What is the Process of Office Decommissioning?

Due to a range of factors, companies may decide to move to more pristine pastures. Upgrading the office space, downsizing, or relocating to an urban area with highly skilled workers are a few reasons companies move. Before handing over the keys, the office must be decommissioned.

The office lease contract defines exactly what is expected of the decommissioning process. Noncompliance with the contract terms can potentially result in forfeiture of the deposit or becoming liable for added costs that could quickly spike to thousands of dollars.

Business owners who initially entered into an office lease contract will have become contractually obligated to abide by the decommissioning requirements. The decommissioning clause describes the precise condition of the office space once the company and its employees vacate it.

The decommissioning process is given the moniker “broom cleaning.” While the process can be as simple as a quick cleanup, oftentimes, the office space must be restored to its original condition. This means removing all belongings and performing necessary repairs.

Common decommissioning requirements include removing data and voice cabling, newly installed plumbing, electrical or mechanical installations, and office furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Business signs, e-waste, and trash must be removed. Hazardous waste must be disposed of, and janitorial services must be canceled.

Planning the decommissioning event well in advance of the upcoming office relocation saves company owners time and money and reduces stress. Last-minute snags can be expected during the decommissioning process. Ensure a smooth relocation by evaluating the condition of the current space.

1. Partner with a commercial moving company

Since the decommissioning process is highly complex, business owners will likely require the support of a trusted partner. Large businesses may have to deal with hundreds of workstations and thousands of pieces of equipment. Working with a partner can speed up the relocation process and save money.

Relocating companies are advised to partner with the right commercial moving company or a transition management company. Either can help the business owner navigate a proper exit. Companies attempting a DIY office decommissioning risk “soft cost exposure” or running out of time.

2. Take an inventory of office goods

Early in the process, company owners should assess the value of the office furniture. Unwanted furniture may be liquidated. Working with a moving partner can ensure the liquidation process is completed in an efficient and timely manner—thereby avoiding unnecessary storage costs.

Once an inventory of office items that will be relocated to the new destination has been taken, communicate this information to the relocation partner. An experienced partner will discard the unwanted goods in an environmentally friendly way, ensuring they stay out of the local landfill.

An inventory should further categorize the items. Certain goods will be moved to the new office, while others will be donated or recycled. Office items with value may be sold. Products that can’t be sold may go into green waste or discarded at hazardous waste facilities.

3. Dispose of unwanted office furniture

Businesses strive for a net positive outcome, where the furniture liquidation yields a positive cash return. Donating office furniture to charities or having a third-party company remove them will result in a net zero outcome; this option avoids costs associated with having the business remove the contents.

A net negative result occurs when office furniture with little or no value is discarded or recycled. However, disposing valueless office items may come with a cost, one that a decommissioning expert can help minimize. Of the three options, discarding unwanted office furniture is oftentimes a last resort.

4. Transfer IT equipment

Businesses staffed with IT teams have plenty of in-house support. The IT personnel should disconnect and pack the technology prior to these items being loaded onto the moving truck. In-house IT staff will handle the deinstallation as well as the complete transfer of the technology.

Companies that are not staffed with in-house IT teams can assign the task of transferring the technology to the relocation partner. These professionals will disconnect, pack, move, and reconnect the equipment. They can also sustainably discard e-waste, from old computers to printers and fax machines.

The entire decommissioning process can take up to six months; however, the timeline is influenced by the size of the relocating company. Whether large or small, businesses that plan to move are urged to engage in phased decommissioning to minimize disruptions to employee workflow.

A well-planned decommissioning process will earn back the company’s deposit and avoid extra costs. Partnering with a relocation expert who is experienced in decommissioning offices will also reduce the risk of damage to the property. Relocation experts will offer “broom sweep” services, too.

Office Relocating?

When you are planning an office relocation, consider the decommissioning services provided by Chicago Office Movers. We are a locally based, experienced commercial mover who will ensure that your office space is returned to its original condition and meets the decommissioning terms of the lease.

