A highly anticipated Chicago eatery is set to reopen its doors this weekend after a kitchen fire cut its initial opening short earlier this year.
Gingie, created in collaboration by Boka Restaurant Group and iconic chef Brian Lockwood, is set to serve up a menu of contemporary American cuisine to local River North residents.
The restaurant was named one of the most anticipated 2026 openings prior to its March launch by outlets such as Bloomberg, Eater Chicago and Time Out USA.
“We could not be more excited for Gingie’s newest chapter and to reopen our doors in the greatest city in the world,” Boka Restaurant Group Co-Founder and Co-CEO Kevin Boehm said in a press release.
Eager foodies can now reserve a spot at Gingie via the restaurant’s website, though slots are going fast.
Fire shuts down Chicago’s Gingie days after opening
Just three days after its initial River North opening earlier this year, Gingie was forced to shut its doors for renovations due to a “small kitchen fire,” according to a Boka press release.
CBS News reported in March that the fire started in one of the restaurant’s grease chutes, causing emergency responders to rush into action to put out the flames.
Boka said in the press release that no one was injured in the fire, though CBS reported that some nearby restaurants had to be evacuated.
The restaurant released a statement on Instagram the day after the fire, saying, “We are saddened to confirm that Gingie is temporarily closed due to a minor kitchen fire that occurred the evening of Sunday, March 29.”
The eatery went on to say, “The safety and well-being of our employees and neighbors are our first priority, and we’re grateful to the Chicago Fire Department for their prompt response. We look forward to opening as soon as possible.”
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‘The Bear’ chef consultant leads team at Chicago restaurant
Chef Brian Lockwood, who served as a chef consultant for “The Bear,” is set to head Gingie in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
Gingie’s kitchen will be led by Lockwood, an experienced chef with a fine dining background who served as a consultant on FX’s culinary drama, “The Bear.”
Boka announced in a press release that the dishes featured on the restaurant’s menu will come together to paint a picture of Lockwood’s culinary journey, symbolizing the experiences, places and people that shaped him.
The opening menu is set to feature various inventive dishes, such as Spicy Tuna Dip (made with sesame and avocado served with nori tapioca chips) and Heritage Half Chicken (served with sansho pepper, pickled daikon and a shiso return).
“Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working under and learning from the industry’s most remarkable culinary talent,” Lockwood said. “Gingie is a culmination of the culinary techniques and traditions I’ve had the honor to hone along the way.”
A majority of the restaurant’s interior, designed by Anna Filatov, has been preserved, with artist Emily Parkinson updating her previously designed mural to include a phoenix. An additional 24 outdoor seats have been added as well.
Where is Gingie located in Chicago?
Gingie is set to reopen at 707 N. Wells St. in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
What date will Gingie reopen?
Gingie will welcome Chicago residents back through its doors on Saturday, Aug. 29.
It will operate from 5-10 p.m. CT Sunday through Thursday 5-10 PM and from 5-10:30 p.m. CT Friday and Saturday.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A fire closed this Chicago eatery 3 days after opening. Now it’s back.