With dining out becoming more costly, more customers are saving restaurant outings for special occasions. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how some Chicago operators are taking steps to keep their establishments more accessible to diners.

Plus: Johnson turns to City Council ally to run Park District, Old Post Office developer pivoting from nearby office project amid loan crunch, Chicago Women in Trades files lawsuit challenging Trump's anti-DEI orders, and Mag Mile Harry Potter-themed store sets opening date.