Hispanic restaurant owner sues Chicago

Sonya Gugliara | Daily Mail (December 16, 2025)

Sonya Gugliara’s reporting for the Daily Mail and Daily Mail UK examines Robert Gomez’s federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in the city’s decision not to renew his Riverwalk concession, despite his proposal ranking highest under city rules. The coverage builds on earlier reporting and details claims that officials altered the bidding process to favor another vendor, raising broader concerns about transparency and procurement practices.

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Restaurant owner sues Chicago for denying permit because of his race
Robert Gomez, the owner of Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk, sued the city after he was denied a permit he held for years - despite allegedly being the most qualified applicant.
Daily Mail/Sonya Gugliara/December 16, 2025

 

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Ryan Arnold

Ryan Arnold

Principal, Media Relations, DeSoto & State Communications, Inc.

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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.