Gibsons Tavern receives city licenses for Fulton Market location

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Gibsons Restaurant Group received three city licenses on Oct. 28 for its Gibsons Tavern at 925 W. Fulton St. in Fulton Market. The licenses cover liquor consumption on premises, a public place of amusement, and a retail food establishment with seating.

The tavern, first announced in 2023, is planned to open in November, according to a group statement from CEO Steve Lombardo. City inspections for all three licenses passed on Oct. 15.

Why it matters

The licenses bring Gibsons' expansion into Fulton Market one step closer to reality, adding a new dining option in one of Chicago's busiest food districts.

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Key Indicators

City licenses issued

Liquor, amusement, and food service licenses approved on Oct. 28, 2026.

Nov 2026

Planned opening month

Gibsons Tavern is slated to open in November 2026 per an August announcement.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Steve Lombardo

CEO of Gibsons Restaurant Group

Leading the expansion into Fulton Market

Organizations Involved

Gibsons Restaurant Group

Restaurant group

Operating 5+ concepts in Chicago, launching new tavern

A Chicago-based restaurant group known for Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse and other top-grossing restaurants.

Timeline

2023 October 2026

4 events Latest: Yesterday

Tap a bar to jump to that date

October 2026
City licenses issued
Latest Licensing

Chicago issues three business licenses to Gibsons Tavern, covering liquor service, amusement, and food preparation.
Yesterday
License inspections pass
Inspection

City inspections for liquor, entertainment, and food service all pass at 925 W. Fulton St.
October 15th, 2026
August 2026
Opening planned for November
News report

Block Club Chicago reports the tavern will open in November 2026 in an 11-story office building.
August 24th, 2026
2023
Gibsons Tavern announced
Announcement

Gibsons Restaurant Group first reveals plans for a tavern in Fulton Market.
2023

Scenarios

Gibsons Tavern opens in November 2026 as planned

Likely Resolves by Jan 15, 2027

Discussed by: Block Club Chicago and Gibsons Restaurant Group public statements

The tavern opens in November, likely with a soft opening or grand launch. The group has historically delivered on its timelines, and the licenses are in place. A successful opening would add a new high-end casual dining option to Fulton Market.

Gibsons Tavern opening delayed past the holidays

Possible Resolves by Feb 1, 2027

Discussed by: Industry observers and local food media

Construction or final permitting snags push the opening into 2027. The group may announce a revised timeline. Delays are common in restaurant openings, especially in dense urban settings like Fulton Market.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

1989

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse opens on Rush Street (1989)

Gibsons opened its flagship steakhouse on Rush Street, quickly becoming a Chicago institution known for prime steaks and oversized portions. It was later named one of the top-grossing independent restaurants in the U.S.

Then

The restaurant established a loyal following and became a staple for tourists and locals alike.

Now

Gibsons Restaurant Group expanded into multiple concepts, proving the brand's staying power for over three decades.

Why this matters now

The original Gibsons' success demonstrates the group's track record of launching and sustaining high-profile restaurants, suggesting the new Fulton Market tavern is likely to succeed if it opens as planned.