Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Chicago restaurants report fewer people eating out, and those who are, have been spending less. Crain’s spoke with several restaurant operators who say revenue and foot traffic is down so far this year. Even with the warming weather, traffic has not picked up. Diners have told restaurants they’re eating out less because of tight budgets and recession fears. Manny’s deli says traffic has been down about 10% over the last two months. Beverage sales are down 15%. Several other eateries also report traffic and revenue down 10% year over year. 

Also, Geico has a new corporate office in Chicago at the Merchandise Mart. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media and Best Money Moves, joins John Williams to talk about spring homebuying season sputtering, student loan borrowers throughout the country reporting massive credit score drops, the impact of Moody’s downgrading the credit rating of the United States, and Walmart saying price hikes may come soon because of tariffs.

Segment 2: Matt Schultz, LendingTree chief credit analyst, talks with John about a new survey that shows almost 4 in every 10 people with credit card debt have lied about it.

Segment 3: Tracey Halama, CEO, Supergut, tells John about how long their health and wellness company has been in business, the various type of products they sell, how you can naturally boost your GLP-1, the importance of increasing fiber in your diet, and the growth the company is seeing.

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John Williams to talk about the market performance this week, the tariff fears being overblown, good economic data being released, why he’s bullish long-term, what sector he’s most interested in, why you need to diversify your portfolio, and what he expects from Fed policy this year.

Segment 2: Brad Henderson, CEO, P33, tells John about what P33 does, the future of quantum technology in Chicago, if the city is positioned to be the next Silicon Valley, what makes quantum computing unique, and the types of jobs that will created by the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.

Segment 3: Michelle Marvin, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Hyatt Lodge Oakbrook, joins John Williams to talk about the lovely property, how it’s a nice oasis from the city, and some of the great personalized experiences to enhance your experience!

Segment 1: Mark Hamrick, Washington Bureau Chief and Senior Economic Analyst for Bankrate.com, talks to John about a new survey that shows nearly half of current homeowners say they have at least one regret about the purchase of their current home. Mark also offers some tips on how you can save money on your home purchase.

Segment 2: Aki Ito, Chief Correspondent at Business Insider, joins John to talk about how RTO mandates are a stealth alternative to layoffs.

Segment 3: Jessica Smart, President and CEO, Clearbrook, joins John to talk about the work that Clearbrook does, their mission to support children and adults impacted by intellectual/developmental disabilities, how cuts to federal programs might impact what they do, her thoughts on RFK Jr.’s thoughts on autism, and their annual fundraiser, The Shining Star Ball, happening tomorrow.

Segment 4: Wes LeBlanc, Strategy Director and Principal, Gensler, joins John to talk about a new report that shows office-to-co-living conversions could revitalize downtown Chicago and increase affordable housing supply.

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the recent stock market rebound, the importance of knowing what you own, and if she believes there will still be some disruption in the economy. Terry also answers all of your financial questions.

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Chicago-based Kraft Heinz will spend $3 billion to upgrade its U.S. factories. It’s the company’s largest investment in its plants in a decade but comes at a time of uncertainty for the company. Kraft Heinz execs have said consumer sentiment is at its second-lowest point in 70 years, causing lower sales and profit forecasts for the rest of this year. The upgrades will help lower costs by making the plants more efficient.

Also, Illinois-based State Farm will get its temporary rate hike in California. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about the importance of being prepared, making a good impression, and how you can separate yourself from your peers. Tom also says, ‘taking things for granted is how you get beat.’

Segment 2: Philippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John to talk about the apparent disconnect between administration expectations and 2025 workforce realities.

Segment 3: Dennis Rodkin, residential real estate reporter for Crain’s, joins John Williams to talk about strong Chicago-area new home sales, asking prices hitting record highs, and the Pope’s old Dolton house.

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media and Best Money Moves, joins John Williams to talk about the market reaction to the Trump administration announcing tariff cuts, the fallout from the trade negotiations, and why it’s harder to get a car loan right now.

Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Rivian growing its presence in Illinois, how Chicago startups stack up for life sciences, and a Chicago startup that facilitates organ transport raising $2M.

Segment 3: Brandon Copeland, Co-Founder, Athletes.org, talks to John about his career playing in the NFL, how NIL has impacted college sports, the way NIL has evolved through the years, the latest on the House v. NCAA settlement.

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Arlington Height’s Northpoint Center has been acquired by a Texas investor. According to Crain’s, Encore Enterprises acquired a majority stake in the shopping center for $34 million. It’s located at the intersection of Rand Road and Arlington Heights Road. AmCap affiliates previously had a majority stake and will maintain a minority share. Encore has also assumed AmCap’s mortgage. Encore has 26 properties in the U.S. and specializes in buying, developing and managing retail centers. 

Also, The Chicago-based American Medical Association has a new CEO and executive vice president. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about why the markets are dipping a bit today, the latest on President Trump’s trade deals, the roller coaster the market has been on since President Trump announced his tariff plan, why now is a good time to reevaluate your retirement plan, more people looking at Bitcoin, his thoughts on the Fed announcement this week, when we might get a rate cut, and why he doesn’t believe there is going to be a massive economic slowdown.

Segment 2: Carl Prouty, “The Technologist” at Abt Electronics in Glenview, talks to John about the tech items that are hot right now including a TV that looks like a picture frame, the Venta Air Purifier, and a Segway Electric Bike. Carl also gives us some recommendations for great tech gifts for Mother’s Day!