When Josh Iachelli heads out the door to eat near his home, his two miniature golden retrievers, Chad and Dexter, sit and stare.

It’s a heartache Iachelli might soon get to avoid as aldermen weigh a proposal to let restaurants and cafes welcome dogs.

Ald. Timmy Knudsen, 43rd, plans to introduce an ordinance Thursday clearing the way for dog owners to bring their pups inside Chicago eateries. Owners of the small businesses in pet-dense areas say the opt-in change could be a boon.

“Pet lovers feel guilty leaving their dogs at home,” said Iachelli, who co-owns the bustling Happy Camper, Paradise Park and Homeslice restaurants. “If you have a pet, you want to be able to have those guys with you more hours of the day.”

Iachelli said he would use the ordinance to make sure his spots “always

See Full Page