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Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more

The summer wave of closures include iconic restaurants and recent pop-ups.

Business

Chicago has seen a fresh round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant and retail closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/jims-original-rivers-ann-sather-meli-chicago-businesses-closing-2026" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/jims-original-rivers-ann-sather-meli-chicago-businesses-closing-2026" target="_self">restaurant and retail closures</a> this summer, claiming longtime neighborhood favorites to once-buzzy destinations.State of play: There&#x27;s no single reason behind the closures. Some businesses are struggling with rising costs, while others are dealing with health violations or neighborhood disputes, underscoring how difficult it has become to operate restaurants and retail stores.Here are some notable closings from June and July:DMK Burger Bar &amp; Fish Bar: Redditors tipped us to the closing of two iconic Lakeview restaurants. The sister restaurants became fixtures of Chicago&#x27;s late-2000s foodie scene, serving chef-driven burgers and seafood in a casual setting.Context: The restaurants opened in 2009 and 2011 at Wellington Avenue and Sheffield Avenue. They were the brainchild of Chicago restaurateurs Michael Kornick and David Morton. Kornick left the ownership group in 2021.<ul><li>Ownership hasn&#x27;t responded to several emails about the closures, but both restaurants now sit empty.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A hazy classroom or cafe with round wooden tables and dark metal-legged chairs. A brick wall with string lights on the right; a wooden bench on the left with a blue banner, and crumpled papers on a foreground table." height="4284" id="13756b52-6752-47d1-b832-4f872df7eabf" src="https://images.axios.com/mlufGxQhtM7UzYRNvXtleFQHLfs=/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/fsLjEfX9vdeY3FlKMcDGd-mPLi4=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/RMMeOsvfU_Zek0Q_MDRfYS28JHo=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/k1oNg_aGh8DswCKrILpkT3DlSiU=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/5f8JfMSyQe7bNRbr55jT8kE4TOA=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/a4lrVvsgWSzyM-j32iCIDJhu1TA=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/RorUoQplATOC53LnonHBMCEX1CE=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/TYMr-B9RweidLXnaMTMQhKupnCQ=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Inside DMK Burger Bar. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>Magnolia Bakery: The Block 37 outpost on State Street is temporarily closed after health inspectors discovered a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cockroach infestation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/magnolia-bakery-chicago-block-37-shut-down-cockroaches/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/magnolia-bakery-chicago-block-37-shut-down-cockroaches/" target="_blank">cockroach infestation</a>. Owners say they plan to reopen.Stella&#x27;s Diner: The East Lakeview diner is also temporarily closed after health inspectors found a cockroach infestation, among other things. Stella&#x27;s sister restaurant, &quot;The Bagel,&quot; had the same problem last month. <ul><li>According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Block Club" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/13/stellas-diner-closed-by-city-due-to-roach-infestation/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/13/stellas-diner-closed-by-city-due-to-roach-infestation/" target="_blank">Block Club</a>, the diner has failed several health inspections over the past few years.</li></ul>Chicago Pizza Fest: The annual pizza festival thrown by former ABC 7 food reporter Steve Dolinsky announced it is postponing this year&#x27;s event. Organizers cited &quot;economic strains&quot; and said they plan to return next year.<ul><li>The festival was scheduled for mid-August and all pre-sold tickets will be refunded. </li></ul>Reserv: The Printers Row hotspot faces an uncertain future after neighbors complained the restaurant operates more like a nightclub. The business is also facing an eviction notice and a July 23 hearing before the city&#x27;s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, which could revoke its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business license" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/15/printers-row-sports-bar-faces-eviction-amid-noise-complaints-wage-theft-allegations/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/15/printers-row-sports-bar-faces-eviction-amid-noise-complaints-wage-theft-allegations/" target="_blank">business license</a>. Downtown Naperville: The busy suburb lost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two favorites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/15/nike-everdines-cheese-closing-naperville/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/15/nike-everdines-cheese-closing-naperville/" target="_blank">two favorites</a> this week when Everdine&#x27;s Grilled Cheese Co. and the Nike store closed. Everdine&#x27;s last day is Friday.

First Illinois Trader Joe's unionizes

The Lincoln Avenue location is the fifth U.S. store to join Trader Joe's United.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trader Joe&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/inflation-business-reputation-trader-joes-costco-arizona" data-vars-content-id="9abe3d81-05d9-4cb5-af6c-6c472178ea4b" data-vars-headline="First Illinois Trader Joe&#x27;s unionizes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/inflation-business-reputation-trader-joes-costco-arizona" target="_self">Trader Joe&#x27;s</a> in Chicago&#x27;s North Center neighborhood just became the first location in Illinois to join the independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="union" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/14/unions-ai-2028-elections" data-vars-content-id="9abe3d81-05d9-4cb5-af6c-6c472178ea4b" data-vars-headline="First Illinois Trader Joe&#x27;s unionizes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/14/unions-ai-2028-elections" target="_self">union</a> of Trader Joe&#x27;s workers.Why it matters: One part of Trader Joe&#x27;s appeal, along with historically lower prices and unique products, is cheerful customer service. But union campaigns across the country in recent years have revealed that some Trader Joe&#x27;s workers aren&#x27;t as happy as they seem.

