Fresh Leadership, Fresh Flavors: The Loop Gets a New Champion & a Buzzy New Riverfront Restaurant

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/The Loop · July 9, 2026

The Loop's momentum isn't slowing down this July — and it's got fresh leadership to help steer the ship. The Chicago Loop Alliance recently welcomed Suzet McKinney as its new President and CEO, following a national search. A Chicago native, McKinney brings a powerhouse résumé to the role, having previously led the Illinois Medical District as CEO and served as Deputy Commissioner at the Chicago Department of Public Health. She also serves on the boards of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Navy Pier — making her a deeply connected champion for everything that makes downtown tick.

Meanwhile, food lovers have a thrilling new reason to eye 1 E. Wacker Drive. Espiritu, a brand-new Mexican-American concept, is planned for the former McCormick & Schmick's space in the iconic Loop tower right on the Chicago River's north bank. The project is helmed by Matt Moore, co-owner of the legendary Chicago Cut Steakhouse, alongside partner Emidio Oceguera, who is also behind the acclaimed Cerdito Muerto. The roughly 10,000-square-foot ground-level space promises to fuse Chicago staples with bold Mexican flavors — and with that team behind the stoves, expectations are sky-high.

From a visionary new CEO championing the neighborhood to an all-star culinary duo ready to electrify the riverfront dining scene, the Loop keeps proving it's everyone's neighborhood. Follow along at loopchicago.com for the latest on what's next downtown.

Sources:
1. https://loopchicago.com/business-in-the-loop/media/
2. https://whatnow.com/chicago/restaurants/chicago-cut-steakhouse-veterans-bringing-new-concept-to-the-loop/