The decommissioning process is likely to take some time when a business has made major enhancements to the building or installed new equipment after the lease was signed. Regardless of the renovations, Chicago Office Movers will return your office space to its original condition.

Our licensed, bonded, and insured moving crews remove and dispose of unwanted appliances, properly discard hazardous waste (ex, lead paint and asbestos), remove and recycle furniture, replace light bulbs, recycle e-waste, remove signs, clean the entire facility, and repair damaged drywall.

The reliable movers at Chicago Office Movers will also meet with your landlord to clarify all conditions of the decommissioning. Once our crews have returned the space to a pristine condition, we will conduct a final walk through with the property manager, ensuring the decommissioning terms are met.

Contact Us

Numerous satisfied companies partner with Chicago Office Movers for their relocation needs. We are available to provide professional and efficient office decommissioning services. Our crews are proud to serve Chicagoland businesses.

Call us for expert decommissioning or commercial moving services at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).

The environment and expectations of workers have permanently shifted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. People have adapted to working remotely and many do not want to go back to a life where they have to be in an office on a daily basis. According to the 2021 State of Remote work by Owl Labs, 71% of the employees want a hybrid or remote working style even after the pandemic is over. More and more companies are learning to adjust to these expectations of the employees to stay competitive.

For many companies, one question may come to mind when they are staring at the empty offices: If the entire team is in either a hybrid or remote working environment, would it even make sense to have a dedicated office for their employees? A dedicated office space has many benefits, but on the operational level, the cost and commitment are very high. If the office is not being used full time, it might not be worth the cost. But going fully remote is still not realistic for many companies.

A good in-between is to have coworking spaces for the employees. Coworking spaces increase productivity and create a sense of community while lowering the operational costs, allowing for more mobility and flexibility.

What is Coworking Space?

Coworking space is an office space where employees and entrepreneurs from different companies come together to work in a common office space. People who work in coworking spaces can connect and bounce ideas off of each other, much like traditional office spaces.

Coworking space started out as a way where self-employed individuals and freelancers could get together in a proper working space instead of in a home office, coffee shop, or other places. Since its invention, it has grown slowly over the years and became a global phenomenon. Currently, there are over 23.5k coworking spaces around the world. The number of coworking spaces is growing at a faster rate than before, potentially reaching over 40k by 2024.

Benefits of Coworking Space

Nowadays, coworking spaces are not just for freelancers or individual workers, companies of all sizes are seeing the advantages of coworking spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this coworking trend, and it is not slowing down. Here is a list of some of the main benefits of coworking spaces.

Flexibility and Lower Cost

For companies, one of the downsides to having a traditional office is the long-term commitment. Often, renting out an office requires years of contract and commitment. In this fast-changing society, even a couple of years can mean drastic change for many companies. Coworking spaces have shorter lease periods, often monthly agreements, and some places even offer daily payment options. This means that companies can spend less money on renting out traditional offices, while enjoying many of the same benefits.

Even for large companies that already have traditional office spaces, coworking spaces can still be a money saver. Having coworking spaces can eliminate many costs surrounding unused spaces, reducing overall space needed for a company. With an increase in the number of employees who are either hybrid or remote, this can be a very cost-efficient change.

Both small and large companies can enjoy the in-office flexibility of coworking spaces. Instead of sitting in a cubicle, workers have flexibility in how they want to work in coworking spaces. Common features of coworking spaces include meeting rooms, dedicated workspace, private phone booth, and collaboration spaces.

Community and Networking

Another important part of a coworking space is the sense of community. The coworking culture embraces the social aspect of workplaces, shifting away from the traditional formal and corporate atmosphere. This is also true for big corporations. Even for employees in the same company, they may not have the chance to communicate or bond with people who do not work in their department. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to bond and network in coworking spaces. Professionals working in the same space will form a bond from day-to-day interactions.

