In the ongoing effort to restore the historic Ramova Theatre and its adjacent restaurant, Tyler Nevius, Kevin Hickey, and Brandon Phillips have stepped up to toss their hats in the ring. The three, along with a board of around 50 investors, have plans to restore the property and reopen it as a concert venue, brewpub, restaurant, and community center, reports NBC Chicago.
The Ramova Theatre, which first opened in 1929, hasn’t been in operation since the 80s, when it closed down as a second-run movie theater. The Ramova Grill, famous for its chili, had a longer run but ultimately closed down as well in 2012.
Hickey, the Michelin-star chef who together with Phillips owns the Duck Inn, has plans to revive the chili and cheeseburger menu. Phillips and Hickey will also add taps from local breweries, according to NBC. The goal, in the end, is to jump-start a larger revival, which includes the once bustling Halsted St. in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood.
Renovations are officially underway, as of October 12th, when the team broke ground on the project. The restoration efforts are estimated at $28 million and the space is expected to hold up to 1,800 people, reports Block Club Chicago.
We reached out to Hickey but did not hear back at the time of publication. The team expects to open the venue by late 2022.
