The Company Formerly Known as Wirtz Beverage Makes a Move

—In a move that will affect many of Chicago’s bars and restaurants, the company formerly known as Wirtz Beverage — Breakthru Beverage Group — has announced plans to create a new company by merging with Texas-based Republic National Distribution Co. Together, the new entity would be the second-largest liquor distributor in the U.S. Blackhawks’ chair Rocky Wirtz and his son, Danny, are both involved in the company. The Tribune has all the details.

—While former Bohemian House chef Jimmy Papadopoulos prepares to open his new West Loop restaurant, Bellemore, his replacement at BoHo has moved to a new job. Rob Sidor, a Wheaton native, is now at LondonHouse Chicago as the Loop hotel’s new chef de cusine.

—Speed Rack, the all-female bartending competition that raises money for breast cancer research, heads back to Chicago on December 10 at Thalia Hall in Pilsen. Watch bartenders from all across the region fight for the title of Miss Speed Rack Midwest. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the link.

—Mark those calendars, as another yearly tradition — Baconfest Chicago — will start selling tickets at 9 a.m. on Cyber Monday, November 27. The event takes place April 6 and 7 at the UIC Forum. This will be the 10th year when Chicago restaurants assemble to serve creative dishes featuring divine swine. Monday’s limited batch of discounted early bird tickets cost $65 for GA and VIP (one hour early entrance) admittance for sell for $130. Tickets will eventually rise to $85 for GA and $160 for VIP. Buy tickets for the sessions at the link.

—Need a creative, tasty way to celebrate Hanukah? Jews and their gentile friends have an option at Revival Food Hall in the Loop. The Revival Food Hall Chanukah Shabbat Dinner will take place on Friday, December 15 at the downtown food hall. For $30, diners will get two drinks from Revival Cafe-Bar, appetizers, a full spread for dinner, and challah and desserts from HotChocolate’s Mindy Segal. The event is a collaboration from Aloha Poke Co. and OneTable, a “community building” website for Jews in their 20s and 30s, hoping to cultivate a regular practice of Friday Shabbats. Tickets are at the link. P.S.: The meal isn’t kosher, but they aren’t serving pork; dairy and bread may be served side by side depending on the vendor.