On top of that, coworking spaces often organize networking events, such as seminars, workshops, training sessions, and happy hours in the bar. You can find all types of events every day when working in a coworking space. The relationship you build in a coworking space can evolve into new friendships and potential professional opportunities.

Increase Creativity and Productivity

When a coworking space is shared with people from different companies or different departments, it sparks many new possibilities that may not be possible in a traditional office setting. If you need a problem solved, you can quickly start brainstorming sessions with colleagues or friends working in the same space. People with different backgrounds can bring in fresh perspectives you might not have considered before.

For smaller companies, one of the big advantages of a coworking space is that they don’t have to worry about all the amenities. Preparing an office space is not a short process, cutting down on the preparation time adds to the overall productivity. Renting a coworking space can save a ton of time and money in the preparation process. Simply grab your computer and go to a prepared coworking space and start working.

If you are used to working in a coffee shop or in other settings, coworking spaces can increase productivity by providing a dedicated workspace. In a dedicated workspace, people face fewer distractions around them and can focus more on work. When workers are surrounded by people who are passionate about their work, it indirectly increases productivity, linking back to the community culture in a coworking setting.

The demand of workers has shifted considerably over the past couple of years, and it is not going to change any time soon. Of course, coworking space is not the perfect fit for all companies, so it is important to evaluate whether a coworking space is suitable for your company.

Work with an Office Mover

Changing offices is not an easy task. The actual move is also significant and cannot be done without reliable help from a reputable moving company, like Chicago Office Movers.

Chicago Office Movers is experienced in commercial moves of all sizes. We have helped move prestigious area companies and universities, such as Alcatel Lucent and the University of Chicago. Our moving crews handle all office goods, equipment, and furniture securely and carefully.

Whether you are moving locally or interstate, our professional moving team will ensure your sensitive equipment is safeguarded. Our moving trucks feature climate-controlled spaces, lift gates, and air-ride suspensions. Customers also receive tracking information to follow every step of the move.

Relocating companies will also benefit from our climate-controlled long- and short-term storage facilities. Our moving crews are available for packing and unpacking your office goods. If you need help planning the relocation, our experienced corporate moving specialists will provide assistance.

Contact Us

Whether you are moving delicate artwork, fragile lab equipment, or sensitive IT systems, choose Chicago Office Movers. Given our industry experience and excellent reputation, we will help you relocate affordably and on schedule.

Contact us for your upcoming local, long distance or international move at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).

Everyone has to move sometime or another, but seasoned moving customers are well aware that not all moves run smoothly. Professional movers can speed up the moving process, but choosing the right company is also important. If you don't do the research beforehand, a bad moving company can make your moving process even more of a headache. Just as each moving company will differ in their services and prices, it’s extremely important to know what to expect on moving day. So you’ll want to do your homework and research as many vendors as possible.

When researching, keep an eye open for scams and rogue movers, as they will never have your best interest in mind. Once you have a list of movers, here are 11 things to consider when looking for a moving company:

1. Get a Complete Estimate

Any estimator that does a quick walk-through of the building will not catch all of the details when giving you the quote. When calculating, they should ask questions about what exactly you will be bringing with you to your new location. Just be prepared to answer the questions regarding which items will not be going on the truck and will need to be decommissioned:

• Donated
• Thrown away
• Sold
• Left behind to new owners
• Given away
• Transported yourself

Chicago Office Movers can help you with decommissioning items to local non profit organizations.

2. Choose a Company with One Name

You might be surprised to find that a number of companies operate under various names to avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau and other online review platforms. Make sure the company has an address that is local and information about their licensing and insurance.

Check for any other name the company “does business as” in addition to their state and federal license numbers. Also make sure to check their online reviews, reviewing any complaints and compliments about them.

