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Beat Kitchen takes Chicago to federal court

Dylan Sharkey | Illinois Policy Institute (December 17, 2025)

Dylan Sharkey’s reporting for Illinois Policy Institute tracks the escalation of Robert Gomez’s legal fight with the City of Chicago over the Riverwalk vendor selection process. In his continued coverage, Sharkey outlines the federal lawsuit’s core claims of rule violations, delayed bidding, and the City’s alleged use of race as a factor in awarding the concession. The story gives context around Beat Kitchen’s prior performance, financial investment, and Gomez’s FOIA efforts, while noting that the Riverwalk’s federal funding carries procurement requirements the lawsuit says were ignored.

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Beat Kitchen takes Chicago to federal court
Chicago restaurant owner Robert Gomez is suing Chicago in federal court, claiming the city used race to end his lease on the Riverwalk.
Illinois Policy/Dylan Sharkey/December 17, 2025

 

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Ryan Arnold

Ryan Arnold

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ryan@desotostate.com312-600-7380
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About BKBG Management Company

BKBG Management Company is a Chicago-based, independent management company specializing in restaurant, hospitality, and event operations. Our brands include Subterranean and Beat Kitchen, Bar Sol and Beat Kitchen Cantina on Navy Pier, and Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk. We also manage large-scale festivals such as Wicker Park Fest and Do Division and provide full-service catering solutions focusing on customized event menus, on-site execution, and seamless event logistics.