Anti-Gentrification Activists Target Upcoming Pilsen Restaurant + More Intel

—S.K.Y., the restaurant from former Intro Chicago executive chef Stephen Gillanders, doesn’t open until November 17 in Pilsen but was targeted by anti-gentrification protesters last week outside. A group, some allied with an LA group Defend Boyle Heights, stopped in front of S.K.Y., 1239 W. 18th Street, and spoke with the restaurant’s GM, Charles Ford. The group questioned S.K.Y.’s right to be in Pilsen, and some shouted profanities: "Literally, our lives are in danger because you are here," one protester told Ford, according to DNAinfo. Ford remained calm, but eventually called police who arrived after the crowd dispersed. The protesters claim S.K.Y. will attract white outsiders and raise rents and eventually displace current residents. They also dismissed Gillanders’ Filipino heritage when Ford told them the chef/owner was not white: “False alarm!” one protester yelled. The building, a former medical clinic, had been vacant for three years. For his part, Gillanders told Eater Chicago — even before the incident — that he’s aware of gentrification issues and wants to work with the community. Hiring local residents was important to Thai and Danielle Dang when they opened HaiSous down the block from S.K.Y. See the video below.

—Billy Goat Tavern, the iconic subterranean dive on Wacker Drive, is going into the beer business and partnering with South Loop brewery Baderbrau. They’ve released an IPA and pilsner that’s available at the Goat and at Jewel-Osco stores, according to Crain’s.

—On Sunday night, a 28-year-old man was shot in the arm outside Lawry’s The Prime Rib at 100 E. Ontario Street, according to the Tribune. The triggerman was a disgruntled employee, according to the newspaper. The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where his “condition was stabilized.”

—In other viral video news, a 27-year-old white woman was sentenced to 90 days in jail for her racist attack on an African-American couple that took place in July 2016 at the Margarita Fest. DNAinfo reported that Jessica Sanders was convicted of misdemeanor battery and received the 90-day sentence. Last year’s incident was caught on video with Sanders using threatening and derogatory language.

—As Kevin Hickey settles into this new job concentrating on The Duck Inn in Bridgeport, the South Sider has some family news. Last week, the Cubs hired Jim Hickey as the team’s new pitching coach. Hickey comes over from Tampa Bay. And yes, he’s Kevin Hickey’s cousin. Good luck with turning the pro-Sox Duck Inn into a Cubs spot.