James B. Lemons

James B. Lemons was the owner of Lem’s Bar-B-Q, famous for Mississippi style, open pit, slow cooked pork rib tips. The restaurant was established by his older brothers, Bruce and Myles Lemons, in the 195o’s and has been serving Chicago for more than 70 years.

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Honorary James B. Lemons Way

East 75th Street, between South Prairie Avenue and South Calumet Avenue

 

Approved:July 2024

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Grand Crossing

d. Age 87

Near
Lem’s Bar-B-Q
311 S. 75th Street

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Source

20249802

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/6/24/18398334/chicago-bbq-king-james-b-lemons-a-founder-of-lem-s-dies-at-87

https://youtu.be/rN7T3YUljwA?si=4u-dNtuGhn6qrSu4

https://chicago.eater.com/2015/12/15/10232066/james-lemons-lems-bbq-dead

https://www.southernfoodways.org/interview/lems-bar-b-q/

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151215/chatham/james-lemons-bbq-master-behind-lems-bar-b-q-chatham-dies/

http://lemsque.com/

Lula Mae Watson-Williams

Mother Lula Mae Watson-Williams established the Williams Inn pizzaria and bar in 1969 after having worked at famous Chicago pizza establishments such as Pizzaria Due, Lou Malnati’s, and Gino’s. She was the mother of seven children. Her business offered good food and employment opportunities to the Englewood neighborhood. She also expanded it to include a full-service restaurant and a pool hall.

The original location at 5701 S. Ashland ran for 30 years in the Englewood neighborhood before it burned down. In 2021 a new location opened at 2210 South Michigan Avenue. It is still family owned and operated today.

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Honorary Lula Mae Williams WAY *

South Ashland Avenue between 57th Street and 58th Street

 

Approved: November 2023 *

Ward: 16
Alderman: Stephanie Coleman
Neighborhood: West Englewood

near
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
5701 S. Ashland Ave (original location)

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Source

20234791

https://www.williamsinnpizza.com/about-us

https://wgntv.com/news/chicagos-very-own/owner-of-iconic-black-owned-gay-bar-opening-inclusive-pizza-restaurant/

* May 2024 Amended - to “Lula Mae Williams Way” from “Mother Lula May Watson-Williams Way”

Prince Asiel Ben Israel

Prince Asiel Ben Israel (born Warren Brown) was the owner of the Original Soul Vegetarian restaurant (now Soul Veg City), which served vegan food on the South Side of Chicago and opened in 1981. The restaurant has continued on under the guidance of his children. It is one of the earliest black-owned vegan restaurants in the country. It promotes healthy, plant-based diets to prevent chronic disease.

He was also a member of the African Hebrew Israelite Nation of Jerusalem and studied in several countries. He served as an advisor to the World Conference of Mayors, the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, and was a member of the African American Clergy Network of Chicago. He served to support Black populations in North America, Africa, and Israel.

Alum
DePaul University
Dunbar Vocational High School, Chicago

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Honorary Prince Asiel Ben Israel WAY

East 75th Street between South Indiana Avenue and South Prairie Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. April 30, 1941 in Chicago
d. August 21, 2022. Age 81

near
Soul Veg City Restaurant
201-209 E 75th Street

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Source

20231260

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/prince-asiel-ben-israel

https://www.soulvegcity.com/about

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2022/9/2/23334949/prince-asiel-ben-israel-chicago-black-hebrew-leader-memorial-service

https://www.blackjews.org/prince-asiel-ben-israel/

Elder Roosevelt McCarthy, Jr.

Roosevelt McCarthy, Jr., a.k.a. “Rose” served as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ, in Chicago

He and his family established the Home of the Hoagy Restaurant in the West Pullman / Morgan Park neighborhood in the early 1970s.

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Honorary Elder Roosevelt McCarthy, Jr. Way

1300 West 111th Street

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 34
Alderman: Austin
Neighborhood: West Pullman

Home of the Hoagy Restaurant
1316 W. 111th

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Source

2022184

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x880e245428d58463%3A0xb56cc110a9d568e2!3m1!7e131!4s!5sHome%20of%20the%20Hoagy!15sCgIgAQ&hl=en-US&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipP0gxCgzONm0fax-fa0Mx5Jra7Rk1ugCadqvfE2

https://home-of-the-hoagy.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

https://ko-kr.facebook.com/BlackPeopleEats/photos/1637329886651151/

Rudy Malnati, Jr.

Rudy Malnati, Jr. opened Pizano’s Pizza in 1991 in the tradition his father Rudy, Sr. mastered at the original Pizzaria Uno, where the Chicago style deep dish pizza tradition was born in 1943.

His half-brother founded the namesake “Lou Malnati’s Pizzaria.”

Rudy was also a Chicago civic leader who was the Director of the Chicago Air & Water Show for 30 years. He attended every Air & Water Show since it began in Chicago in 1959. He also coordinated the Milwaukee, Gary, and Rockford shows. The Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds made him an honorary member of their squadrons.

