Chicago Offering Cash Prizes for Best Ideas for Outdoor Dining in Winter

Chicago is offering a cash prize of $5,000 to three city residents who come up with the best ideas for outdoor dining in winter. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the Winter Dining Challenge, which will be judged by local restaurants and community members. Lightfoot tweeted: “We’re asking Chicagoans to share their ideas for innovative winter outdoor dining solutions that adhere to COVID-19 protocols so we can support our favorite local restaurants while keeping Chicagoans healthy.” People can submit their proposals online through September 7th, which must include research, a prototype, information on COVID-19 safety, and feasability information, among other materials. The winners — who’ll be announced in mid-September — will be chosen in three categories: outdoor, standalone structures; indoor-adjacent spaces; and cultural shifts making winter dining more appealing. Here’s the complete story from Insider.