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

Ryan O’Donnell has also formed a new restaurant group

Chef Christopher Thompson and restauranteur Ryan O’Donnell
Kira Anderson
Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

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.

Gemini

2075 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 525-2522 Visit Website

Coda di Volpe

3335 North Southport Avenue, , IL 60657 (773) 687-8568 Visit Website

Walton Street Kitchen & Bar

912 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60610 Visit Website

Walton Street Kitchen + Bar

912 North State Street, , IL 60610 (773) 570-3525 Visit Website