Mayor Rahm Emanuel and renowned chef Mario Batali took part in a panel Sunday to discuss how small businesses drive jobs and revenue to local communities.
Sunday's panel which also included Bill Curtis is part of the Chicago Ideas Week event.
"Chicago's a fertile ground and that there's a lot of opportunity here, and people should come here whether they're tourists or whether they're gonna come and just build their own business," Batali said.
Chef Batali, co-host on ABC's "The Chew" will be opening a new business in Chicago.
Eataly, a market and restaurant is scheduled to open in River North next month.
