Former Socca Chef Joins New International Restaurant Grand Tour

Those sad to see Lake View’s Socca close are in luck: The longtime chef behind the neighborhood favorite is joining forces with restaurateur Jesse Boyle for a new venture at the former Paddy O’Splaines space.

The new restaurant at 2434 W. Montrose Ave., dubbed Grand Tour, will be an international sports restaurant and bar. Roger Herring, who ran Socca for nearly 10 years, has just signed on to lead the kitchen.

But unlike the popular Socca, Boyle and his business partner Pat Doerr have already faced criticism from neighbors. The duo hosted a meeting in February to ease residents’ concerns after a rocky reputation left by Paddy O’Splaines.

“To say that we are concerned about the crowd is an understatement,” said resident Susan Pope in February. “It was so bad that it was a joke in our development … It was a disaster.” 

Boyle and Doerr reassured residents they wanted the business to be an asset to the community and “offer a product that’s unrivaled in the area.” There will be no dancing, DJs or club promoters, they stressed.

“Whenever you’ve had a history of a building that was something that hasn’t gone well, you’d be concerned no matter who the future owner is,” Doerr responded. “We’ve got to nail the food right out of the gate—food and service.” 

That’s where Herring comes in. While a new menu is not yet available, Boyle told Eater Chicago he thinks Herring’s experience cooking cuisine from France to South Africa and Malaysia will be a good fit for Grand Tour.

The restaurant will have an international theme, with worldly fare and craft beer. Fans of soccer and rugby can come to see overseas broadcasts, Boyle said. 

"The name is derived from the educational rite of passage beginning in the mid-1600s, which included the exploration of art, music and other aspects of international culture," Grand Tour said in a statement. "The intent with Grand Tour is to provide Chicagoans the opportunity to experience such international fascinations through cuisine, beverage offerings, music, sports (focusing on soccer and rugby) and ultimately, the experience in itself."

That’s combined with live music and upscale décor in the 7,000-square-foot space.

Owners plan to open Grand Tour in mid-to late fall.