant Week is not just about discounted meals; it is a vital economic engine for the region. According to a January 2024 report from Choose Chicago, the 2023 event saw a record-breaking participation of more than 480 restaurants across 31 neighborhoods. This year, the event continues to expand, reaching into even more communities and showcasing everything from Michelin-starred institutions to local family-run diners.

The scale of the event requires an immense amount of preparation. Restaurants must design specialized prix fixe menus, often priced at $25 for brunch or lunch and $42 or $59 for dinner. These price points attract a high volume of diners, which in turn demands a high level of operational efficiency. As Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, recently noted in a December 2023 industry outlook, Chicago Restaurant Week is a critical time for the industry. Toia stated that this event helps drive traffic during the hospitality sector's typically slower period, ensuring dining rooms remain full and staff remain engaged during the winter months.

Staffing for Success in Chicago

When thousands of extra diners descend upon the city, the pressure on back-of-house and front-of-house teams intensifies. Successful participation in an event of this magnitude requires more than just a great menu; it requires a professional, dependable staff that can handle the increased pace without sacrificing service quality.

The hospitality industry is currently navigating a complex labor market. In a December 2023 report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that while the leisure and hospitality sector has seen steady job growth, demand for skilled workers in metropolitan areas remains high. In Chicago, competition for experienced waitstaff, bartenders, and chefs intensifies as Restaurant Week approaches.

The success of a restaurant during this period often hinges on its ability to ramp up quickly. This is where professional staffing solutions become essential. Whether it is ensuring there are enough food prep workers to handle the increased ingredient prep or having a reliable cleanup crew to flip tables efficiently, the behind-the-scenes work is what makes the guest experience seamless.

Trends to Watch This Year

This year, diners can expect an even greater emphasis on neighborhood representation. While downtown and the West Loop remain hotspots, there is a concerted effort to draw people into the vibrant culinary scenes of neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Pilsen, and Andersonville.

The city's diversity is its greatest strength. As noted in a November 2023 update from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the city’s culinary reputation is a primary driver of tourism. The department noted that food and beverage experiences are often the top reason visitors cite for choosing a destination. This means that every meal served during Restaurant Week is an opportunity to market the city to a global audience.

Behind the Scenes with WD Hospitality Staffing

At WD Hospitality Staffing, we understand the unique demands of the local market. Founded in 2000, we are a Chicago-based business that has spent over two decades providing professional and dependable staffing solutions across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. We have seen firsthand how events like Restaurant Week can transform a business, and we know exactly what it takes to support that growth.

We serve a wide range of clients, from high-end catering companies and corporate event planners to healthcare kitchens and janitorial operations. We pride ourselves on delivering trained, reliable hospitality professionals for every imaginable role. Our team includes waitstaff, bartenders, baristas, mixologists, chefs, and sous-chefs. We also provide the essential support staff that keeps a kitchen running, such as cleanup crews, janitorial staff, food prep workers, and set-up and breakdown teams.

The high-energy environment of Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect place for hospitality professionals to showcase their skills. If you are someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and takes pride in delivering excellent service, we want to hear from you.

Reliable Support When You Need It Most

We know that even the best laid plans can hit a snag. Whether you have an unexpected staff call out or a sudden surge in reservations, having access to quick staffing solutions is indispensable. At WD Hospitality Staffing, we specialize in providing trained service professionals exactly when you need them. We offer an emergency number and a deep local network that allows us to provide staff at very short notice, ensuring your operations never miss a beat during the busy Restaurant Week season.

The high energy environment of Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect place for hospitality professionals to showcase their skills. If you are someone who thrives in a fast paced setting and takes pride in delivering excellent service, we want to hear from you. Similarly, if you are an operator looking for the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 staffing support, we are here to help.

For Business Owners and Managers: Stop worrying about last minute call outs or being understaffed during peak hours. Partner with a family run business that offers 24/7 support and emergency staffing solutions tailored to your needs. 👉 Get a quote now: https://www.wdhstaff.com/services#get-a-quote

For Hospitality Professionals: Are you ready to be part of the most exciting time in the city's culinary scene? We invite you to join our family and help us serve the best clients in the Midwest. 👉 Apply Now and start your first shift in days: https://winedine.nextcrew.app/register

Sources

Choose Chicago. (2024). Chicago Restaurant Week. https://www.choosechicago.com/chicago-restaurant-week/

Illinois Restaurant Association. (2023, December). 2024 Industry Outlook and Economic Impact. https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, December). Economy at a Glance: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI. https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.il_chicago_msa.htm