Before you lease a restaurant in Chicago.

Build a search brief

Choose your preferred neighborhoods or suburbs, and say where you could be flexible. Describe your menu, takeout or dine-in plans, expected seating, and target opening date. Tell Fares whether you need an equipped kitchen or already own equipment. Add your preferred size, storage needs, delivery access, parking, and any must-have features. This gives your search a clear starting point.

Compare the full proposed cost

Ask for a written breakdown of the proposed rent and other charges. Keep the monthly occupancy budget separate from money needed to open. For each property, ask:

• Is rent quoted per month or per square foot per year? What area is used?
• Which taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, or shared-area charges are additional?
• What deposits, equipment payments, build-out costs, and rent increases are proposed?
• When would possession, rent payments, and any agreed free-rent period begin?

Inspect what is actually included

“Equipped” is a starting point for questions. Request an itemized equipment list and clarify ownership, condition, and any separate purchase price. Arrange appropriate professional inspections before relying on equipment or building systems. Do not assume a photograph confirms working condition or that an item belongs to the landlord.

• Check refrigeration, hood and exhaust, fire-suppression equipment, cooking equipment, sinks, and HVAC relevant to your concept.
• Ask who repairs, replaces, and maintains each item.
• Record missing equipment and proposed work in writing.

Verify the address and your intended use

Chicago advises checking zoning and code compliance before signing a lease or applying for a business license, rather than relying on a previous operator’s use. The city also identifies a Retail Food Establishment License requirement when perishable food is prepared, served, or sold to the public. Use the official city resources below and confirm the requirements for your exact concept. For a suburban property, check with that municipality.

• Ask about proposed hours, signage, seating, deliveries, and any alcohol service.
• Have your attorney review proposed lease terms and approval contingencies before you commit.