Lauren Zumbach, chicagotribune.com

Lauren Zumbach

chicagotribune.com

Chicago, IL, United States

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Past:
  • chicagotribune.com
  • The Virginian-Pilot
  • Cashay
  • Los Angeles Times
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  • The Union-Tribune
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  • New York Daily News
  • Hartford Courant
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Past articles by Lauren:

With fewer office workers and some major retailers closed, what’s next for downtown Chicago?

Long associated with gleaming office buildings, retail and throngs of workers and tourists, changes could be in store for downtown Chicago as it works to regain some of the bustle it lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Empty offices and closed storefronts have put the vibrancy of downtown Chicago at stake. Almost 18% of downtown office space was vacant at the end of 2021, according to commercial… → Read More

Companies tired of Zooming with clients expected to drive a resurgence in business travel, but omicron variant looms. ‘Everyone’s in COVID-19 risk management mode.’

While the new omicron variant could slow its rebound, business travel is expected to eventually return. While some local companies are eager to get back to their globe-trotting ways, others have realized they don’t need to be on the go as much as they used to be. → Read More

This company got its start helping farmers markets deliver. Now it’s planning two dozen retail stores in Chicago.

A company whose technology helps farmers markets handle online orders has opened its first bricks-and-mortar store in the Lincoln Park area. → Read More

Hitting the stores on Black Friday? Here’s what to expect from another year of pandemic-era holiday shopping.

Black Friday may not bring hordes of predawn deal hunters to stores the way it used to, but there’s still plenty of shopping expected to happen Thanksgiving weekend. → Read More

City investigating allegations of discrimination, unpaid overtime at Parlor Pizza Bar

The city of Chicago is investigating allegations that Parlor Pizza Bar, with locations in West Town, Wicker Park and the Near North neighborhood, violated the city’s labor and anti-discrimination ordinances. → Read More

Portillo’s shares dip after first earnings report reveals rising costs, increased menu prices

Rising wages and higher costs for ingredients like beef sent Portillo’s shares falling early this morning as the Chicago-based hot dog and Italian beef chain reported earnings for the first time since going public. → Read More

Quadruple drive-thru lanes? Restaurants aim to keep the line moving as to-go sales boom during the pandemic

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, with restaurant dining rooms closed, chains counted on drive-thru and takeout business to survive. Now they’re doubling down — testing drive-thrus with double, triple or even quadruple lanes. → Read More

Foxtrot opening at Tribune Tower next year, its second location planned for a downtown landmark

Foxtrot, the Chicago-based chain combining a cafe and upscale convenience store, plans to open in a second downtown landmark next year: Tribune Tower. → Read More

Beanie Babies airlifted from Chinese factories to O’Hare to circumvent shipping backlogs in time for the holidays

Chicago billionaire Ty Warner has chartered more than 150 cargo flights from China to avoid the shipping backlog at sea and get his Beanie Babies in stores for holiday shopping. → Read More

Hitting the road for the holidays? Car rental prices are sky-high again.

People renting cars for holiday trips may be in for some sticker shock. → Read More

McDonald’s CEO faces calls to resign as backlash mounts over texts on Adam Toledo, Jaslyn Adams

McDonald’s is facing additional pressure over CEO Chris Kempczinski’s text message exchange with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, in which he appeared to blame the deaths of two Chicago children fatally shot earlier this year on their parents. → Read More

Judge blocks request to stop United Airlines from placing employees exempt from COVID-19 vaccine mandate on unpaid leave

A judge denied United Airlines employees’ request to block the airline from placing employees exempt from its COVID-19 vaccine mandate on unpaid leave. → Read More

Chicago to see more international tourists as COVID restrictions are lifted for vaccinated travelers

Looser restrictions for international travelers are expected to bring more overseas tourists back to cities like Chicago, but may increase airfares. → Read More

Buying turkey and pie for Thanksgiving? Get ready for higher prices and ‘don’t wait until Wednesday night.’

Consumers should expect to pay more for their Thanksgiving meal this year, and may run into shortages as supply chain woes hit the Chicago area. → Read More

Amazon Fresh grocery store opens in Westmont with ‘just walk out’ technology

Illinois’ newest Amazon Fresh grocery store lets shoppers walk out with their purchases, with no stop at checkout or high-tech shopping cart required. → Read More

Macy’s window displays go up Saturday, other holiday traditions return after pandemic hiatus

Holiday traditions halted by the coronavirus pandemic last year, such as visiting Chicago’s Christkindlmarket or dining under the 45-foot-tall tree at Macy’s State Street store, are back this year. Many will still look a little different. → Read More

McDonald’s CEO sparks controversy with texts to Mayor Lightfoot saying parents of Adam Toledo, Jaslyn Adams ‘failed those kids’

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski on Tuesday addressed comments he made in a text exchange with Mayor Lori Lightfoot appearing to blame the parents of two Chicago children fatally shot earlier this year, saying his comments lacked “compassion and empathy.” → Read More

Meat and fish made from fungi? Chicago companies pursue next frontier of alternative proteins

Chicago-based food tech company Nature’s Fynd plans to open a facility in the Back of the Yards as it launches its meatless breakfast patties and dairy-free cream cheese in stores, including Mariano’s. It’s one of two Chicago companies using fermentation to turn microbes from the fungi family into animal-free protein. → Read More

Ready for trick-or-treaters? Halloween candy sales up nearly 30% so far this season

Even as the pandemic left some families skipping trick-or-treating last year, consumers bought more Halloween candy than ever. This year, treat sales are expected to be higher still, and some shoppers got an early start. → Read More

McDonald’s employees, activists protest alleged sexual harassment outside downtown headquarters

About three dozen McDonald’s workers and activists protested alleged sexual harassment outside the fast-food company’s headquarters in West Town. → Read More