3. Never Pay a Large Deposit

While some can’t be avoided, reputable moving companies will not require a large deposit before moving. The service – at least the majority - should be paid at the end of the move. Otherwise they may disappear with your belongings and you have a lawsuit on your hands. When you do pay, use a credit card to protect against possible fraud.

4. Create an Inventory

When walking through your home, the estimator will take an inventory of all your items and furniture to determine the bulk weight of the home. They should also be thorough and check all storage areas, including drawers, desks, lobbies, bookcases, and filing cabinets.

A significant factor of the moving cost will be the overall weight of your belongings as well as the amount of space it will take up on the truck. When presented with the estimate, look it over carefully and make sure you understand everything on it.

5. Look at Reviews

More and more potential customers are trusting online reviews as if they were recommendations from their friends and family. A reputable moving company will have an overall high rating, provided that they have served their customers well.

When researching these reviews, you will find that few to none will have a perfect score. This is OK. Some customers just can’t be satisfied. But it will be up to you to decide which company to hire based on what others have said.

6. Be Aware of Extra Fees

Keep in mind that many moving companies – even those that are reputable – will add on additional fees for specific cases. Things like going up and down more than one flight of stairs, narrow streets, truck transfers, and moving to or from 2-story homes are all likely to result in additional fees. However, this should be noted in the initial estimate, so you won’t come across any surprises when you get the final bill.

You can also call the company ahead of time if you are unsure of whether or not something will incur an additional fee. Just keep in mind that all movers are different; therefore, while one company may include going up multiple staircases in the service, it may be counted as extra in another.

7. Be Aware of the Packing Process

Keep in mind that if you decide to pack your items yourself, the mover is not responsible for any damage to them. But if the mover does packing and things are broken in the process, they should be covered under the mover’s insurance policy.

Before hiring the company, ask about their packing experience and the materials they use to protect items. This will be helpful to know when they pack up your inventory, machinery, or special equipment.

8. Know Your Moving Contract

While some companies vary, there are generally 3 different kinds of moving contracts:

• Binding Estimate. This includes a guaranteed price for the move that includes all additional fees and requested services. If you want to add on additional services after the contract is made, these fees need to be paid within 30 days after the move.
• Non-Binding to Exceed Estimate. This prevents the company from charging for overages to the original quote they provided. The estimate given is the maximum you will need to pay for the services provided.
• Non-Binding Estimate. This means the mover cannot charge any more than 10% above the original estimate. Just know that the overage must be paid within 30 days of the move.

9. Report Any and All Problems

It’s understandable that not all damage to your items will be noticed right after the move. But you are given 9 months to report any damage or other problem to the moving company, as well as to file an insurance claim. So if you open any box a year later and find something shattered, it’s too late.

On moving day, open as many boxes as you can after they arrived at the new location and be thorough when checking for damage. All problems should be listed in details on the mover’s copy of the final bill, and make sure to check it for any changes before signing it.

After making your claim, the mover has 30 days to acknowledge it and 120 days to deny or accept charges for it.

10. Never Sign a Blank Moving Contract

Rogue moving companies may present you with a blank moving contract before adding services and charges to it. Never sign it. Everything – and absolutely everything – must be listed in detail, including extra fees, pickup, and delivery dates.

Always read your contract carefully, checking that all of your items are listed, before signing. If a computer wasn’t listed on the inventory form before the driver pulls out of your garage or parking lot, you shouldn’t expect it to be in the box. You also won’t be able to file an insurance claim for it because it wasn’t listed on the contract.

11. Choose Insurance and Protection Plan

Reputable moving companies will offer a number of insurance plans you can add on to protect your belongings. This way the moving company will assume liability for the value of your belongings moved. Be sure to take a detailed estimate of the overall value of your items before choosing the insurance coverage.

