Congrats to our client Devil Dawgs — Dena did a great job talking with FOX 32 Chicago this weekend about the big rush they see every year when Lollapalooza rolls into town. Good job, Dena!

Something worth watching out of City Council for anyone trying to open a business in Chicago. Alderman Matt Martin has introduced an Order asking BACP to build an implementation plan for a "One-Stop Shop Business Licensing and Permitting Portal" for Chicago small businesses.

The Chicago Health Department is out in force lately, and citations are piling up, even for businesses that don't serve food. One of my clients sat through a three-hour inspection and walked away with a handful of obscure citations; the inspector quoted a $250 fine, but that number came from an outdated fine list. City Council raised fines a while back, and my client ended up paying almost double. Another client was cited over a minor issue with their DBA name, which isn't really a Health Department concern at all. Bottom line: your business needs to be in order, because the Health Department is working hard to issue citations. We have a sample inspection report we're happy to send if you'd like to audit your business.

Video gambling terminals are new territory for most Chicago bars and restaurants. While terminal operators handle most of the licensing work, businesses still need to keep ownership and management information current with both the Illinois Gaming Board and Chicago's Department of Business Affairs. At Troglia Law Group, we have experience with corporate governance and the agencies that regulate Chicago's licensed businesses.

Congratulations to my clients Dan and Liz on the opening of Txa Txa Cafe in Logan Square — and on the new baby! It was a pleasure helping them get licensed and open their doors. If you’re familiar with their work at Lula Cafe, you know the food is going to be great.

Tough stretch for Chicago craft beer. Five breweries have closed or announced closures in the past six weeks: Alarmist, Whiner Beer Company, Illuminated Brew Works, Casa Humilde, and Flapjack.

Our firm works with breweries and other licensed establishments across Chicago, and every closure raises important licensing and regulatory questions for both the outgoing and incoming operators. If you’re in the industry and navigating a transition, whether closing, selling, or taking over a space, we’re here to help.

Chicago’s spring restaurant lineup is looking strong. Eater Chicago just published their list of the most anticipated openings, and we’re excited to share that our firm is working with three of the restaurants on this list to help them navigate the licensing process.

We can’t say which ones just yet — but stay tuned. It’s going to be a great spring for Chicago dining.