Chicago, Ill. — A local restaurateur is challenging a recent decision by the city regarding a lease for a prime space on the Riverwalk, alleging that the process for awarding contracts breached established guidelines. Robert Gomez, whose Beat Kitchen had successfully operated along the scenic riverside for three seasons, is questioning why he was not considered for a renewal.
Gomez contends that his business thrived, enjoying strong patronage and positive reviews. However, he claims he was blindsided when informed that his lease had not been renewed, effectively ending his tenure as of the 2023 season. “I was crushed. I couldn’t believe it,” Gomez remarked, expressing disbelief over the city’s decision.
His new lawsuit holds the city accountable for allegedly violating its own selection process by favoring another vendor for the space without a fair application procedure. Gomez asserts that he was the only one to submit a proposal for the location in question prior to the deadline. “We were the only applicant. And then after the process was closed, they reached out to someone else,” he said.
The lawsuit specifies that the city potentially broke its own rules by allowing a new vendor to lease the space, despite this competitor not formally applying for it beforehand. Gomez’s attorney, Bill Klinger, emphasized that the city failed to adhere to its Request for Proposal (RFP) guidelines. “The process is good. The problem is the city didn’t follow the process. They have rules they set out in their RFP,” Klinger stated.
Gomez, reflecting on his business’s success, expressed frustration with the city’s actions. “If they followed the law, I would have been in there two years ago. We did great. We represented the city incredibly well and brought tax dollars to the city,” he said.
While the city typically refrains from commenting on ongoing litigation, in the past, officials have stated that the bidding process aims to promote competition, ensuring that local residents benefit from more choices. “This committee can do whatever it wants; there is no oversight,” Gomez criticized, pointing to a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
The new vendor, identified as “Toast of Chicago, featuring Haire’s Gulf Shrimp,” expressed surprise at being named in the lawsuit but declined to offer further remarks. They stated their pride in the customer experience they aim to provide.
Gomez’s lawsuit does not accuse the new business of any wrongdoing but seeks to annul their lease with the city. The outcome of the case could have significant ramifications for how public spaces like the Riverwalk manage vendor applications and contract renewals in the future.
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