From the Bears to the Block: Ex-Chicago Bear Israel Idonije Is Building a South Loop Food Empire — And a Local Family Just Met the Pope

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · April 8, 2026

South Loop has no shortage of neighborhood champions, but few are as homegrown as Israel Idonije. The former Chicago Bears defensive end has been quietly transforming the South Loop dining scene through his Pangea Restaurant Group — and his ambitions are only getting bigger. After launching Signature Steak at 1312 South Wabash Avenue and The Staley sports bar at 1736 South Michigan Avenue, Idonije is now setting his sights on Egg Bunni, a breakfast sandwich concept he's aiming to open in 2026, along with a martini bar with live music and an ice cream shop. His boldest dream? A 154-room hotel with Hilton's Curio Collection near McCormick Place. "It's the city's best neighborhood," Idonije told Chicago Magazine — and he's clearly putting his money where his mouth is.

Meanwhile, the South Loop made headlines of a very different (and delightful) kind this week. The Munoz family — Marcel, Ann, and their children — traveled to Rome and, in a heartwarming moment covered by CBS Chicago, gifted a navy blue "Da Pope" T-shirt to Pope Leo XIV himself. It's the kind of only-in-Chicago story that reminds us just how big this neighborhood's heart really is.

From a growing restaurant empire anchored in South Loop pride to a family rep'ing the neighborhood all the way to Vatican City, Sloopers are out here making waves near and far. Have you visited The Staley or Signature Steak yet — and are you excited for Egg Bunni? Share your South Loop spirit with the Socialhood community!

Sources:
1. https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/january-2026/how-an-ex-bear-is-growing-his-south-loop-eatery-empire/
2. http://www.sloopin.com/