Graham Elliot and Matthias Merges to Open a West Loop Restaurant

Photo from Graham Elliot Bistro's Facebook Page

By: Ashok Selvam | Sept 5, 2017 | Chicago.Eater.com

Chef and restaurateur Matthias Merges’ (A10, Old Irving Brewing, Billy Sunday) long-teased arrival to the West Loop involves a twist, as Merges is collaborating with buddy and celebrity chef Graham Elliot. Merges’ crew at Folkart Restaurant Management has been busy for the last three months gutting the former Graham Elliot Bistro space at 841 W. Randolph St. They aim to open the replacement, Gideon Sweet, in mid-October. Gideon Sweet is named after a breed of heirloom apple, and Merges wants the restaurant to mix a fun, child-like curiosity with the neighborhood’s urban feel. He’s excited about competing for sophisticated customers along Randolph Restaurant Row, one of the hottest-dining areas in the country, and his focus is on fun. West Loop diners want to bounce between different restaurants in a single given night, Merges said — to grab a beer at Publican followed by a bite of pig’s face at Girl & the Goat. Gideon Sweet will blend into that philosophy. Read More....