Punch Bowl Social, a leader in the “eatertainment” movement, announced it will open a 28,000 square-foot restaurant, bar and entertainment destination in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood in October 2017. Punch Bowl Social pairs a Hugh Acheson designed, scratch-made menu and craft beverage program with “old-school” social activities like vintage video games, shuffleboard, private karaoke rooms, bowling, Ping-Pong, bocce and skee-ball.
Punch Bowl Social’s Chicago location will comprise portions of the ground floor along Green Street and the second floor of the iconic building at 832 W. Fulton Street. The location will offer eight bowling lanes, three private karaoke rooms, a custom built 360-degree bar and various, unique gathering spots – for groups both large and small – housed in a design-forward, eclectic space melding mountain lodge, Victorian, mid-mod and industrial design themes.
Punch Bowl Social founder and CEO Robert Thompson says he has been eyeing the Chicago market for a few years now, noting that the West Loop neighborhood presents the perfect opportunity for the award-winning brand. “The West Loop neighborhood is the fastest growing, hippest area in the city and undeniably the place to be,” Thompson said. “What we love, and what really taps into the essence of Punch Bowl Social, is how seamlessly the neighborhood blends industrial, gritty roots with an edgy-yet-modern vibe. That’s a description we’d apply to Punch Bowl Social as well. I’m truly excited about joining such a vibrant neighborhood in one of my favorite cities.”
David Nelson, head of real estate at Convexity Properties, the project’s developer, says that the restaurant’s elevated experience paired with a forward-leaning approach is what sets the brand apart and made Punch Bowl Social an attractive partner. “As developers, we’re always on the lookout for what’s new and innovative. In the West Loop neighborhood, it was critical that we find a tenant capable of delivering a distinctive experience that would resonate with millennials as well as other age groups,” he says. “As the industry leader, Punch Bowl Social checks all those boxes and more. We’re looking forward to partnering with them on this exciting new project.”
Punch Bowl Social has made a name for itself with its remarkably balanced execution of the eat, drink, play concept. The brand prides itself on its food-forward approach, with an inspired menu created by the company’s culinary partner, celebrity chef Hugh Acheson. Acheson, a restauranteur, cookbook author, Top Chef judge and James Beard award winner, leads the ongoing culinary direction of the growing restaurant concept while underscoring its commitment to a seasonally inspired, scratch kitchen.
The brand’s innovative beverage program offers old and new school cocktails, all natural sodas and fizzes, floats and shakes, fresh-pressed juices and the popular, sharable punches. All of which are complemented by a generous selection of old school games that provide a not-found-elsewhere day or night out experience.
