We even threw in the most historic suburban bars, taverns we miss the most, and 24 do-it-yourself historic pub crawls. Within the covers of this book, you’ll learn the stories behind Chicago’s best nightspots: how they came to be, their intertwining histories, uniqueness, celebrity clientele, and their place within the culture of the great city of Chicago. These Chicago bars have stood the test of time. Williams Pizza Inn and Sports Bar is set to open in the coming weeks.Makes an excellent gift What Makes a Chicago Bar Historic? “Well I would like it to be a staple in the community, I would like for people to understand where the business comes from and make it their neighborhood spot to hang out at,” Junior said. He says he hopes the new gathering place will be a mainstay in the community. “As we like to say it is a space for all, it is lgbtq friendly, it is whomever you are can come as you are,” Stephens said. “One reason we chose the south loop is because it is a very diverse community we want everyone to be comfortable,” he said. But with all the attention from the LGBTQ community, Junior hopes the new restaurant will be a welcoming place for all. Mayor Lori Lightfoot even gave Junior a shout out on Instagram during Pride month. “I’ve been pretty low key about it, I’ve been getting a lot of attention since, pride, since the mayor campaigned here,” Junior said. The owners had the ambition to also open Chicago’s first black- and LGBTQ+ owned sports bar this spring, but unfortunately, haven’t yet been able to open their doors due to COVID-19.
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With last month’s Pride celebrations, Jeffery Pub and Junior’s latest restaurant venture has received quite a bit of press. Chicago’s only black- and LGBTQ+ owned gay bar is located on the South Shore, home to drag shows and excellent cocktails. “She taught basically everything, from the stocking the ordering the payroll, everything,” he said. It is where Junior learned the ins and outs of the restaurant industry. Junior said it has been a lifelong dream to open a restaurant. Williams Inn Pizza And Sports Bar is a tribute to his grandmother and a restaurant she once owned on Ashland Avenue. “We do food drives, we do toy drives things of that nature as well as things in the LGBTQ community, Stephens said.
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Stephens said Junior has endeared himself to his customers and neighborhood not only by filling a void in the bar scene but by helping others in the community. “It’s always a good place to come and have a nice drink, enjoy time with your friends listen to some great music,” Teaunto Stephens, Junior’s business partner and friend, said. “I get a lot of response from the older cliental who thank me for keeping this open for them having a safe place to come to come,” Junior said. Junior is also currently the owner of Jeffery Pub - the longest running Black owned gay bar in the City of Chicago and in the country. Established in the 1960s Jeffery Pub has been a staple in the South Shore community serving all ages of the African American LGBTQ community. “We already had the discussion that it would be open to everyone,” he said.
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Junior owns Williams Inn Pizza and Sports Bar in Chicago’s South Loop and is doing more than serving a tasty dish - he’s paving the way for the next generation of LGBTQ customers and non-alike. He said it’s a recipe she created over 50 years ago. Junior said he can’t wait to serve customers his grandmother’s pizza recipe.
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Jamal Junior is one of Chicago’s Very Own. Now, the businessman is giving the restaurant business a try and hopes to share his grandmother’s pizza recipe with customers in the LGBTQ community and beyond. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.ĬHICAGO - Jamal Junior is the owner of one of Chicago’s most iconic Black-owned gay bars. From venues, restaurants, and bars to events, festivals, and music we’ve got you covered. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated.