Grace’s Ex-Owner Plans To Open His Rogers Park Restaurant in November

Since Onward Chicago was announced back in September 2017, there have been only a few details made public about the new Rogers Park restaurant from the former owner of three-Michelin-starred Grace. But now Michael Olszewski and his team are divulging a few nuggets. A spokesperson said the restaurant should open on November 9 at 6580 N. Sheridan Road.

The restaurant is on the ground floor of a new Hampton Inn hotel. TVs hang behind a bar and and a few more are in the lounge area. As the restaurant extends south from the entrance, there appears to be a private dining area. Olszewski attended Loyola University and a restaurant spokesperson said he wants to work with the college to offer students and their families special deals during Rambler events.

What kind of food Onward will serve isn’t completely clear, but here’s what’s been shared. Olszewski has brought on Patrick Russ, who worked at the Dawson in West Town and at Alpana Singh’s former downtown restaurant Seven Lions, as its executive chef. A spokesperson described the food and restaurant as a “fun and playful take on new American in an elevated neighborhood setting.” More details could be made available next week.

There’s also been doubts that Onward would open, stemming from from the way Grace, at the time one of two Chicago restaurants that carried a full three-star rating from Michelin, abruptly shuttered. Olszewski and former Grace chef Curtis Duffy and GM Michael Muser are also wrapped in a few legal battles. Those two are waiting for their non-compete clause to expire to share news of their new projects. Olszewski is also planning to soon open Yugen, the Japanese replacement for Grace in the West Loop.

Expect more details on Onward Chicago next week.