Rosebud Restaurant, a Chicago institution that has stood the test of time for over four decades, is bidding farewell to its beloved patrons as it undergoes a transformation.
The iconic establishment, known for its exceptional cuisine and memorable dining experiences, has closed it’s a la carte doors and is transitioning into a catering-only event space.
This decision marks the end of an era for Rosebud, but also paves the way for a new chapter in its storied history. Throughout its existence, Rosebud has hosted an array of distinguished guests, including political figures, celebrities, and sports legends.
The restaurant was a favored spot for the late senator Ted Kennedy, who was known to enjoy the hospitality and delectable dishes it offered.
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch was also a frequent visitor, often seen engaging in lively conversations with friends and colleagues while savoring the restaurant’s signature Italian fare.
Baseball icon Tommy Lasorda, known for his passion for both the sport and fine dining, found solace in Rosebud’s comforting ambiance and authentic cuisine.
Even the legendary Frank Sinatra himself graced the establishment, leaving an indelible mark on the staff and patrons with his charismatic presence.
“We’d close up for Frank Sinatra and his crew for late-night dinners when Frank would take off his jacket and tie and practically strip down to his shirt to eat the red sauce with meatballs and peppers,” Dana reminisced.
The location was not far from Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios at Carpenter and Randolph in the West Loop, which had nowhere near the number of restaurants when she began filming her show there in 1990. Oprah would send stars, staff and others Rosebud’s way.
“She once sent in Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler, who had just made a movie, ‘The First Wives Club,’ and wound up laughing and drinking wine and eating pasta. They were hilarious!” Dana said.
Diners were often heading to Bulls or Blackhawks games on the Near West Side, or famed music spots including the Cotton Club on Michigan Avenue in the South Loop. That closed in 2008.
“Robert De Niro would come in to eat en route to the Cotton Club with his wife, Toukie Smith,” Dana added. “Ditto Alex Trebek, who also was en route to the Cotton Club. Top French chef Jacques Pepin brought in the legendary Julia Child. They all came for the red sauce.”
Dana, who grew up in a restaurant family and later gave birth to the star-stopping destination Rosebud on Rush, chuckled about how in the late 1990s, former Chicago first lady Maggie Daley once brought England’s Prime Minister Tony Blair to the eatery, which boasted an actual red carpet entrance.
“Things changed in the area during the past 50 years,” said Dana. “Industrial companies moved away, which once provided us with huge lunchtime crowds. Little Italy got smaller, and many residents moved to the suburbs. Business was no longer booming.”
These noteworthy guests, along with countless others, have contributed to the legacy of special events and unforgettable moments at Rosebud.
The transition into a catering-only event space ensures that this rich tradition will continue, albeit in a different setting.
The allure and charm that made Rosebud a go-to destination for celebrations, business gatherings, and private events will be preserved, allowing guests to create new memories in a refined and exclusive atmosphere.
The success of Rosebud’s flagship location in Chicago has paved the way for the establishment of new restaurants in Chicagoland and across the country.
Behind the scenes, the driving force behind Rosebud’s success has always been its owner, Alex Dana.
A visionary in the restaurant industry, Dana has expertly guided the establishment through its various chapters, adapting to changing trends while staying true to the values and principles that have made Rosebud a household name.
His commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and unwavering passion for providing exceptional dining experiences have been instrumental in shaping and maintaining the restaurant’s reputation.
That lead to the City of Chicago recognizing the Rosebud and Dana in 2011. The landmark eatery at Taylor Street at Laflin Street added an honorary street sign marking Alex Dana Way.
As Rosebud bids farewell to its loyal patrons, it does so with gratitude and a promise of continued excellence in the world of catering and private events.
The restaurant’s rich history, marked by the presence of influential figures and the creation of cherished memories, will forever be etched in the hearts of those who have experienced its magic.
The transformation of the flagship location in Chicago serves as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Rosebud, as it continues to embrace new opportunities while honoring its storied past.
With the legacy of Rosebud set to flourish in new ventures and locations, the future holds exciting possibilities for this iconic institution.
“We will turn the place into a new concept and make it into a special-occasion place,” said Rosebud founder Dana. The working name is “Rosebud: The Speakeasy,” for parties of 10 to 250 people. “It will be a ‘Joe sent me’ kind of place,” Dana concluded. “The place has too much history to actually close.”
