Downtown Chicago’s River North neighborhood is set to welcome back Gingie, the contemporary American restaurant opened by celebrated Chef Brian Lockwood. After a kitchen fire on March 29 forced the venue to shut its doors just three days after its grand opening, the establishment has completed renovations and will reopen this Saturday.
Fire and Temporary Closure
The fire originated in a grease chute, prompting the Chicago Fire Department to evacuate nearby eateries and ensure safety. No injuries were reported, and the department’s swift response helped contain the incident. Following the blaze, Gingie, part of the Boka Restaurant Group portfolio, announced a temporary closure while repairs were made.
Chef Lockwood’s Vision Returns
Chef Lockwood, known for his consulting role on the FX series “The Bear,” views Gingie as his first stand‑alone brick‑and‑mortar project. In a statement, he said the restaurant reflects the culinary techniques and traditions he has honed throughout his career, offering an approachable à la carte format that blends fine‑dining expertise with everyday comfort.
“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.”
New Menu Highlights
The refreshed menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients and contemporary American flavors. Signature dishes include a spicy tuna dip with sesame and avocado served with nori tapioca chips, and a heritage half chicken seasoned with sansho pepper, pickled daikon, and shiso. Late‑summer additions feature tortelloni filled with Délice de Bourgogne cheese, accompanied by corn and black truffle, as well as a lobster‑stuffed tomato tossed with Calabrian chili and summer blossoms.
Community Support and Hours
Kevin Boehm, co‑founder and co‑CEO of Boka Restaurant Group, expressed gratitude to the Chicago Fire Department, neighbors, and the broader community for their support during the recovery period. “We could not be more excited for Gingie’s newest chapter and to reopen our doors in the greatest city in the world,” Boehm said.
Gingie will operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and extend to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made through the restaurant’s online booking system.
Local Impact
The reopening adds to River North’s vibrant dining landscape and signals a return to normalcy for local workers and patrons alike. As a member of the Boka Restaurant Group, Gingie contributes to the city’s economy by providing jobs and attracting diners seeking high‑quality, locally sourced cuisine.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
