Soul Food Staple 'Oooh Wee It Is' Reopens

The story of Oooh Wee It Is is one of rapid ascent and community focus, masterminded by owners Mark and Shae Walker. Their venture began not in a restaurant, but with "Oooh Wee Sweet Tea," which Mark Walker started selling at a Harold's Chicken in 2014. The success of the tea, made with local raw honey, propelled the Walkers to open their first carry-out location in Burnham in the midst of the pandemic in October 2020. The original Chatham dine-in location at 33 E. 83rd St. opened in February 2021 in a 5,000-square-foot space that was formerly a neighborhood staple, Mather's Place. The Walkers aimed to create a vibrant dining destination on the South Side, a place where the community could gather for good food and live music, filling a void for upscale, Black-owned dining options in the area. The restaurant quickly became known for its long lines and lively atmosphere, which included eclectic decor like superhero statues and swings for seats. The menu was celebrated for its "soul food with a twist," a concept developed by the Walkers to honor tradition while appealing to a modern palate. Signature dishes that generated significant buzz included inventive "pot roast cupcakes," Hennessy-glazed wings, and fried lobster, alongside soul food classics like oxtails and grits. A unique feature that drew in a younger crowd was a cereal bar boasting over 75 different varieties. The reopening in a new Chatham location marks a new chapter for the beloved restaurant. While the previous 83rd Street establishment became a celebrated community hub, the new location continues the Walkers' commitment to the neighborhood. Chatham's restaurant scene is a recognized cultural and economic driver, known as the city's soul food and Caribbean district, attracting diners from across Chicago and even neighboring states.