Darren Bailey's attack on Pritzker's yearbook sparks criticism

The Republican gubernatorial candidate mocked the governor's high school yearbook photos and captions.

News

Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is facing criticism after attacking Gov. JB Pritzker over decades-old high school yearbook photos.The latest: Bailey <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted screenshots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BaileyforIllinois/posts/pfbid027SeJgZSUJroM8r42HgVnR4cnYe2tn2yFFjS1hB6De5amUf1bKL4hsoYh6KkQmiUel" data-vars-content-id="4db38961-1d0b-42d6-a066-d1ebd3eb205c" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey&#x27;s attack on Pritzker&#x27;s yearbook sparks criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BaileyforIllinois/posts/pfbid027SeJgZSUJroM8r42HgVnR4cnYe2tn2yFFjS1hB6De5amUf1bKL4hsoYh6KkQmiUel" target="_blank">posted screenshots</a> of Gov. JB Pritzker&#x27;s high school yearbook photos and captions. <ul><li>The yearbook photo shows Pritzker hanging with a friend, while the caption quotes F. Scott Fitzgerald and a list of what could be best described as &quot;senior quotes,&quot; which is standard in yearbooks. </li></ul>

Chicago radio ratings: The Mix returns to No. 1

The Hot Adult Contemporary station claims the top spot for the second month in a row.

The June radio ratings are out and &quot;The Mix&quot; (WTMX-FM) is back on top for the second month in a row. Why it matters: Chicago&#x27;s radio landscape has shifted again, with one of the city&#x27;s longtime powerhouse stations reclaiming the No. 1 spot after years of rebuilding.

Lake warms up after super cold holiday temps

Temps have jumped from 63 to 70 in just a few days.

Public Safety

<figure><img alt="video of a woman jumping out of the lake" height="675" id="856772e3-dc20-415c-9ea5-e5856a0aac17" src="https://images.axios.com/YSc7RFIXYB4v0pJSyglIABw-IBk=/2026/07/07/1783449627932.gif" width="387"/><figcaption>On recent days, Monica has wished she could jump out of the icy lake, but Tuesday, that all changed. Video: Courtesy of Rhys MacMillan.</figcaption></figure>If you&#x27;re a frequent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lake swimmer " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/05/chicago-beach-season-water-safety-boating-swimming-tips" data-vars-content-id="6c7bde3f-6e7e-49a0-a3bc-3b08e044cd09" data-vars-headline="Lake warms up after super cold holiday temps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/05/chicago-beach-season-water-safety-boating-swimming-tips" target="_self">lake swimmer </a>like me, you probably noticed a big temperature drop in recent weeks due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upwelling" data-vars-click-url="https://wgntv.com/weather/weather-blog/does-the-way-from-which-the-wind-blows-affect-the-water-temperature-in-lake-michigan/" data-vars-content-id="6c7bde3f-6e7e-49a0-a3bc-3b08e044cd09" data-vars-headline="Lake warms up after super cold holiday temps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wgntv.com/weather/weather-blog/does-the-way-from-which-the-wind-blows-affect-the-water-temperature-in-lake-michigan/" target="_blank">upwelling</a>, when offshore winds push warmer waters into the middle of the lake, leaving us cold. <ul><li>It got so bad that at least one deeply chilled swimmer to be<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" helped out of the drink" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaRRfFoyiZ4/" data-vars-content-id="6c7bde3f-6e7e-49a0-a3bc-3b08e044cd09" data-vars-headline="Lake warms up after super cold holiday temps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaRRfFoyiZ4/" target="_blank"> helped out of the drink</a> recently. </li></ul>The Good News: Tuesday&#x27;s Chicago shore water temps jumped up to a balmy 70 from just 63 on Saturday, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Weather Service. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=LOT&amp;issuedby=LOT&amp;product=OMR&amp;format=CI&amp;version=4&amp;glossary=0" data-vars-content-id="6c7bde3f-6e7e-49a0-a3bc-3b08e044cd09" data-vars-headline="Lake warms up after super cold holiday temps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=LOT&amp;issuedby=LOT&amp;product=OMR&amp;format=CI&amp;version=4&amp;glossary=0" target="_blank">National Weather Service. </a>So: Go ahead and return to the lake. The water&#x27;s fine.

Suburbs pay less than Chicago for lead line removal

Chicago officials are mum, but experts say permits and "contractor-friendliness" play a role.

