Sweet(water) dreams: Read a review of my visit to the Loop spot Sweetwater Tavern & Grille at SAVOR with Andrew. The restaurant is very accessible—but is it worth your time and money?
—Change of motion: Crumbl founders Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley plan to step down from “day-to-day operating roles” within the Utah-based company the cousins founded in 2017, media reports noted.
McGowan (the company’s CEO) and Hemsley (the chief brand officer) will leave along with Bryce Redd (the chief technology officer). The company’s open letter is here. “This is not a goodbye to Crumbl,” the letter reads, in part. “We will all remain closely involved as members of the Board of Directors and founders.”
The mass exodus at the top is interesting. Last year, Hemsley came out as gay after TikTok comedian/influencer Grant Gibbs posted a video questioning Hemsley’s sexuality—although many still went after Hemsley because he’s allegedly a Republican. In addition, in December 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor found that the chain violated child-labor laws at locations in California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Utah and Washington, according to Chowhound. Lastly, many have slammed Crumbl’s cookies themselves, saying that the massive disks are overly sweet and expensive.—Prime time: This July, DineAmic Hospitality concept Prime & Provisions will officially reopen following a full-scale reconstruction.
After celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025, the restaurant suffered an unexpected kitchen fire last November. Due to the extent of the fire, smoke and water damage, ownership decided to temporarily close and fully rebuild the space. Guests can look forward to the return of its hallmark in-house dry-aged prime steaks as well as a reconstructed dining room that is inspired by the grandeur of the 19th-century World’s Fair.
—Spring’s the thing: Old Town omakase SHŌ has debuted Menu Vol. 3: Spring Awakening, described as “a 10-course evolution that trades winter’s richness for a brighter, more produce-driven expression.”
Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Mari Katsumura and fourth-generation restaurateur Adam Sindler—both 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists (Best Chef: Great Lakes)—SHŌ’s meal consists of kaiseki-adjacent lead-in, a hand-roll sequence and a somen course and dessert. For example, dessert will consist of strawberry soft servewith buttermilk ice and sake kasu condensed milk, finished with freeze-dried strawberry, along with a lemon poppy seed cake soaked in lemon verbena syrup.
—Women’s day: Applications for being part of the cohort of the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) flagship program are open through June 1 at 11:59 p.m. (Among other things, applicants must be at least 21. Also, only women and nonbinary individuals are eligible.)
The program is an advanced educational, training and networking program for owners or co-owners of brick-and-mortar food or beverage businesses throughout the country; each cohort comprises 20 participants. The 11-week virtual program gives business owners the chance to evaluate and optimize their business model and internal systems, identify improvements, and create long-term strategies for growth and success.
—Movie kind of love: On May 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., a Chicago screening of the award-winning Filipino culinary documentary Food Roots will take place at AMC River East.
The movie follows two-time Emmy-winning restaurateur Billy Dec, founder of Sunda New Asian, as he travels across the 7,641 islands of the Philippines to reconnect with his heritage, family recipes and the last living elders in his bloodline. From bustling cities to remote mountain villages above the clouds, the film explores Filipino identity, immigrant family dynamics as well as the role food plays in preserving culture across generations.
The evening will benefit Common Threads, the national nonprofit focused on cooking and nutrition education for children and families. Tickets are complimentary, but donations are encouraged to benefit Common Threads.
—On Friday, May 22, at 8 p.m., an “Absolutely Fabulous” dinner drag show will take place at Juliana’s to celebrate host Angelique Munro’s 56th birthday.
Munro and DJ Will are slated to host the event, which will feature performances from Milani, Serina Devine, Edna D’Mascara and special guest Chochita D’Mascara. Guests can dine on a curated Mediterranean dinner while enjoying the entertainment. Tickets, which are $50 each (plus a booking fee), must be purchased ahead of time, as a head count is required; RSVP here.
—It’s an honor: Also on May 22, there will be a street-naming ceremony at 10 a.m. at 5543 N. Broadway (the address of Groceryland) in honor of the legendary local figure Lori Cannon.
Cannon—who passed away Aug. 3, 2025, at age 74—co-founded Open Hand Chicago together with fellow HIV/AIDS activists James Cappleman, Greg Harris and Tom Tunney (who are now all former politicians). She later spearheaded the Groceryland pantry network. Among other honors, she was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 1994 as a “Friend of the Community.” (Note: People can donate canned goods, pantry staples and personal-care items to Groceryland.)
—Brew and view: On May 23-24, Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery will host their 10th annual spring celebration, Mayfestiversary, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Dovetail. In celebration of the milestone, the festival (at 1800 W. Cuyler Ave.) will feature Dovetail Brewery’s annual Maibock alongside a special 10th Anniversary Lager brewed for the occasion.
The family- and dog-friendly event is slated to feature more than 60 beers, two dozen local bands, 10 food vendors (including El Zorro Tacos and Soul & Smoke), activities for all ages and much more. Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation.
And here is something else of interest…
—Cher and Cher alike: On May 24, 29 and 30, The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) will host Cher the Love—an energetic tribute celebrating the music and legacy of Cher, timed with her 80th birthday on May 20.
Featuring more than 250 members, the concert showcases Cher across the decades with hits including “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Believe,” “Strong Enough” and many more, all performed with a full band onstage. Visit cgmc.org/spring for tickets ($25-$60 each) and more info, including the different venues hosting the event.
—GIVEAWAY!: There’s now another giveaway—this time, for a Stanley Cup!
All you have to do to qualify is to be a paying subscriber (for less than $5/month) to either SAVOR for Andrew (future3733.substack.com) or the pop-culture column Pop-Eds (Andrew449.substack.com). The deadline is Friday, May 22, at 5 p.m. Good luck!
Until next time…