Illinois Politicians Spend Millions on Meals, Saputo's in Springfield Among Top Restaurants for Campaign Funds

Illinois politicians have spent more than $3 million on meals at restaurants across the state using campaign funds, with one Springfield restaurant taking nearly $650,000 since 2020.

A review of Illinois State Board of Elections disclosure records by the Chicago Sun-Times shows politicians have paid for fundraising events, meetings and meals at restaurants from Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse to deep dish pizza chains using campaign dollars that are raised through their government positions.

Springfield Restaurant Takes Nearly $650,000

Saputo's in Springfield received around $650,000 in campaign spending since 2020, according to the elections board review. The restaurant is one of the few upscale dining options in the state capital where food options are limited.

More than $200,000 was spent by campaign funds on what was described as a meal so far this year. In 2025, the total was around $900,000.

The report notes that in Springfield, the state capital where food options are limited, Saputo's has been a destination for political gatherings and fundraisers.

Campaign Funds Cover Everything

The Sun-Times review found more than 10,000 state and local campaign expenses dating back three decades, and totaling more than $3 million, involve expenditures at establishments with pizza in their name.

More than $170,000 was spent at Lou Malnati's, one of Chicago's iconic deep dish chains. Another $90,000 was spent at Giordano's. More than $500,000 was spent at Subway sandwich shops, more than $200,000 at Panera and more than $90,000 at Portillo's, the Italian beef chain.

More than $60,000 was spent on Uber Eats, the food delivery service. Hooters, a chain known for scantily clad waitresses and chicken wings, also saw campaign fund spending of more than $50,000 since 2001.

Big Spenders Include State Officials

The report lists several political figures as significant campaign fund spenders. State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who doubles as Calumet City mayor, spent more than $40,000 at a Hooters franchise in Lansing. His political accounts also spent a similar amount at Chicago Cut over more than a decade.

Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo Skip Saviano, who served for years as a Republican state legislator, has had his campaign cover meals in some instances so that the person he is dining with, if they represent a special interest, won't pick up the tab. His campaign accounts spent more than $250,000 on what is described in his disclosure reports as meals and entertainment since 2013.

Lax Regulations Allow Virtually Any Spending

Because of Illinois relatively lax election regulations for politicians, campaign money can be spent on virtually anything, so long as there is a political or governmental purpose. Those campaign funds cannot be used as a personal piggy bank to augment a lifestyle, according to the report.

Some political figures have noted that campaign spending does not involve taxpayer money so, essentially, it does not matter how it is spent. Except that campaign cash is often raised only by virtue of a politician's government position. The more powerful the political figure, the more campaign money is often thrown their way by special interests craving influence.

Over the last decade, meal was a stated purpose in Illinois election disclosure reports for more than $6 million in campaign spending. Other campaigns have reported visits to restaurants in other ways, including as meetings.

Campaign Money Often Raised by Position

The report notes that if politicians are essentially living off their campaign funds and not paying income taxes on that, they could also face the wrath of the IRS. Either way, it is difficult to police whether a meal or a drink or virtually any campaign spending in Illinois is appropriate.

When reporting campaign spending to election regulators, political funds are generally vague as to the purpose of expenses, and they are not required to get into any great detail.

Significance of the Issue

Campaign funds are often raised by special interests seeking influence over political figures. The report suggests that when politicians use campaign money for meals and events, they may be creating opportunities for special interest access that could lead to questions about influence.

The Sun-Times investigation reviewed Illinois State Board of Elections disclosure records that show the extent of this spending across the state. The report highlights that this pattern of spending has been consistent for decades, with no significant change in how politicians account for these expenses.

The investigation found that Saputo's in Springfield stands out as a significant destination for political gatherings given the limited dining options in the state capital. Nearly $650,000 in campaign spending at one restaurant in Springfield suggests that political events in the state capital may be concentrated at a few establishments.

The report also notes that some politicians have spent heavily at upscale establishments like Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse, which describes itself as a Chicago icon with three distinct locations. They are also a huge draw for politicians, with Illinois campaign funds spending more than $1.8 million at the establishments since the 1990s.

Federal Watch on Campaign Spending

The report mentions that federal authorities have been investigating some politicians for potential misuse of campaign money. The status of those investigations remains unclear, and some politicians cannot be reached for comment.

Federal investigators have been looking into whether campaign funds are being used appropriately. The Sun-Times review shows that the pattern of spending at restaurants has been consistent and widespread across Illinois political campaigns.

The investigation highlights that while campaign funds are not taxpayer money, the source of those funds often depends on the politician's position. This creates a potential conflict where politicians may use campaign money for meals and events that could be seen as creating opportunities for special interest influence.