Kevin Hickey Leaving Allium For Rockit Ranch and Bridgeport Project

Allium's Kevin Hickey has a lot of new projects up his sleeve and the news is coming fast and furious this morning. First: If you want to taste Hickey's creative American cuisine at Allium, you'll need to get over there by October 1. After that, Hickey will be working on two new projects—partnering with Rockit Ranch to revamp Dragon Ranch, and opening his own concept next spring at 2701 S. Eleanor in Bridgeport, named Duck Inn.

Hickey is "reimagining the space and concept" at Dragon Ranch. Scheduled to reopen sometime this fall after closing due to an electrical fire in January, they're changing the barbecue concept after Bub City moved in next door and is constantly busy.

"Re-opening our BBQ concept, when another one opened next door to us, would be uninspiring, and not be of the highest value to the community," Billy Dec says in a press release.

Back in July, a liquor license was posted for Duck Inn with Hickey's name on it. Hickey declined to comment at the time. The location makes perfect sense, as Hickey as a South Side native with deep roots. Little is known about the concept at this time.

Hickey worked with the Four Seasons for 18 years, working in L.A., Dublin, London and Atlanta. At press time, Hickey hasn't returned calls, but says in an email that he hopes to open a string of projects after these two: "These are the first of, what I hope to be, many new ventures." It'll be fascinating to watch—stay tuned.
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