Choose a Reliable Moving Company

While some moving companies can offer better solutions for customers than others, it’s crucial to find a reputable moving company that keeps your best interests in mind. From start to finish, the service should be professional, friendly, and financially accurate. Remember to always stay on the lookout for red flags such as asking you to sign blank contracts, missing items from the inventory, and “rough” estimates.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

If you live in the Chicago metropolitan area and are looking to move your business, check out our professionals at Chicago Office Movers. Our union movers are dedicated to professionalism while keeping your best interests in mind. We understand that many items and furniture within a business are fragile as well as the information that must be kept confidential. As we conduct hundreds of moves every year, we know the best ways to make the process as smooth as possible.

In addition to our services, each of our movers is background-checked, trained, certified, and experienced to provide you with the peace of mind you need during the transition. Our staff will also be able to handle all aspects of the moving process for you, including move management, packing, furniture assembly, decommissioning, and more.

Our union movers will work with you every step of the way. This includes providing additional information like answers to frequently asked questions, a Commercial Moving Timetable Checklist, what to expect from the process, and more.

Contact Us

For more information regarding our commercial moving services or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (312) 244-2246.

Thriving businesses will have a need to upgrade facilities or relocate to a bustling hub in order to keep up with explosive growth. An office relocation is an exciting event. But insufficient planning can produce unnecessary stress. Follow this guide for out-of-state moves and relocate with ease.

An efficient and quick relocation is key to minimizing downtime and maintaining customer and employee satisfaction. Crossing state lines with a business in tow, however, is a daunting task. Coordinate logistics well in advance in order to return full speed to business operations.

1. Review the Current Lease

Six months prior to the office relocation, examine the current commercial property lease. Exiting the building sooner may result in losing the deposit. Be aware of any responsibility for costs associated with property damages (i.e., broken light fixtures or chipped paint) sustained during the move.

2. Look for Commercial Movers

Obtain quotes from at least three professional, full-service office movers. Experienced commercial movers improve the likelihood of an efficient and successful relocation across state lines. Opting for a low-cost mover with less handling experience could cost the business significantly more in the long run.

3. Create a Relocation Budget

Develop a relocation budget to deter overspending. Scale back on expenses (i.e., employees pack items, rather than movers). Consider moving coverage, especially if the business heavily relies on important machinery or equipment. Machinery that breaks during the relocation could halt business operations.

4. Designate a Moving Committee

Assemble a team of employees to execute the relocation. A moving committee made up of volunteers may be responsible for planning, packing, unpacking, and organizing. Appoint a move coordinator to ensure that employees have a point of contact for questions and concerns.

5. Notify Important Contacts

With the logistics in place, the moving committee should announce the upcoming relocation. Notify employees, partners, vendors, and customers about the move date. Provide the new office address and contact information to everyone who will be affected by a change in the business location.

For example, send the new business address to banks and financial institutions, phone company, insurance company, internet service provider, and printer service company. Also keep any professional organizations in the loop about when the new business address will go into effect.

6. Offer Relocation Program

Prepare employees in advance by arranging relocation bonuses and pay adjustments. Include site visits so that staff have the opportunity to scout schools and tour the new community. Offer reimbursements for moving expenses, like home buying, transportation, or temporary living.

7. Obtain the New Floorplan

In preparation for moving all equipment and furniture, obtain a detailed floorplan of the new office space. Plan the layout for existing furniture that will be transported to the new location. If necessary, consult a furniture company to purchase new office furniture.

8. Work with IT

Work with the IT personnel to devise a plan to set up computers and technology in the new space. If the IT team is unable to tackle the task, consult outside professionals. IT personnel should also be assigned to pack up company-provided employee laptops, monitors and other IT equipment.

Seek professional help for office equipment that requires special handling, such as complex machinery that must be disassembled or potentially hazardous materials. Moving companies will not transport flammable goods, like propane tanks, aerosols, or acids, so dispose of them prior to the relocation.

9. Pack Office Goods

Rather than utilize professional packing services, budget-conscious companies may elect to save on moving costs by instructing employees to pack their office goods. When pursuing a DIY route, provide employees with an ample supply of sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, and labels.

