How Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Reduce Waste in Chicago
"A newly opened restaurant in the Lettuce Entertain You group that adopted a comprehensive sustainability program after its managing partner was galvanized by the poor air quality during the 2023 NASCAR Chicago Street Race. The venue launched on-site composting through a partnership with a local composting company and has moved to eliminate single-use plastics—using glass water bottles for catering, metal tasting spoons for line checks, compostable straws, and reusable tote bags for carry-out and delivery—while also sourcing sustainably made stoneware from a Portuguese supplier. Staff education is central to the effort: quarterly, all-staff and pre-shift trainings from the composting partner are built into a five-day onboarding process so new hires learn the systems and the environmental impact. The initiative focuses on keeping as much waste out of landfills as possible and encouraging small, practical actions that employees can carry into their personal lives." - Nicole Schnitzler
