Chicago’s outdoor dining program ends for the season, but some restaurants think it should be year-round

Some owners of Chicago restaurants, including Formento’s in the West Loop, would like to see the city’s outdoor seasonal dining program expanded year-round. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Phillip Walters described the difference in his restaurant’s business as “like flicking on a light switch” when it was allowed to expand its outdoor dining during the pandemic in 2020.

The extra seating still is always full in the warmer months, said Walters, part owner of Formento’s, 925 W. Randolph St. in Fulton Market in the West Loop.