Important documents can get lost during the shuffle of a major office relocation. Or, unanticipated obstacles at the new office can delay booting up right away. Prevent the loss or damage of correspondence and paperwork by creating electronics backups prior to the move.

10. Confirm Utilities Work

On moving day, the professional movers will load the office goods onto their trucks. Before the last pieces of office equipment are loaded, confirm with the utility company that all power, internet and water are working at the out-of-state office location.

11. Install Equipment

Once the moving truck arrives at the new office, refer to the floorplan devised earlier to lay out the furniture and equipment. Work with the commercial movers to install the office equipment. Test that the technology, such as Wi-Fi, cable, phones, and computers, are functional.

12. Settle In

Unless the commercial movers handle the unpacking of office goods, designate employees to handle the task. Restock supply cabinets with items needed immediately. The more individuals involved in setting up an operative workspace, the faster the business can resume operations in the brand-new location.

Settle into the new space by welcoming employees with an office warming party. Consider leaving a welcome gift on each staff member’s desk. A welcome pack may consist of brochures about restaurants in the new state, treats to further energize employees, or a coffee mug.

Don’t forget, after you have moved to a new office, there are more to do besides decorating and organizing the new office! Read this blog to find out what you need to update when you relocate to a new office.

Full-Service Commercial Mover

A successful office relocation across state lines requires more than detailed preparation and organization. You need an experienced team of movers behind you. Companies on the move will find top-notch moving services from the commercial, long-distance movers at Chicago Office Movers.

As a highly rated commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers provides comprehensive relocation services for businesses of all sizes. We understand that an efficient move is critical to minimizing downtime. Businesses receive help with all facets of moving, from packing to move management and unpacking.

Companies with fragile equipment are also in good hands when they work with Chicago Office Movers. Our office relocation crews are experienced in machinery moving. We’ve moved office goods of all types, from appliances and server rooms to office furniture. We also assemble and install furniture.

Expect an efficient out-of-state relocation when you work with the experienced crews at Chicago Office Movers. We have earned a reputation for excellence with the Chicagoland businesses we serve. When you are planning an interstate office move, contact us for a free estimate.

Chicago is known for countless attractions, including its famous skyline, architecture, museums, and sports teams. The Windy City is also famous for its smorgasbord of culinary delights. Visitors and residents alike savor the appetizing dishes that give the city its reputation for great eats.

Home to more than 7,300 restaurants, Chicago also boasts of exceptionally rated ones. The city features seven AAA Diamond-rated restaurants, 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, 40 James Beard Award-winning restaurants and 54 Bib Gourmand winners. There’s a local restaurant for every budget, too.

Clearly, Chicago understands the nuances of creating fine cuisine. Upscale dining may not be affordable for everyone, so the city invites food lovers to its hundreds of accessible  and city-wide food trucks. Iconic Chicago dishes, such as the eight that follow, entice even the finickiest foodie.

1. Deep Dish Pizza

Who does not revel in a thick-crust tomato pie filled with melted mozzarella and an assortment of mouth-watering toppings? Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza is one celebrated food that visitors to the Windy City are advised to not pass up.

Pull out a slice from the tall, circular pan in which it is baked. Watch the mile-high cheese stretch as you load the decadent pizza pie onto the plate. Visitors can try a slice of this showstopper at multiple local restaurants. Several well-known Chicago restaurant chains serve deep dish pizza.

Chicago Classic Deep Dish is available at Giordano’s, one of many Chicago-based chains. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is another chain, with locations dotted throughout the city. Smaller chains that serve the notable pie include My Pi’s, Pequod’s, Labriola and Bartoli’s Pizzeria.

2. Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich

As a sandwich filled with slices of tender roast sirloin cooked to perfection and tossed into a thick Italian-style roll, the Chicago Italian beef sandwich draws hungry lunch crowds. Al’s Italian Beef serves up this well-known sandwich in any of three variations: dry, with extra gravy or dipped.

