United for Chicago Announces Campaign to Support Local Businesses in ICE Impacted Communities
CHICAGO — Today, the United for Chicago Coalition announced a new campaign to drive business to restaurants in Chicago neighborhoods significantly impacted by ICE and Border Patrol tactics. Chicago Bites Back is a call for Chicagoans to step up, show solidarity, and support the kitchens and staff that help fuel Chicago communities, workforce and economy.
Working in partnership with the Illinois Restaurant Association and Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Bites Back has published a restaurant guide to reference when deciding where to go out to eat or place a catering order. The goal of the campaign is to shift every day spending towards establishments that have been devastated by ICE’s presence in neighborhoods.
“ICE’s tactics and destabilizing presence in our communities has had a chilling effect on local businesses and small restaurants. When Chicagoans live in fear, business corridors are without foot traffic. Restaurants sit empty and our city’s economy suffers” said Jaime Di Paulo, CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Sam Toia, CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association shared “We are proud to partner with United for Chicago’s Chicago Bites Back Campaign. Our amazing local restaurants are essential ingredients for a strong Chicago. They don’t just feed us, they fuel our neighborhoods, our workforce and our economy. When restaurants struggle, the ripple reaches every sector of our city.”
“Chicago Bites Back puts Chi pride on full display. In the midst of this crisis, Chicagoans have asked ‘What can I do to help? How can I support my neighbors?’ Chicago Bites Back answers that question by providing every day Chicagoans with a list of restaurants – organized by community area, type of establishment, address, and contact information. This is a great way to fuel the independent restaurants that keep Chicago vibrant,” said Rebecca Shi, CEO of the American Business Immigration Coalition.
Chicago Bites Back encourages Chicagoans to:
● Think local when going out to eat or hosting a gathering or family/friend dinner
● Shift everyday spending toward the independent restaurants that keep Chicago vibrant.
● Amplify the movement by promoting Chicago Bites Back to family, friends, and neighbors - all are welcome to join!
Those interested in joining the Chicago Bites Back effort can visit
https://www.unitedforchicago.com/chicago-bites-back
About United for Chicago
United for Chicago is a coalition of business, civic, faith and philanthropic leaders representing diverse communities, faiths, generations, and perspectives united to denounce tactics used by ICE across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The United for Chicago effort was launched at a press conference on Friday, November 7. Since then, the group continues to convene, engage and mobilize leaders throughout Chicago.
