Big Star Announces 15th Anniversary Celebrations

Sustainability-Focused Patio Upgrade & Expansion at Big Star Wicker Park 

With a substantial renovation now underway, Big Star initiates what partner Terry Alexander calls “the next responsibility frontier for restaurants" by kicking off a massive solar panel initiative including a brand new expanded 120-seat covered space for additional dining and/or private dining. “We’re taking the biggest chunk of sunshine we have at the Wicker Park property to produce clean energy. We have a long history from a beverage and food side of working with sustainable suppliers who care about their environments and community. Obviously the most important way to do this is through the people and partners we work with, but another way to do this is by investing in our global community and reducing our carbon consumption/footprint,” says Alexander.

Big Star to Recognize a “Big Star” with a $10,000 C-CAP Scholarship April 21st 

In honor of Big Star’s 15th Anniversary in Chicago, and in partnership with Careers for Culinary Arts Professionals, a non-profit that works with underserved CPS students to prepare them for college and career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry–Big Star will be awarding a $10,000 scholarship to an up and coming and very deserving “Big Star” culinary student! The scholarship will be awarded on April 21st in tandem with the C-CAP college awards ceremony. 

Golden Ticket Taco Truck Party Giveaway with Ivy Hall Dispensary Kicking off 4/20 

Big Star is partnering up with Ivy Hall's Bucktown and Logan Square locations to create a special Big Star 15th Anniversary GOLDEN ticket chocolate bar this April. The lucky dispensary-goer who finds the bar of gold with their purchase of cannabis products from Ivy Hall will win their very own Big Star taco truck party. There will also be a handful of “silver bars” redeemable for $100 Big Star gift cards hidden inside chocolate bars. 

15th Anniversary Patio Party Saturday May 18th - Sunday May 19th 

To kick off the new digs and the official start to al fresco season, Big Star Wicker Park host a patio bash in honor of their 15th anniversary. The team will offer an open-to-the-public weekend of live music, whole hog roasts, cheap whiskey specials, and more as they celebrate 15 years on their newly upgraded Wicker Park patio. The event will include local music talent, beer collaborations with Chicago brewery partners, as well as food by several members of One Off Hospitality’s current all-star roster of chefs, plus more surprises to come.

Let’s TACO ‘BOUT BOOKS Spring 2024

Big Star is partnering up with the Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library to encourage and reward kids for reading all year-long! With signup sheets available at the library and at Big Star Wicker Park in spring, the restaurant will treat you to your very own order of cheesy nachos, an Agua Fresca (Lime-Lemon OR Hibiscus) and a warm Horchata Rice Crispy Treat after fulfilling a commitment to read 10 books.