Massive Golf Driving Range Restaurant and Bar Plans to Open in Bucktown

Massive golf driving range restaurant and bar plans to open in Bucktown

Following the openings of two golf-simulator restaurants in downtown Chicago, now a driving range restaurant and bar is slated to come to Bucktown. Drive Shack, a burgeoning chain that offers full food and bar menus to complement the driving ranges, is heading to the former Vienna Beef factory site at the Damen, Elston and Fullerton avenues intersection on the Chicago River, Crain’s reports. The Orlando location’s large menu includes many burgers, sandwiches, poke, salads, cocktails, and brunch, while the planned Chicago spot will be massive — it’s slated to have a large three-story building with heated bays, 337 parking spaces, and a riverwalk in addition to the outdoor ranges and food and drink. A representative says the company is “currently in the process of seeking the city of Chicago’s approval for the project,” so stay tuned for more intel.

James Beard Foundation declines to give Chicago a category

The James Beard Foundation announced changes to its regional Best Chef award categories — that don’t include the addition of a Chicago one. Chicagoans have long dominated the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, which local chefs often sweep all five nominees and the winner of, leading to many industry and media in Chicagoland and surrounding states to call for the creation of a specific Chicago category. Instead, the Beard Foundation opted to create California and Texas categories plus reorganize some others into new New York State, Pacific and Northwest, and Mountain categories.

Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants shuts out Chicago again

In more awards news, Bon Appetit magazine announced the 10 winners of its 2019 best new restaurants — and Chicago isn’t represented for the second year in a row. Three Chicago spots — Jeong, Kumiko, and Middle Brow Bungalow — were among the 50 finalists, but none were among the 10 winners. Check out the full list here.

Logan Squarers rally to save beloved ice cream truck

And finally, Logan Square residents are rallying to save beloved ice cream truck San Luis Freeze after its owner suffered a heart attack and his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, Block Club reports. A GoFundMe account is live and patrons have currently donated $11,207 out of it $15,000 goal.

Update: September 18, 2019, 4:28 p.m.: This article was updated to include comments from Drive Shack’s representative.