West Pullman's New Afro-Caribbean Restaurant Receives 50,000 City Grant to Begin ConstructionBy Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Pullman ·
West Pullman residents will soon enjoy a vibrant new dining experience as Ethola Restaurant and BSCP Hall at 846 W. 119th St. received a
50,000 pre-development grant from the City of Chicago this January. The funds will support renovation of the property into an Afro-Caribbean restaurant and event venue, bringing new culinary options to the neighborhood.Dr. Adelanke Bademosi, the project's developer, has announced that construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the restaurant and event space expected to open to the public by the first quarter of 2027. The development, estimated to cost $4 million, is funded through a combination of equity, private funds, and support from Chicago's Medium Grant Program. Bademosi, who has called Chicago home since moving from Nigeria in 1995, was inspired to develop the site after seeing the property sit vacant for years and noticing the lack of event spaces and sit-down restaurant options in the area.
The BSCP Hall portion of the venue pays tribute to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the nation's first Black-led labor union founded in neighboring Pullman, honoring the union as a symbol of the rise of the Black middle class. Community members can look forward to live jazz, happy hours, and access to fresh, healthy food options beyond fast food. The project is expected to create 18 permanent jobs and at least 30 construction positions, while also featuring a rooftop area for warm weather gatherings and a hospitality training program in partnership with Community Assistance Programs and the Illinois Restaurant Association. Residents interested in learning more about this exciting development can attend the next 21st Ward community meeting for updates on construction progress.
Sources:
1. https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Press%20Room/Press%20Releases/2026/January/MAYOR%20BRANDON%20JOHNSON%20ANNOUNCES%20$33%20MILLION%20IN%20GRANT%20AWARDS%20FOR%20COMMUNITY%20DEVELOPMENT%20PROJECTS.pdf
2. https://thetriibe.com/2025/08/south-side-doctor-eyes-west-pullman-vacant-building-as-site-for-new-restaurant-and-event-space/
3. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/ec_dev/news/2026/january/mayor-brandon-johnson-announces-33-million-grant-awards-community-development-projects.html
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Pullman ·
West Pullman residents will soon enjoy a vibrant new dining experience as Ethola Restaurant and BSCP Hall at 846 W. 119th St. received a
Dr. Adelanke Bademosi, the project's developer, has announced that construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the restaurant and event space expected to open to the public by the first quarter of 2027. The development, estimated to cost $4 million, is funded through a combination of equity, private funds, and support from Chicago's Medium Grant Program. Bademosi, who has called Chicago home since moving from Nigeria in 1995, was inspired to develop the site after seeing the property sit vacant for years and noticing the lack of event spaces and sit-down restaurant options in the area.
The BSCP Hall portion of the venue pays tribute to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the nation's first Black-led labor union founded in neighboring Pullman, honoring the union as a symbol of the rise of the Black middle class. Community members can look forward to live jazz, happy hours, and access to fresh, healthy food options beyond fast food. The project is expected to create 18 permanent jobs and at least 30 construction positions, while also featuring a rooftop area for warm weather gatherings and a hospitality training program in partnership with Community Assistance Programs and the Illinois Restaurant Association. Residents interested in learning more about this exciting development can attend the next 21st Ward community meeting for updates on construction progress.
Sources:
1. https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Press%20Room/Press%20Releases/2026/January/MAYOR%20BRANDON%20JOHNSON%20ANNOUNCES%20$33%20MILLION%20IN%20GRANT%20AWARDS%20FOR%20COMMUNITY%20DEVELOPMENT%20PROJECTS.pdf
2. https://thetriibe.com/2025/08/south-side-doctor-eyes-west-pullman-vacant-building-as-site-for-new-restaurant-and-event-space/
3. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/ec_dev/news/2026/january/mayor-brandon-johnson-announces-33-million-grant-awards-community-development-projects.html