Restaurant owners hope outdoor dining changes the mindset of the West Side

Prentiss Harris of Big Shrimpin stands in front of his Madison Street restaurant, where he plans to set up outdoor seating. (Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times)

When opening Big Shrimpin on the West Side, Prentiss Harris wanted a spot that welcomed customers with more than a small waiting area where cash and food changed hands through a window.

And in a rare twist, the pandemic made that easier, as a local chamber of commerce started helping businesses, including Big Shrimpin, to offer outdoor dining.