3. Chicago-style Hot Dog

Another lunch favorite is the Chicago-style hot dog—an all-beef frankfurter topped with relish, celery salt, peppers, tomatoes and onions. Served with a tangy pickle, this hotdog should be eaten with a squirt of mustard. Chicagoans know to hold the ketchup on the popular Chicago-style hot dog!

4. Popcorn

Those used to dry microwave popcorn can expect a sumptuous flavor sensation when they try the sweet or savory popcorn from Chicago’s own Garrett’s Popcorn. The popcorn coatings are so delicious that customer lines extend well beyond the front doors of this well-known popcorn shop.

Nuts on Clark is another favorite popcorn chain, having made its reputation with tasty gourmet cheese-flavored popcorn. Chicago Kernel offers spicy cheddar popcorn. Popcorn in Chicago is such a treat, that in 2003, the Illinois General Assembly designated popcorn as the state’s official snack.

5. Saganaki

Saganaki, the flaming cheese, is recognized by its Greek moniker. But the dish of delicately floured, fried cheese was invented in a Chicago restaurant called the Parthenon. The iconic fiery cheese is a Chicago favorite, with its splash of Brandy, a dancing flame and the chef’s accompanying cry, “Opa!”

6. Pulled Pork

Chicago has learned a good deal about barbecue, and the city’s many barbecue venues are a testament to the pit masters who have perfected the craft. Smoked meats waft through the air in Wicker Park’s Smoke Daddy restaurant. The eatery serves up a satisfying dish of slow-cooked pulled pork.

Earl’s BBQ is another restaurant in which diners can order pulled pork as a breakfast treat. Pulled pork fans can also head over to Honky Tonk BBQ, a restaurant with an escapist Wild West theme, where the pit master creates some of the city’s most delicious pulled pork.

7. Italian Ice

Summer in Chicago is never as sweet without Italian ice to complement a meal. The frozen dessert is simply a concoction of sugar, ice and juice or whole fruits. While Italian ice is available in a range of flavors, lemon is a favorite and better known as frozen Italian lemonade.

The cool dessert is offered by shops and restaurants throughout Chicago. Amy’s Candy Bar serves Italian ice as a scoop or in push-up form. Little Lulu’s Italian Ice creates its frozen treats with cane sugar. Scooter’s Frozen Custard adds frozen custard to the Italian ice, creating a tasty parfait.

8. Chocolate

Chicago has been in the business of producing fine chocolates for decades. In fact, Milton Hershey learned the art of making chocolate upon a visit to the city. Chocolate retailers abound by the dozens here, and each one tempts chocoholics with endless varieties.

The Magnificent Mile, famous for its shops, also boasts a booming chocolate market. Dylan’s Candy Bar entices visitors with 7,000 confection options. Nutella Café is located within the city. Bite down on butter toffee at The Fudge Pot, which has been a Chicago mainstay for over 50 years.

Moving to Chicago?

Chicago’s iconic foods satisfy the appetites of locals and visitors alike. When a company relocation to the Windy City is in the works, you’ll need a reliable corporate mover, like Chicago Office Movers, to accomplish the task with efficiency, affordability, and professionalism.

Chicago Office Movers’ crews are licensed and trained to handle a diverse range of office goods and equipment. We’ve carefully loaded and unloaded antiques, artwork, cubicles, IT systems, electronics and office furniture. Our teams also provide conveniences, like packing and unpacking services.

As the city’s most reputable commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers has helped countless businesses relocate. Among our satisfied customers are Lake Forest College and Alcatel Lucent. We’ve earned high ratings for our secure handling of materials and ability to work within various budgets.

Get a Free Estimate

When your company is ready to relocate and eager to benefit from all the foods and attractions that Chicago offers, choose Chicago Office Movers for a seamless move. Our dedicated crews will relocate your business locally, long distance or internationally.

Contact us today at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.