Highland Park Restaurant Michael’s Reopens Following Tragedy

"A Highland Park institution since 1977, this longtime, family-frequented diner is known for its char dogs, cheese fries and an endless salad bar, its walls plastered with photos of residents and a mural of local historic sites. Located roughly 250 feet from the Fourth of July parade route, the restaurant was forced into lockdown during the mass shooting nearby, with staff sheltering in place as an FBI perimeter sealed off uptown; food being prepped for the holiday spoiled, extensive cleanup was required and the business was closed for eight days. Co-owner Ryan Gamperl (since 2016) and the management team paid staff during the closure (a staff of about 52), coordinated resources like counseling and vigils, and navigated significant financial losses with little in the way of disaster-relief aid so far. The place reopened to busy, supportive crowds and the owners feel a strong responsibility to help restore a sense of normalcy and community by continuing to serve the comfort food locals expect." - Zach Schiffman