According to a recent job posting, Maxwells Trading is set to open its doors in the Industrial Corridor at 1516 W Carroll Ave.
A representative of Maxwells Trading was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Chicago’s request.
Underscore Hospitality will be backing up the upcoming culinary venture of Maxwells Trading. This addition to Chicago’s dining scene is a brainchild of Josh Tilden and acclaimed Chef Erling Wu-Bower, a three-time James Beard finalist. Maxwell’s is set to welcome guests in the winter of 2023.
Underscore’s vision centers on creating a nurturing and stable environment within the hospitality industry for ambitious professionals. The belief that the success of their venture hinges on the care and support extended to their team members underscores their philosophy. Just as they value their employees, they hold their raw ingredients and producers in high esteem, sourcing the finest responsibly produced ingredients locally and globally.
Hailing from South Bend, Indiana, Erling Wu-Bower’s culinary journey has been deeply intertwined with Chicago, a city he embraced as his own from a young age. With a mother in food writing and a father with a penchant for Cajun cuisine, the path of a chef has been described to be all but destined for him.
After his philosophy studies at the University of Notre Dame, Wu-Bower’s culinary voyage began under the guidance of Executive Chef Paul Kahan at avec. His three-year stint at the establishment enabled him to master the art of charcuterie, mentored by Chef de Cuisine Koren Grieveson. Wu-Bower’s skills aligned perfectly with Kahan’s vision for The Publican, a pork and oyster-focused restaurant, where he has been an integral part since its inception, according to Chicago Gourmet.
In the dynamic realm of the restaurant industry, Josh is described as standing as a rare amalgamation of traits that make him a distinct professional. His curiosity propels him to decipher and revolutionize operational systems, while his innate ability to mentor and motivate those around him sets him apart.
Josh’s journey in hospitality began at the jazz club Churchill Grounds during his time at the Georgia Institute of Technology. With over two decades of restaurant experience, he embarked on an eight-year voyage with Lettuce Entertain You before joining One Off Hospitality Group as the Purchasing Manager for the inaugural Nico Osteria team.
This venture marked his ascent to Director of Strategic Operations across One Off, contributing significantly to the company’s financial and infrastructure growth. In 2017, Josh’s extensive experience and aspirations culminated in the establishment of Underscore Hospitality, a venture he co-founded alongside his close collaborator and business partner, Erling, according to Underscore’s website.
