Roister’s Acclaimed Chicken Sandwiches and Lunch Service Return to Fulton Market

Brunch returns to Roister

Perhaps this is a byproduct of the chicken sandwich war waged across America, but Roister, Alinea’s casual cousin in Fulton Market, is again launching daily lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. everyday. Reservations are available via Tock. Roister’s seasonal fried chicken is among the best in the city. Throw the bird between two buns and Popeye’s and Wendy’s have something to worry about when it comes to taste. Price is another story. It’s not the first time Roister has offered lunch. This time the menu includes a wagyu burger, chicken sandwich, and more.

Suburban stalwart Maple Tree Inn is moving

More than a year after a fire ravaged the restaurant, the owners of the Maple Tree Inn have announced they’re moving into a new location. No one was hurt in the August 2018 fire at the Blue Island restaurant, one of the best Cajun restaurants in the Chicago area. The Tribune reported that the owners have found a space in Homewood inside the former Cottage on Dixie. The restaurant originally opened in 1975 in Beverly. Owners hope to open the latest iteration on New Year’s Day.

Restaurants and bars can now legally fill beer growlers

Beer fans no longer have to go to a brewery to fill their growlers or crowlers as Governor Pritzker on Monday signed a law that goes into effect immediately and gives restaurants and bars the freedom to fill customer containers. As brewery taprooms continue to grab marketshare from bars, this tips the balance back toward bars (though stores with bars — like Whole Foods and Mariano’s — would seemingly benefit as customers could grab some fresh beer on their grocery runs). The Libation Law Blog has a run down on what’s permitted. For example, the containers can’t exceed 128 ounces and they must have proper labels. Guys Drinking Beer outlines some of the scenarios on how this law could change a beer lover’s life in Chicago.

S.K.Y. and Oriole team up for charity

S.K.Y. in Pilsen is collaborating with Michelin-starred Oriole to host a fundraiser benefitting the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Last year, the first-annual Pausing for the Cause Suicide Prevention Awareness dinner raised $18,000 for the charity, according to a news release. The second edition will take place at S.K.Y. on Monday, September 23. Mental health continues to be an important subject in the restaurant and bar industry, and the dinner again aims a spotlight on the topic. Tickets don’t go on sale until Tuesday, but they will be available on Tock.