New Lincoln Park Restaurant Faregrounds Announces Head Chef

CHICAGO, IL — The new bar and restaurant Faregrounds, which is set to open Mar. 16 in Lincoln Park, has announced its new head chef. Jason Paskewitz will spearhead the restaurant's food program, the company 8 Hospitality announced. The company owns and operates notable Chicago venues including the recently opened Liqrbox and staples like Joy District, Hubbard Inn, Broken English Taco Pub and Pearl Brasserie.

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.

Faregrounds 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. Though the menu will shift focus away from heavy, meaty dishes, Barn and Company’s famous wings will remain a staple on the Faregrounds menu.

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

Faregrounds 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 and will continue through Mar. 14, before opening to the public on Friday, March 16, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day Festivities, 8 Hospitality said.

Main photo courtesy of 8 Hospitality; Image 2 via Google Maps Streetview