Illinois ranks 4th most expensive state to open a restaurant

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Harsh regulations and rising inflation rates lead to Illinois’ ranking as the 4th hardest state to open a restaurant according to a new national survey.

A report by RestaurantFurniture.net says Illinois is the 4th most expensive state to open and maintain a restaurant.

Illinois has the highest state corporate tax out of the 10 most expensive states at 10%, with a 5% sales tax rate.

Taco Libre opened in December, replacing Vintage 501, which closed in August. Owner Matt Idzikowski says rising prices coupled with high tax rates could turn customers away.

“You’re between a rock and a hard place because this is where we live and this is where we want to see things grow and survive,” said Idzikowski. “With the increasing cost of labor and the increased cost of product, right, I mean when you go to the grocery store, I think everyone sees how much more everything costs.”

Benny Salamone is the owner and manager of Franchesco’s, which has been operating since 1986. He says the secret to staying afloat is making sure all guests feel at home.

“There’s no way a restaurant can survive without repeat clientele and there’s only one way to achieve that and it is to love the customers, and I do, they’re part of my family. Every one of them, anybody that comes through that door, in my opinion, is part of my family and we do everything we can to make them feel that way.”

Ranking underneath California, New York and Colorado, Illinois was given an overall grade of an F, scoring 40.15/100 on the restaurant survey.

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