One of the five largest hotels in Chicago, the Sheraton Grand reopened on Monday after a 15-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Five of the longest-serving employees of the hotel have cut the ribbon again for the occasion.
“We’re starting over today,” said the hotel’s general manager, Mark Lauer. “We are starting again to rebuild our hotel and are helping to rebuild our city.”
City officials were present at the cutting of the ribbon, saying this is a sure sign that Chicago is open for business.
“2020 has been a year of closure, the pain of grief. But 2021 is a year of hope,” said Samir Mayekar, deputy mayor for economic development. “This Friday we will be the largest open city in America.”
According to the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, more than 50 Chicago hotels closed during the pandemic, leaving more than 20,000 people unemployed. Almost all of them will be open again by July 1st.
“It will be a gradual rebuilding,” said Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of IHLA. “You can’t begin a recovery without a step forward, and that’s what we’re seeing with the Sheraton reopening today.”
The historic Hilton Chicago is also preparing to reopen this week. General Manager John Wells said 200 employees are returning. In comparison, the hotel usually employs up to 1,000 people between full-time and part-time employees.
“We’re excited. It’s no longer the full load we used to have, but it’s going to be a gradual process. When the city reopens, so will we,” Wells said.
Hilton will reopen its doors on Thursday, the day before Chicago and Illinois enter Phase 5 of the reopening on Friday. Fully vaccinated individuals can, in most cases, resume activities without a mask, and all sectors of the economy can resume at regular capacity.
As restrictions are relaxed, more and more vendors are moving to their kitchens at the French Market, Chicago’s first food hall. Currently, 22 out of 33 providers have resumed their service.
“This is our first week back; it is really exciting to be here,” said Steven Lawrence, a managing partner of Lito’s Empanadas in the market.
Now that he and his staff are fully vaccinated, Lawrence is comfortable opening up again.
“The French market is really like family. People who are here have been here for years,” said Lawrence. “We’ve seen them struggle last year, so it’s just an incredible feeling to be back.”
Phase 5 removes the requirements that companies must introduce mandatory social distancing and daily health exams for employees and visitors in seating. However, individual companies can choose to implement an additional security protocol. Phase 5 also marks the return of festivals, major events and congresses.
Vacation travel will give the hospitality industry a much-needed boost, but experts say conventions and corporate meetings are key to a full recovery.
“It will take the longest of all segments to return. We will not have a full recovery until that return and we expect it will take a few years,” said Jacobsen.