Nearby suburbs — including Evanston, Elgin and Riverside — pay less than half of what Chicago does for lead service line removal despite having access to the same local contractors to remove them, an Axios analysis finds.Why it matters: While some federal funding goes to lead line removal, Chicagoans will shoulder much of the estimated $12 billion cost of removing our record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400,000 toxic lines over the next two decades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="5ff5f67e-36a2-41ad-8194-c719777418e1" data-vars-headline="Suburbs pay less than Chicago for lead line removal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" target="_self">400,000 toxic lines over the next two decades</a>.

Chicago storm damage: What to do when your home or car are hit

Chicago's flood defenses are being pushed to the limit  and wreaking havoc across the region.

Environment

Continuous heavy rainfall and storms in Chicago have led to fallen trees and flooded homes. Here&#x27;s what home and car owners need to know.

What to do if you spot a coyote in Chicago

Pup season has Chicago coyotes on the move. Here's how to stay safe and help avoid conflicts.

It&#x27;s not just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rats roaming Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/chicago-rat-control-birth-control-pilot-city-council-lincoln-park" data-vars-content-id="c84845de-519d-467b-a5d1-dcec4f1a2c56" data-vars-headline="What to do if you spot a coyote in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/chicago-rat-control-birth-control-pilot-city-council-lincoln-park" target="_self">rats roaming Chicago</a> streets. You may also be noticing coyotes right now.

It's a great year to grow native Illinois plants

You can get them at pop ups and online and plant them through fall.

Things to Do

In a year of<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" record rainfall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/15/how-and-when-to-drive-in-flooded-streets" data-vars-content-id="2df2d316-60bc-401e-883f-7a4b59ef2b89" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a great year to grow native Illinois plants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/15/how-and-when-to-drive-in-flooded-streets" target="_self"> record rainfall</a> and high prices, Illinois native plants are looking more and more attractive to local gardeners —  and it&#x27;s not too late to plant them. Why it matters: As the city gets hit with more frequent floods, Chicagoans can help mitigate the damage with plants whose deep root systems <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="help pull water deep into the ground." data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagobungalow.org/post/native-plants-2026" data-vars-content-id="2df2d316-60bc-401e-883f-7a4b59ef2b89" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a great year to grow native Illinois plants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagobungalow.org/post/native-plants-2026" target="_blank">help pull water deep into the ground.</a> <ul><li>They also cost less to maintain than grass, create healthier soil and require less long-term maintenance.</li><li>Many are also pollinator-friendly and can help support birds and butterflies.</li></ul>

Gov. Pritzker slows down data center development

Pritzker is pausing tax breaks and pushing environmental regulation.

After years of championing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/21/illinois-data-centers-energy-water" data-vars-content-id="85c55b06-6016-4e86-b374-ce3ae5cf4d25" data-vars-headline="Gov. Pritzker slows down data center development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/21/illinois-data-centers-energy-water" target="_self">data center development</a>, Illinois <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. JB Pritzker" data-vars-click-url="https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-touts-illinois-economic-development-at-data-center-groundbreaking/" data-vars-content-id="85c55b06-6016-4e86-b374-ce3ae5cf4d25" data-vars-headline="Gov. Pritzker slows down data center development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-touts-illinois-economic-development-at-data-center-groundbreaking/" target="_blank">Gov. JB Pritzker</a> is pumping the brakes amid concerns over spiking energy bills, water use and pollution.Why it matters: Last week, Illinois data center regulation looked dead. Two major bills aimed at pausing tax incentives and addressing environmental issues tanked in Springfield.<ul><li>But Pritzker&#x27;s surprise Friday announcement breathes new life into the effort.</li></ul>

What to know before swimming in Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan beaches are open, but drownings and boating accidents remain serious threats.

It&#x27;s that time in Chicago when sunbathers crowd the sand and cement, boats fill the harbors and swimmers cool off in Lake Michigan.<ul><li>Sadly, summerlike weather also means more drownings and water-related injuries.</li></ul>

Vintage photos show Chicago's crowded beaches are nothing new

Archival photographs show Chicagoans flocking to the water for over a century.

History

Chicagoans are flocking to the city&#x27;s premier beaches for the unofficial start of summer.The big picture: While many have bemoaned the throngs of people clogging the lakefront, it&#x27;s important to add some context in the form of a long-lost photo from 1929.<ul><li>It was busy then, too.</li></ul>

Readers share stories of lasting neighbor bonds

From block coffee meetups to weddings, readers shared how neighbors shaped their lives.

Neighborhoods

Recently, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I offered a counterpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/22/chicago-neighbor-connections-loneliness-young-people-aei-report-community" data-vars-content-id="23c6781f-afac-46c3-b627-defd79657d19" data-vars-headline="Readers share stories of lasting neighbor bonds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/22/chicago-neighbor-connections-loneliness-young-people-aei-report-community" target="_self">I offered a counterpoint</a> to a new study that says we don&#x27;t talk to our neighbors.<ul><li>Turns out, many Axios readers agreed that we are friendlier than researchers think.</li></ul>

Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge

Axios reporters try to grow tomatoes in cramped urban settings.

