Evanston Restaurant Becomes Warming Station Amid Arctic Freeze

EVANSTON, IL — While some local businesses told their workers to stay home during as temperatures approach 20 degrees below zero, one Evanston restaurant is offering free soup, bread and coffee to those without a warm place to go.

"If you see a friend in need on the streets of Evanston today who needs refuge from this bitter cold, please send them our way," the restaurant said on social media. "Soup, bread and coffee will be available to those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to have a warm place to go."

Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave., posted a sign in its window declaring itself an unofficial warming center during Wednesday's wind chill warning.

"Members of the homeless community can come in for a complimentary bowl of soup, bread and hot coffee, and stay as long as they like on both Wednesday and Thursday," said owner Rob Strom.

Other Evanston businesses are operating with reduced staff and say they may close early due to the cold. Local restaurants including Bangers & Lace, Pono Ono Poke, Hoosier Mama Pie Company, Union Squared and other are among the hundreds that have shuttered Wednesday out of concerns for the safety of employees. Major grocery stores and pharmacies are remaining open, although some retailers have reduced hours. Before heading out, ensure your destination is open.