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Pandemic Voices: Michael Roper, founder-owner, Hopleaf Bar

The owner of the Chicago gastropub reflects on the significant consumer changes he has seen since March 2020. By Heather Lalley on Mar. 17, 2025
Michael Roper
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As he sees it, Michael Roper is no longer competing with other bars and restaurants in Chicago. He's competing with consumers' homes, which they transformed into "pleasure palaces" during the pandemic. 

Roper, the founder-owner of Chicago's Hopleaf Bar, reflects on the many changes he has witnessed since March 2020. 

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Covid 5 Years  News 
Heather Lalley is the managing editor of Restaurant Business, Supermarket News and CSP Daily News. She previously served as editor in chief of Winsight Grocery Business
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