Bella Notte Decides to Depart from Chicago, Citing Crime and Bureaucracy as Detrimental to Business Growth
Beloved Bella Notte Ristorante in Chicago Forced to Shut Down After Nearly 28 Years; Owners Relocate to Downers Grove
chandni
The charming Bella Notte Ristorante in Chicago, known for its white tablecloths and warm ambiance, has made the heart-wrenching decision to close its doors after almost 28 years in business. Owned by the Aguirre family, including Ramon Aguirre, 48, his brother Victor, and their father Ramon Aguirre Sr., the restaurant has been a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.
The Aguirres temporarily closed the restaurant on July 2 for their annual two-week vacation, but unexpected challenges emerged during this time. Faced with hefty fines from the city, increasing crime rates, and burdensome third-party delivery fees, the family was forced to announce the restaurant's closure on their Facebook page.
According to Ramon Aguirre, the restaurant received unjust fines of up to $21,000 from the city for minor infractions like expired permits and a faulty exit light. He also expressed frustration with the lack of support from city officials, citing the difficulty in getting in touch with the mayor compared to the warm reception they received from Downers Grove officials.
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, which they navigated without any relief funds, the restaurant managed to survive by expanding their food delivery services. However, a perfect storm of obstacles, including crime, a decline in pregame meals from sports fans, high third-party delivery fees, and an unfriendly city council for independent businesses, left them with no choice but to close their doors.
Aguirre lamented the rise of crime in Chicago, stating that many customers from the suburbs now avoid the city due to safety concerns. He also pointed out the burden of rising real estate taxes and the excessive fees imposed by delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, which took a significant toll on the restaurant's profits.
The once vibrant Chicago dining scene seems to be taking a hit, with Aguirre expressing concern for other independent restaurants facing similar challenges. He reflected on the changing landscape of the city, longing for the safe and thriving environment he remembers from his youth.
The Aguirre family plans to relocate to Downers Grove, where they received a warm welcome and enticing rent and tax incentives. However, the closure of Bella Notte Ristorante marks the end of an era for the family and is a reminder of the struggles faced by many small businesses in the evolving culinary landscape of Chicago.