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Honorary Rudy Malnati, Jr. Way

State Street from Chestnut to Delaware Street

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 2
Alderman: Hopkins
Neighborhood: Gold Coast

d. December 24, 2021. Age 65

near 864 N. State Street - Pizano’s Pizza

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Source

https://www.pizanoschicago.com/about-pizanos/

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20211226/rudy-malnati-jr-member-of-pizza-dynasty-director-of-air-and-water-show-dead-at-65

2022476

Herman Petty

Herman Petty was a pioneer and the first black owner of a McDonald’s franchise in the United States. It is located at Stony Island and Marquette Road in the Woodlawn neighborhood. On December 21, 1968, it became the first of eight McDonald’s franchises he would own. Herman became a McDonald’s Millionaire and paved the way for others to follow in economic success and community rebuilding. With the help of special field consultants, by the end of 1969 there were twelve black owned McDonalds.

In 1968 it was a neighborhood in turmoil following the April 4th assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Riots erupted on the South side of Chicago. Herman, was well acquainted with the neighborhood and everyone in it, since he had the barbershop down the street. This was key to resolving gang and loitering issues.

Herman previously worked as a barber and as a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority. He had no previous experience in franchise ownership or restaurants. In 1970 he founded the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association, there are now more that 330 black franchise owners.

The current owner of the location marked the 40th anniversary of the historic opening with a mural, markers, and timeline to commemorate the achievement for the community. The 5oth anniversary was in 2018. The location is within walking distance of the Obama Presidential Library Center.

Alumnus:
Hamburger University

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Honorary Herman Petty Way

East Marquette Road.; between South Stony Island Avenue and to South Dorchester Avenue

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 5
Alderman: Hairston
Neighborhood: Woodlawn

d. March 21, 2009

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Source

https://chicagocrusader.com/local-news/a-crusader-special-feature/

https://nbmoa.org/our-history/

Block Club Chicago

2022337

James F. Graziano

Third generation Italian food wholesale and retailer. J.P Graziano Grocery Company was started in 1937 by his grandfather Vincenzo Graziano who emigrated from Sicily.

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Honorary James F. Graziano Way

901 W. Randolph Street

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood:

J.P. Graziano
901 W. Randolph Street

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Source

Carlos Rosas

Manager of Calumet Fisheries restaurant for more than 25 years.

Education

Hospitality Institute of Chicago
George Washington High School
Marsh Grade School

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Honorary Carlos Rosas Drive

East 95th between South Chicago and Avenue N

 

Approved: June 2021

Ward: 10
Alderman: Garza
Neighborhood: South Chicago/South Deering

Near Calumet Fisheries restaurant

d. July 20, 2020. Age 41.

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Source
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/7/22/21334407/calumet-fisheries-carlos-rosas-obituary

https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/24/21335613/calumet-fisheries-manager-carlos-rosas-obituary-intel

https://news.wttw.com/2021/02/18/chicago-tonight-your-neighborhood-south-deering

https://calumetfisheries.com/

Jeanne Uzdawinis Way

Jeanne Marie Uzdawinis was the co-owner of Cafe Selmarie in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. She and Birgit Kobayashi were neighbors on Giddings Street who started the European styled cafe in 1983. The Cafe began as a bakery featuring what became Jeanne’s famous hazelnut cheesecake. It has grown in size and popularity with Lincoln Square itself, and is now a full restaurant. Cafe Selmarie moved to the Lincoln Square Plaza in 1999 Cafe Selmarie celebrated 35 years in business in 2018.

Jeanne grew up in Indianapolis and came to Chicago to study dance at Columbia College.

Jeanne Uzdawinis, who ran Cafe Selmarie, the popular Lincoln Square eatery, dies at age 63 https://t.co/2kpRCerBqB pic.twitter.com/MBtsB8CdWT

— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) October 13, 2017

Alumni
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Dance)
University of Wisconsin, Madison (Zoology)
Columbia College, Chicago (Dance)

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Honorary Jeanne Uzdawinis Way

West Giddings Street cul-de-sac to the northwest corner of North Damen Avenue and West Giddings Street

 

Approved: July 2018

Ward: 47
Alderman: Pawar
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

d. October 8, 2017. Age 63
ovarian cancer

Near
Cafe Selmarie
4729 North Lincoln Avenue
on Lincoln Square Plaza

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Source

Tribune

Block Club Chicago

Patch

Source

Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

Henry Coleman and his brother George started the Coleman Barbecue restaurant to bring real southern cooking to Chicago. In the beginning, Henry worked full-time at Brach’s Candy Company in addition to the restaurant. They grew the single location into 4 restaurants in Austin and Maywood, only two still remain. Henry’s children have kept the restaurant going.

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Honorary Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

West Chicago Avenue from North Menard Avenue to North Waller Avenue

 

Approved: May 2018

Ward: 29
Alderman: Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Austin

b. October 30, 1943. Dermott, Arkansas
d. August 15, 2012. Age 68

Near
Coleman’s BBQ #2
5820 W. Chicago Avenue

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Source

Martin and Theresa Campo

Martin Campo was the owner of the popular Italian restaurant, Mart Anthony.

