Fat Rice Is the Latest Chicago Restaurant to Offer Employees Health Insurance

Fat Rice joins the group of restaurants to offer employees health insurance via a surcharge on checks

Highly acclaimed longtime Eater 38 restaurant Fat Rice is the latest Chicago spot to join the growing group of independent restaurants to offer employees health insurance via a surcharge that will appear on diners’ checks. Starting January 1, patrons will see a 4-percent “Hospitality Provision” on their bills, the Tribune reports. Giant made headlines earlier this year with a similar program that’s been in place since July 2017, Slightly Toasted and Little Toasted will slightly raise prices to pay for employees’ insurance, as will Dos Urban Cantina in Logan Square. Acadia, Bixi Beer, Daisies, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, and many restaurants in California already use a similar model.

Both Snarf’s Sandwiches in Chicago shutter

Five years after closing its Chicago Avenue shop and firing employees via email three days before Christmas, Snarf’s Sandwiches has closed both of its Chicago locations — days before Christmas. Both the 600 W. Chicago Avenue spot — which gave the employees severance and their jobs back before reopening as Snarfburger — and 180 N. Stetson Avenue shuttered on December 21, according to a news release and the Tribune.

Northwest Side sushi favorite reopens after more than a year

Closed since an electrical fire in September 2017, Northwest Side Japanese spot Umami Sushi finally reopened yesterday, ownership announced. They had originally hoped to be back in business at 4626 N. Cumberland Avenue near O’Hare “in 1-2 months.”

Co-Owner of new Wicker Park Mexican restaurant passes away

And finally, a co-owner of new Wicker Park Mexican spot Tuko Cantina — the reconcept of Rhyme or Reason — sadly passed away last week. People payed respects to Zafer Genc at his funeral service on December 23 and the restaurant was closed until December 26. Those interested in donating to his memorial and family funds can check out a GoFundMe page.