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Thinking of starting your own Chicago restaurant? Whether you’re at the “smallbusiness.xo.com” stage or you’re planning menus you’re going to have a lot of competition. Here are a few areas we suggest you stay out of – you can never win.
Chicago Dogs: You think hot dogs are a great idea – they’re cheap, easy to make and you can sell in volume. Think again. The hot dog market here is totally saturated and you can’t do anything other restaurants aren’t already doing. Think burgers instead.
Pizza: Do we even have to tell you why this isn’t a winning strategy? The deep dish fan base is totally satisfied and don’t think something fru fru or New York style is going to take off here because there aren’t a lot of options. Stay out of the pizza business altogether.
Steak Sandwiches: If you think Philly is the only place with steak sandwiches, think again. Chicagoans love their jardinire and thinly sliced beef but they’ve got it down pat. If you haven’t been in business for over 100 years you’re not going to make a rippe.

If you are looking for a nice, quiet place to read a book while you enjoy a light meal, there are plenty of cafes in Chicago and other big cities that will serve your purpose. Some of them are described below.

The Corner Bakery Cafe has been rated by Parents magazine (July 2009 issue) as “one of the ten best fast- casual restaurants in America;” so it should definitely be first on our list. It started out as a small bread bakery that soon expanded to include other products. The food is both wholesome and delicious. Currently, they are holding a Guest Satisfaction Survey, where one can win 5,000.

The Grand Lux Cafe was founded by one who had travelled all over Europe looking for ideas for a small, casual restaurant. Recipes here come from all over the world, from Cajun shrimp & chicken jambalaya to Mediterranean mahi mahi to jalapeo cheese cornbread, and the design is ornate; yet the cafe has a relaxed atmosphere.

Cafe Iberico is a “tapas bar” (tapas are small portions of food); its specialty is the cuisine of Spain. Prices are among the most affordable in town; each “tapa” costs from 2 to 7. The four rooms here include a “Sala Medieval” where the walls are decorated much like those of medieval Spanish Muslim fortresses (and a steering wheel), and a “Bar Picoteco.” Some menu items: salada mixta, tortilla espaola (the Spanish tortilla is essentially an omelette, unlike the Mexican tortilla), and a soup called calda gallego. Hispanic Magazine called Cafe Iberico “the best Hispanic restaurant in Illinois.”

Bridgeport Coffeehouse, on the South Side of the city, is less than ten years old (founded in 2004), but it has gained a good reputation for its flavorful coffees and teas. It was once a storefront.

Grabbing a latte can actually turn into an event. It-s not just about getting a drink because it could be the encounter of a lifetime. Many first dates have occurred over a casual latte at the local cafe. That being said, finding just the right place can be tricky. Sure a latte can be found just about anywhere these days, but a great one is a gem. You-ll want to find a caf that understand and honors the beauty of a well-made latte. You will know you have the right place when you look at Read the rest of this entry »

Dining out is a great way to spend time with family and friends, but it is also very expensive. The price of going out to eat has increased drastically in the last few years. Fortunately, there are ways that people can save money when dining out. Dining during lunch hours, ordering water and splitting meals are a few things that people can do to save money when dining out.

Most restaurants offer discounts on meals during lunch hours. It may be inconvenient to eat during the lunch hours, but it is a great way to save a few dollars Read the rest of this entry »

Chicago has some of the greatest sports in all of America. It is also home to some of the greatest sports bars to watch those sports as well. Here is guide to what many believe are the greatest in all of Chicago.

Murphy’s Bleachers is one of the best and maybe the most unique sports bar. The roof top seating with Wrigley field as your view is one reason to love this sports bar. The walls Read the rest of this entry »

Top 5 Bars For Girl’s Night Out

When spending the night with girlfriends, one might want to experience the night life. The perfect place for a ‘girl’s night out’ varies between different bars. Chicago’s bar scene is exciting, and often extremely fun. Maria-s Packaged Goods & Community Bar is often filled with social persons, and exciting drinks. Nestled in Chicago for nearly 25 years, one may consider Maria-s Packaged Goods & Community Bar to be a vision of excitement. A second common bar for a girl’s Read the rest of this entry »