Last-Minute Name Change For New Lincoln Park Restaurant Opening

CHICAGO, IL — The name of a new North Side bar and restaurant has changed, after concerns over a local coffee chain with a similar name. Old Grounds Social, previously named Faregrounds, is holding its 'soft opening' Thursday in Lincoln Park just in time for the St. Patrick's Day weekend. The eatery will then will close again for training until March 27, and plans to hold its grand opening March 29.

“We’ve made the strategic decision to change the concept name from Faregrounds, to Old Grounds Social. We made this decision for a few of reasons,” said Carmen Rossi, CEO of 8 Hospitality. “First, there’s a local coffee chain with a similar name, so we want to alleviate any customer confusion. Secondly, we wanted the name to better align with the space, its historic roots, atmosphere and neighborhood - and Old Grounds Social encompasses all of this and more.”

8 Hospitality owns and operates notable Chicago restaurants and venues including the recently opened Liqrbox and staples like Joy District, Hubbard Inn, Broken English Taco Pub and Pearl Brasserie.

Head chef Jason Paskewitz will spearhead the restaurant's food program, the company announced. Paskewitz is an award-winning chef with more than two decades of experience. He began his career in New York, then moved to Chicago, where he helmed in a variety of fine dining destinations such as Spruce, Seasons at the Four Seasons and Pump Room. He was then hired as an executive chef at Wave, in the W-Lakeshore Hotel downtown.

“I’m looking forward to bringing a refreshing fun menu to Lincoln Park, unlike any other in Chicago, and to introduce guests to some new dishes they may not expect, while maintaining the integrity of bringing quality, fresh ingredients to all of our guests’ plates,” said Paskewitz.

Old Grounds Social will offer a diverse menu, including lighter fare, a variety of savory dishes and classic bar favorites, as well as a roster of draft beer and craft cocktails, 8 Hospitality said.

The new restaurant and bar will operate under General Manager Michael O’Connor who hails from Cité Chicago, at Lake Point Towers. Renovations for the new restaurant began Feb. 5.

Old Grounds Social will replace the BBQ restaurant Barn & Company, which closed its doors Feb. 5 after seven years at 950 West Wrightwood Avenue.

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