Lakeview’s Getting a Massive Fancy Food Hall with Three Bars

Food halls are so hot right now, and the company behind Furious Spoon ramen and FireFin Poke Shop have now announced their own plans to open a fancy food court. Taking cues from Revival Food Hall, where Furious Spoon has a location, Lakeview Market should open in summer 2018 with 19 to 20 vendors at 3833 N. Broadway Ave.

Furious Spoon and FireFin have obviously already committed to the 16,000- to 17,000-square-foot project. A rep said The Budlong Hot Chicken, a fellow tenant at Revival, has also committed for what would be Jared Leonard’s fifth location. Unlike Revival in the Loop, Lakeview Market will focus on the dinner and drinks crowd, staying open seven days a week and closing as late as 10 p.m.

Jonathan Splitt Architects

They’re working again with Dustin Drankiewicz, the barman who helped them open Deadbolt in Logan Square. Lakeview Market plans to feature an upscale cocktail bar, sports bar, and wine bar in the hall. Anshul Mangal, an investor in Furious Spoon and FireFin, said they hope to draw fans from Wrigleyville to root for those Cubbies.

“We’re going to support the local team and also become part of the neighborhood,” Mangal said.

Mangal is joined on the project by his usual supporting cast of Shin Thompson, Rodelio Aglibot, and Frank Fronda. The under-construction eight-story building at Broadway and Sheridan will house 135 residential units and 15,565 square feet of retail space. It’s designed by Jonathan Splitt Architects.

Jonathan Splitt Architects

The food hall is the first public project for Now Open Project. It’s not quite a restaurant group—Mangal described it as an accelerator and incubator. It’s a way to help and support budding restaurant owners. Chefs focus on creating recipes and they may not know about the business side. That’s where Now Open could help, Mangal said. While Mangal has no expertise cooking, his skills as an attorney could be useful to chefs. He called Furious Spoon’s time at Revival, “an awesome experience.” He noted that 22 new food halls plan on opening this year and in 2018. Lakeview Market would be Chicago’s third, following the upcoming Wells St. Market at 205 W. Wacker Dr.

They’re still looking for vendors to fill the hall. Mangal touts the same points made by 16” on Center when they opened Revival: A food hall is a great place for up-and-coming chefs without a lot of money to open their own restaurants. There’s less risk because the landlord is handling the infrastructure costs, and support from fellow vendors is invaluable. Mangal said the food hall could also be a good fit for an established chef who wants to venture into the fast-casual world.

The project is more than a year away, so be patient as further details become available.