05/18/2026
For 85 years, Gene & Georgetti has been part of the fabric of Chicago. What began as a small family business built through hard work, resilience, relationships, and hospitality has grown into something far bigger than a restaurant. It is a legacy my family, our team, and this city have helped shape together over generations. It is the American dream really, and one we are so proud of.
Today, legal action was filed regarding the planned termination of Gene’s Bistro at Midway Airport, despite 15 years remaining on what was intended to be a long term agreement.
This has never simply been about one location. For me, this is about accountability, transparency, and standing up for independent businesses whose names, reputations, and decades of work carry real value.
We entered this partnership in good faith and honored every commitment asked of us, including through COVID and what was undoubtedly one of the most difficult moments the hospitality industry has faced. I believe deeply in protecting not only our family business, but also the integrity of local operators navigating partnerships like these every day. Independent restaurants could be considering an agreement like this with a concessionaire like this, and we believe they should know who and what they are really dealing with.
As third generation at Gene & Georgetti, this is about honoring legacy too. I grew up watching my family pour everything they had into this business, not only to preserve what was built before us, but to continue evolving it with care, pride, and purpose for future generations.
Thank you to Crain’s Chicago Business for continuing to follow this story, and to Ally Marotti for her thoughtful coverage.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has supported my family, our team, and our legacy throughout this process. Your messages, encouragement, and belief in what Gene & Georgetti represents mean more than I could ever fully express.
Chicago has shaped us for more than eight decades, and we remain deeply proud to continue fighting for the future of this institution and the people behind it.