🚧 What to know about NASCAR’s return to Chicago

End Credits in South Loop

The ShowPlace Icon Theater, the only movie house in the neighborhood, closed its doors Sunday after 15 years. It’s one of four locations owned by a Chicago-based company that are closing across the country. [Block Club]

Officials to Address Hilco Implosion

Chicago Department of Buildings Commissioner Marlene Hopkins is planning a public meeting this month to address concerns about a 2020 botched demolition in Little Village that covered the predominantly Mexican neighborhood in dust. Some residents are set to receive a settlement totaling $12.25 million. [The Triibe]

Tipped Minimum Wage Increases

As of Monday, the minimum hourly wage for tipped employees went up from $9.48 to $11.02, following a City Council ordinance that will increase tipped minimum wages by 8% each year. Proponents say the change is long overdue, while some restaurateurs warn that it may lead to price increases and lower tips. [WBEZ]

• Revisit the campaign that led to better pay for tipped restaurant workers. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
• And here are the other laws that went into effect this week. [Hey Chicago 📰]

Season three of “The Bear” is an emotional rollercoaster full of trauma, laughter, food envy, and love for the eateries feeding Chicago’s soul. Here are some of our favorites from the latest installment.

Birrieria Zaragoza

Did someone from the show listen to the City Cast Chicago podcast’s episode about the city's best tacos? The cast reportedly ate at the spot specializing in slow-braised meats.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Whether you're at the Archer Heights or Uptown location, you can order the birria by the pound for a large party (or a large appetite).

Chiu Quon Bakery

Founders Pui Yip and Cora Chiu opened their first location in Chinatown in 1986, bringing recipes from their native Hong Kong, including pork buns, raisin twist bread, and delicious taro buns. There’s also a second location in Uptown.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: They only take cash, so plan a stop at the ATM beforehand. And get there early on weekends — the line can get long, but I promise it’s worth it.

Doma

You could almost smell the famous egg sandwiches through the TV when Sydney, played by Ayo Edibiri, meets a friend at this Croatian café for an intriguing conversation. “Doma is home,” reads the restaurant’s website, and that’s exactly what it smells like inside — home.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Domo offers delivery if you’re feeling antisocial.

D’Amato’s Bakery & Subs

There’s something special about the coal-fired sandwiches at D’Amato’s. The bread is so good that many other Chicago joints use it for their own offerings.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: If you’ve never had Sicilian-style pizza, this is where you should try your first. And follow it up with a pistachio-sprinkled chocolate cannoli.

Vienna Beef

Sure, the close-ups of fancy French cuisine in the show are stunning, but all food is beautiful. Especially when it comes to the sausages at the historic Vienna Beef.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: July is both National Hot Dog Month and National Pickle Month, so plan accordingly.

NASCAR Returns, Best Metra Stops, and Festival Lessons

NASCAR is back in Chicago this weekend, along with less-than-ideal memories from last year’s event. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explore if this year will be different. Plus, the best Metra stops and festival tips.