Chatham Soul Food Spot 'Oooh Wee It Is' Reopens

The original Oooh Wee It Is, launched by Mark and Shae Walker, first opened its doors at 33 E. 83rd St. in February 2021, quickly becoming a neighborhood sensation. The space was known for its vibrant, playful decor, including swing sets for seats and life-sized superhero statues, creating a highly Instagrammable, family-friendly atmosphere. Their "soul food with a twist" menu, featuring items like pot roast cupcakes and Hennessy and Patrón wings, generated significant buzz and long lines, demonstrating a strong market for inventive, shareable culinary concepts. The restaurant's offerings also included a cereal bar with over 75 varieties, a nod to creating a unique and nostalgic dining experience that appeals to a wide demographic. The Walkers have a history of expanding their brand, with previous locations in Burnham and plans for outposts in Wicker Park and Beverly, showcasing a strategy of targeting diverse neighborhoods with their unique soul food concept. The Beverly location was also intended to serve as a hub for their food truck and catering operations, indicating an interest in a multi-channel revenue model. The closure of the original Chatham location in late 2024 was a notable event, with the building being described as abandoned by August 2025. This reopening in a new space signals a resilient brand with strong community support, capable of navigating the challenges of the current restaurant landscape. This relaunch taps into several key 2026 dining trends, including the demand for experiential dining and the power of social media to drive foot traffic. For catering companies, the success of a visually-driven, community-embedded brand like Oooh Wee It Is offers a case study in authentic engagement, contrasting with more traditional corporate marketing strategies. The visual appeal of their dishes and the lively atmosphere are prime content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where Chicago food influencers have a significant impact on dining choices. The "Keith Lee effect" has demonstrated how authentic, user-generated content can dramatically boost a restaurant's visibility and sales, a powerful lesson for any food and beverage marketing strategy. As consumers increasingly seek out unique and memorable food experiences, the pop-up and art-themed event model is gaining traction in the catering world. This trend aligns with the desire for the kind of vibrant, engaging atmosphere that Oooh Wee It Is has cultivated, suggesting opportunities for premium catering brands to partner with culturally relevant and visually appealing concepts.