Illinois Called One of America’s ‘Most Expensive States to Open a Restaurant’

If you've watched one episode of Season 2 of the award-winning TV show The Bear you should already know this, opening a restaurant in Illinois is difficult.

81st Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room

As someone who has never owned a restaurant and probably never will, I thought the trials and tribulations the characters went through on-screen were great theater.

Well, The Bear is more on point than I originally thought. Check out the NSFW clip.

Then there's the news of a study that just came out highlighting the states where it's most expensive to open a restaurant.

California, New York, and Colorado are one, two, and three on the list.

Disappointed waitress in restaurant kitchen

With high annual food service permits and liquor license costs, among state and corporate sales rates, Illinois ranked 4th most expensive overall.

The Center Square:

Illinois had the highest state corporate tax rate out of the 10 most expensive states at 10%, with a 5% state sales tax rate. The study puts Illinois' annual liquor license fee at $750 and annual food service permit at $450. The yearly rent per square foot in Illinois was at $28.42.

Tired chef on kitchen restaurant waiting for a new order

When you think about the success rate of restaurants it makes you wonder why anyone would even think about opening a spot.

Food Industry says a 30% failure rate is "the norm" for restaurants in America.

Tired bartender

Even more dire, another study says 60% of restaurants don't make it past year one while 80% "go under in five years."

So it goes without saying, that opening and then running a successful restaurant in Illinois is a massive challenge. Is there a local restaurant you know and love that needs some support? Share the name with us.