Take A Look! Chase Rice and Jimmy Butler Team Up for New Chicago Venue
Chase Rice, the multi-platinum country music sensation, is bringing his renowned "Welcome to The Farm" entertainment venue to the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago. Partnering once again with Forward Hospitality Group and star athletes with local roots like former Chicago Bull Jimmy Butler and former Chicago Bear Roquan Smith, Rice is set to launch the third iteration of his popular bar/restaurant/live entertainment concept this August.
Chase Rice | Photo Credit: Ben Christenson | Venue Image Courtesy of Forward Hospitality Group
A New Entertainment Destination in River North
Located at 15 W Illinois Street, the new 10,000-square-foot space promises to deliver the brand’s signature blend of live music, drinks, and BBQ, all under one roof. This Chicago venue will continue the collaboration with Executive Chef Raheem Sealy, whose acclaimed Drinking Pig BBQ will feature prominently on the menu.
“It’s been incredible to see the Welcome to The Farm response so far,” shared Rice in a press statement. "I'm so excited to keep growing this project together with the great team at Forward Hospitality Group. Chicago has always been one of my favorite places to visit and perform, and summer music festival season seemed like the perfect time to bring Welcome to The Farm to the city.”
Venue Image Courtesy of Forward Hospitality Group
Expanding the Legacy
The Chicago location will join its predecessors in St. Petersburg and the original flagship in Cleveland, which opened in 2021. The Cleveland venue recently expanded to include the "I Hate Cowboys" cocktail & bourbon lounge, indicating a trend of continual growth and diversification for the brand. The newly renovated Chicago space will boast a second-floor stage hosting a rotating lineup of live music acts, seating for approximately 300 guests, and a retractable rooftop for enjoying warm summer nights.
A BBQ Experience Like No Other
Executive Chef Raheem Sealy, lauded for his “Best BBQ in Miami,” will bring his culinary prowess to the Windy City, offering a menu featuring smoked ribs, brisket, cornbread, and an array of handheld sandwiches and sides. Chicago’s version of the Drinking Pig BBQ will be an ideal spot for a pre-show meal or a late-night BBQ fix. The bar menu will include an array of Farm Favorites Cocktails, a comprehensive bourbon and whiskey selection, and specialty coffee products from Butler’s coffee brand, BIGFACE.
Venue Image Courtesy of Forward Hospitality Group
Chase Rice's Musical Journey Continues
As Rice continues to expand his "Welcome to The Farm" brand, he is also busy unveiling his next musical chapter. Recent releases include the guitar-driven anthem “Fireside” and the autobiographical “Go Down Singin’.” He is currently supporting Dierks Bentley on the Gravel & Gold Tour, hitting arenas and amphitheaters nationwide through September and making appearances at major festivals like Summerfest and Windy City Smokeout.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates on Welcome to The Farm, visit WelcomeToTheFarm.com and follow @thefarmcle, @thefarmstpete, and @thefarmchicago on social media. To keep up with Chase Rice, visit ChaseRice.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter/X, TikTok @ChaseRiceMusic, and Instagram @ChaseRice.
Welcome to The Farm Chicago is set to be a hot spot this summer, combining the best of live country music, delectable BBQ, and a lively atmosphere, right in the heart of one of the city's most bustling neighborhoods.