LA’s Dog Haus Will Debut its First Chicago Restaurant This Weekend

— Dog Haus, the popular California-based gourmet sausage chain, will open its first Chicago location on Saturday — St. Patrick’s Day — at 11 a.m. at 2464 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park. Expect its regular menu with a few wrinkles — including Stephanie Izard’s special “Everybody Lap Cheong Tonight” sausage — as well as a full bar with plenty of local craft beer on tap, burgers, sides, and a chicken sandwich. The restaurant will also give out free haus dogs all day on March 24.

— Gage Hospitality Group’s Jon McDaniel got a major accolade, as Food & Wine named him a sommelier of the year for 2018. McDaniel runs the wine programs at Billy Lawless spots The Gage, Acanto, Coda di Volpe, and more.

— Shay, the River North nightclub from the people behind Cuvee, is closed and its website states it’s for renovations. All of its social media channels have been taken down as well, so some other changes could also be in store.

— In more River North renovation news, longtime neighborhood restaurant Prosecco will close at 710 N. Wells Street for renovations after service on Saturday. A rep says it will add a new bar with a walk-in wine cellar, an updated menu, and implement cosmetic changes including new lighting and art. There’s no word when it might reopen, however.

— More changes are in store at local chain Protein Bar, which is changing its name to Protein Bar & Kitchen as well as changing the menus and decor, Crain’s reports. Expect the changes to be complete in the city locations by May and in the rest of its restaurants later in the year.

— A woman pleaded guilty this week for attempting to hold up a Subway while wearing a Jimmy John’s uniform, Crime in Wrigleyville and Boystown reports, as well as trying to rob a Dunkin’ Donuts in the same week in mid-January.

— And finally, in unrelated news: Ownership of Felony Franks, the Oak Park hot dog spot known for employing ex-offenders that is sadly closed, announced that new owners who will continue the policy of hiring and helping the rehabilitation of felons are taking over the space. Ownership promises more information soon.