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Honorary Martin and Theresa Campo Way

Northeast corner of North Racine and West Hubbard Street

 

Approved: July 2018

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood: West Town

Near
Mart Anthony Restaurant
1200 W. Hubbard

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Source

Steve Lombardo Way

Steve Lombardo is co-owner of the Gibsons Restaurant Group. 

Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Quartinos Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Luxe Bar

RL - The Ralph Lauren Restaurant
The Polo Bar (New York City, 2015)

Gibsons opened in May 1989.  Opening night was full of notable people and events including the engagement of Candice Jordan to her husband Chuck, their photo on this occasion is on a wall at Gibsons. Also, former owner and Bears Football #42 MVP and Quarterback, Sid Luckman.

Steve and his wife, Peggy, are long time supporters of Misericoria and received the Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion Award.

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Approved: February 2017
Ward: 42
Alderman: Reilly
100 East Bellevue Place
Neighborhood: Gold Coast

Dedicated: 2017
Steve Lombardo's honorary sign is located outside the Gibson's Restaurant

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Chicago Tribune, April 2, 2015
Gibson's Restaurant Group

Twitter: @GibsonsSteak

Ike Sewell Way

Ike Sewell was the restauranteur who developed the legendary Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.  In 1943 he opened Pizzeria Uno in a victorian house on Wabash Avenue, not far from the Magnificent Mile.  Pizzeria Uno's second location, Pizzeria Due, opened in 1955 down the street from the original, also in a house.  Both restaurants are still open at these locations.

Chicago-style deep dish pizza

Ike Sewell's restaurant career began at the bar. He worked for a distillery when he met his business partner and they decided to open a restaurant. When Ric Riccardo, the owner of Riccardo's on Rush, suggested their new restaurant serve pizza, Ike insisted that the pizza should be a meal itself, not just an appetizer.  He also wanted something different from what he could find in Chicago's Little Italy.  Ike was from Texas, so he liked big, and his pizza had so much more of everything it needed its own pan. And so, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza was born.  Pizzeria Uno also spawned the Italian-style American classics: chicken vesuvio and italian beef sandwiches. Ike was also fond of Mexican food so he established the nearby Su Casa restaurant.

Pizzeria Uno inspired other pizza restaurants around the country and in Chicago.  The father and son team, Rudy and Lou Malnati, were managers during the early years of Pizzeria Uno and Due.  In 1971 Lou Malnati opened his own eponymous pizza place.  Several former Uno's employees started their own restaurants in Chicago including: Gino's East, Delisi's Pizza, Louisa's Pizza, and Pizano's Pizza and Pasta. Uno's became famous outside Chicago when it licensed "Original Chicago Pizzeria Uno" restaurants which opened many locations across the country. 

Ike kept his day job for the first 22 years of Pizzeria Uno; he retired as a vice president of a liquor company in 1965.  Ike started even further from both Chicago and the restaurant business.  He was born in Texas and played college football at the University of Texas, Austin, where he was an All-American in 1924.  Ike received the National Football Foundation Distinguished American Award in 1987.

 

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Neighborhood: River North

Ike Sewell 1903 - 1990, age 87.

Pizzeria Uno
29 E. Ohio

Pizzeria Due
619 N. Wabash Avenue

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Chicago Tribune, "A History of Deep Dish Pizza"
Chicago Tribune, "Pizzeria Uno Opens"
Chicago Tribune, "Ike Sewell"

Kazimiera 'Kasia' Bober Way

Kasia's Deli is famous for Pierogis in Chicago's Polish Community and throughout the City.  Kazimiera Bober opened the deli in 1982 and started making pieogis a few years after she emigrated from Poland to the United States.  Pierogi machines were nowhere to be found so she adapted a ravioli maker to fill the dough; she finished individual pierogis by hand.  The deli flourished and had a hearty following. After 20 years in business she expanded production and started to sell Kasia's Pierogis in grocery stores.  Kasia's Pierogis won the coveted "Best Pierogi in Chicago" award at the "Taste of Chicago" summer food festival.  Soon she was featured in Newsweek Magazine and her pierogis were served on United Airline flights. 

She was very poor when she arrived in Chicago in 1975 and struggled to get by.  She started the deli in an old sausage shop to make enough money to bring her children to the United States.  

Kasia's Deli 
2101 W. Chicago Avenue

 

Kasia lived to 80 years of age and realized the dream of the deli and succeeded in bringing her family from Poland.  Her children and grandchildren worked by her side up to her last days.  Kasia was a grandmother to the entire Polish community of Chicago. The Bober family continues to run the deli and pierogi factory.

Listen to the WBEZ interview

Sign Approved: 2016
Ward: 1
Alderman: Moreno
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

Pierogis

An Eastern European dish often associated with Poland. Pierogis are dough dumplings and are typically filled with potato, sauerkraut, plum, or meat.

Photo: CC-BY-SA 2.5 User:Piotrus

Chicago has one of the largest Polish communities outside Poland

The Taste of Chicago is the world's largest food festival, it showcases Chicago food and restaurants.