Rick Bayless to close restaurants for a day to support immigrants

SHARE Rick Bayless to close restaurants for a day to support immigrants
chitrotter_cst_111013_08_42454881.jpg

Chef Rick Bayless. | Sun-Times files

Chandler West

Chef/restaurateur Rick Bayless announced on Facebook today that he is closing four of his Chicago restaurants on Thursday as a show of solidarity for immigrants’ rights. Closed for the day will be Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco and Fonda Frontera.

Across the country, organizers of “A Day Without Immigrants” are urging immigrants to stay home from work and school on Thursday as a peaceful protest of the new administration’s policies on immigration.

A spokesman for Bayless said about 200 staff members from the affected restaurants voted Wednesday afternoon “with overwhelming support to close for the day.”

In his Facebook statement, “A Message Of Strength & Solidarity,” Bayless wrote:

“Out of respect for our staff’s vote to support Thursday’s immigrant civil actions in Chicago and elsewhere, we are closing Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco and Fonda Frontera on Thursday.”

Cruz Blanca and Leña Brava will remain open Thursday, with 10 percent of gross revenue headed to Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

“We believe lasting change is achieved incrementally, and if you can’t participate, we encourage you make contributions to groups working to make lasting change.”

Some of the organizations Bayless suggested as donation recipients include the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, American Civil Liberties Union, the National Immigration Law Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Bayless was flying home Wednesday night from a staff trip to Mexico City.

Contributing: Matthew Hendrickson

The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.