Chick-fil-A to Open New Wicker Park Location This Spring as 'Meet Me on Milwaukee' Events Set to Return

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Wicker Park · January 15, 2026

Wicker Park residents will soon have a new dining option as Chick-fil-A plans to open a restaurant in the neighborhood this spring. The fast-food chicken restaurant is setting up shop in the Wicker Park Commons development, taking over a combined storefront at 1244 N. Ashland Ave. that previously housed a United States Postal Service branch and a Dunkin'/Baskin-Robbins location. The new establishment will be operated by Josh Faretta, who also runs the drive-thru Chick-fil-A in Bucktown, though the Wicker Park location will not include a drive-thru service.

In other exciting community news, the popular car-free 'Meet Me On Milwaukee' events will be returning to Wicker Park in 2026 after a successful run last year. The monthly event series, which closed Milwaukee Avenue between the North/Damen intersection and Ashland Avenue to car and bus traffic, drew enthusiastic responses from local businesses and attendees. 'Meet Me On Milwaukee' transformed the street into a vibrant community space where pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized travelers could enjoy the neighborhood while local shops set up sidewalk sales. The initiative was praised by Mayor Brandon Johnson as "a model and an example" for how business corridors can thrive, calling it "a testament to how our economy can continue to grow by promoting local businesses and creating spaces where we're intentional about attracting consumers to our communities."

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/12/chick-fil-a-is-opening-in-wicker-park-this-spring/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/03/car-free-meet-me-on-milwaukee-events-will-return-to-wicker-park-next-year/