Jefferson Park's Iconic Gale Street Inn Set to Reopen in December Under Local Resident's Ownership

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Jefferson Park · November 27, 2025

Jefferson Park residents have reason to celebrate this holiday season as the iconic Gale Street Inn, which abruptly closed five months ago, is set to reopen in December under new ownership. Paulo Villabona, a 50-year-old Jefferson Park resident who has lived in the neighborhood since 2019 with his wife and two daughters, purchased the beloved restaurant in a deal that closed earlier this month.

Bringing 36 years of restaurant industry experience to the table, Villabona previously served as general manager of Bar Siena at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie before deciding to revitalize this neighborhood landmark. "We fell in love with the neighborhood and the community," Villabona explained. "We were lamenting how there wasn't much traffic near Milwaukee and Lawrence and were daydreaming of opening up a business." The new owner plans to maintain the restaurant's famous tender baby back ribs while bringing back several former employees and honoring all previous gift cards that customers may still have.

For community members who have missed this 62-year-old institution, Villabona's commitment to revitalizing the space comes as welcome news. "When I read about the restaurant closing, everything lined up. I said, 'Let's bring this back,'" he shared. Residents are encouraged to follow the restaurant's social media channels for updates on the official reopening date and special events as Jefferson Park prepares to welcome back one of its most cherished dining establishments just in time for the holiday season.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/restaurants/2025/11/04/jefferson-park-restaurant-gale-street-inn-return-new-owner