One of Chicago’s Premiere Caterers to Open Full-Service Restaurant Next Week

One of Chicago’s most well-regarded caterers is slated to open a new restaurant in the space that formerly housed popular Italian theater district spot Tesori. Jewell Events Catering plans to open Opus on September 19 at 65 E. Adams Street inside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Center in the Loop, according to a representative. The more than 50-year-old catering company has a hand in food services at a range of museums, theaters, and cafes across Chicago, including restaurants inside the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Opus’ opening is scheduled to coincide with the launch of CSO’s 2019/2020 season, and will offer two pre-concert seatings that will vary based on when each concert starts, with several $45 prix-fixe dinner selections before the performance. Representatives have not yet provided details as to the size or appearance of the space, or how many people it will seat.

A menu isn’t yet available and dish details are scarce, but photographs online show options like rack of lamb, salmon, and steak entrees. The space will also house Opus Cafe, a casual breakfast bistro featuring lighter fare like salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads.

A reliable pre or post-theater or concert restaurant with decadent charcuterie, Tesori temporarily closed in April due to the CSO musicians’ strike and shuttered permanently a month later. It remains to be seen if Opus can capture audience hearts the way Tesori did, and if it will flourish in the space across from the Art Institute of Chicago.