Welcome to Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional start " data-vars-click-url="https://extension.illinois.edu/gardening/when-plant" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://extension.illinois.edu/gardening/when-plant" target="_blank">traditional start </a>of tomato gardening season.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;re launching our first Axios tomato challenge, where each of us nurtures the same type of plant in our different environments to see who can produce the most or best fruits this summer.<ul><li>And we&#x27;d like you to play along.</li></ul>State of play: Because none of us has a ton of traditional gardening space, we asked the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Tomato Man, Bob Zeni, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Tomato Man, Bob Zeni, </a>to advise us on the best option to suit:<ul><li>High-rise Carrie, who will need to garden on a south-facing windowsill</li><li>Townhouse Justin, who wants something off the ground that won&#x27;t attract rats.</li><li>Three-flat Monica, who gardens on her back porch.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two small tomato seedlings in black plastic pots on a wooden surface. A pink plant tag with a QR code reads CHICAGO and Rosy Finch between the plants; blurred background." height="4284" id="977472ea-5e51-4ff2-beee-669bfb1202b5" src="https://images.axios.com/z-GHSwEXCWn-G6FBwARoy6TIWmU=/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/3Hw9ve1jJRXf5MKVlQQ8vMdV30c=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/B2XahegexoafQ3re26Uy0-9QdpE=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/WptlOTXZDw0uIJHyF36F2DwVeD8=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/_xM7PKDJGEvwIjgUqmwnN8m7eIM=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/wLxcHg5rkgHOy2JRpZIuAYPAIBg=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/0UWqH3372tmtlJbasMEaamCt14g=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/IJ3cNYKHkjKbLY8VxTyLPDtK5aA=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Two Rosy Finch tomato plants. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>The plant: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rosy Finch " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/shop-all/rosy-finch?rq=rosy%20finch" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/shop-all/rosy-finch?rq=rosy%20finch" target="_blank">Rosy Finch </a>tabletop seedling that we picked up at one of Zeni&#x27;s many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tomato Man pop-ups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/new-events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=05-2026" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/new-events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=05-2026" target="_blank">Tomato Man pop-ups</a> happening throughout May across the city and burbs.<ul><li>Other compact varieties include Golden Hour micro dwarfs or Little Bing cherry tomato plants available at local shops and nurseries.</li></ul>What he&#x27;s saying: The plants &quot;should do well in the ground, in pots outdoors or even indoors with the right light,&quot; Zeni tells Axios.<ul><li>&quot;Indoors, they won&#x27;t be as productive because they need six to eight hours of sunlight every day, but if you have a south-facing window, that&#x27;s good.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: &quot;I always recommend these for people that are just starting out because they&#x27;re so much easier to take care of than standard plants that get 6 to 8 feet, and you have all kinds of issues about staking and trimming,&quot; he said. Cold facts: Despite the conventional &quot;after-Mother&#x27;s Day&quot; timetable for outdoor planting, Chicago has proven unseasonably chilly this month. Zeni advises caution until nighttime lows remain above the mid-40s.<ul><li>He also urges folks to spend a week &quot;hardening off&quot; indoor-grown tomato seedlings. This means giving the plants outdoor exposure during the day followed by nights back inside.</li><li>Justin and Monica will follow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="these instructions all week" data-vars-click-url="https://savvygardening.com/how-to-harden-off-tomato-plants/" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://savvygardening.com/how-to-harden-off-tomato-plants/" target="_blank">these instructions all week</a> with our outdoor-bound plants. </li><li>Once the seedlings are ready to stay outdoors, we&#x27;ll lean on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zeni&#x27;s growing tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/main-st" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/main-st" target="_blank">Zeni&#x27;s growing tips</a> all summer. </li></ul><figure><img alt="woman holding a flat of tomato plants" height="3573" id="d87756ef-e2dd-4afc-8c21-af2dedcb4822" src="https://images.axios.com/M6WDZezpKhF3IPZIzNVp4bKPa44=/2026/05/10/1778455555694.jpeg" width="5005"/><figcaption>Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot picks up her 2026 tomato seedlings from a Chicago Tomato Man pop-up in Lincoln Park Saturday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>The intrigue: While picking up plants, Monica ran into a fellow gardener who also happens to be a former Mayor and Axios Chicago member.The judges? You! In a few months, we&#x27;ll post pics of our best tomatoes and let readers decide the winner. What&#x27;s next: We&#x27;re hoping you&#x27;ll follow along, plant your own tomatoes and share tips and pics as we dig into our first virtual Axios garden club.