Gold Coast’s Getting a Two-Floor Restaurant From Gemini’s Owners

The owners of one of Lincoln Park’s favorite neighborhood spots, Gemini, is hoping to duplicate their success closer to downtown when they open a new two-floor restaurant inside No. 9 Walton, a luxury residential tower in Gold Coast. Gemini owner Ryan O’Donnell doesn’t have a name for his upcoming spot at 9 W. Walton Street, but he’s formed a restaurant group called On the Fly Hospitality to oversee the project. Chef Christopher Thompson, O’Donnell’s chef at Coda Di Volpe — the Italian spot O’Donnell co-owns with Billy Lawless (The Gage, The Dawson) — will serve as the new company’s culinary director.

The restaurant should open this summer, reported Crain’s. O’Donnell wants to transport the relaxed vibe at Gemini, which last year received a refresh with an upgraded decor and added attention to expanding the cocktail offerings. They also spruced up the bar area. The Gold Coast spot will feature a 20-seat cocktail bar on the 1,000-square-foot first floor and a 6,000-square-foot second floor with 150 seats.

Thompson, who moved from California and opened Coda Di Volpe in 2016, will remain as the Lakeview restaurant’s chef in addition to his responsibilities in overseeing On the Fly’s upcoming projects, according to a spokesperson. On the Fly will also hire a chef to develop a menu for the new restaurant, as the culinary director title represents a promotion for Thompson.