Oooh Wee It Is Reopens in Chatham
Soul food restaurant Oooh Wee It Is is set to reopen in a new location in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood. The new spot will expand its menu to include breakfast items alongside its well-known soul food dishes.
The new Chatham location for Oooh Wee It Is is part of a larger expansion strategy by owners Mark and Shae Walker, who have also opened or planned locations in Chicago's Wicker Park and Beverly neighborhoods, as well as a carry-out spot in suburban Burnham. This growth is a significant step for a business that started with Mark Walker selling his own brand of sweet tea from a stand. The brand's "soul food with a twist" concept is a deliberate strategy to appeal to both older fans of traditional soul food and a younger, millennial audience. This is reflected in their menu, which features inventive items like pot roast cupcakes and Hennessy wings alongside classic dishes. The restaurant's lively atmosphere, sometimes including DJs and live bands, further targets a diverse clientele. A unique feature at some Oooh Wee It Is locations has been a cereal bar offering over 75 different types of cereal, a playful and highly Instagrammable concept. This kind of unique, shareable experience is a powerful tool for generating user-generated content and organic social media buzz, a key tactic for local restaurants. Community engagement is a core part of the Oooh Wee It Is brand. The Walkers have a history of giving back, including hosting Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day meal giveaways for seniors. This focus on community helps build a loyal local customer base, which is crucial for the long-term success of a neighborhood restaurant. The reopening and expansion of Oooh Wee It Is has been a topic of interest, even catching the attention of celebrities. Golden Globe winner Ayo Edebiri mentioned the restaurant in an acceptance speech, highlighting its cultural significance in Chicago. This kind of high-profile mention can provide a massive boost in visibility for a local business. The journey for Oooh Wee It Is hasn't been without challenges, as the restaurant has had to navigate the difficulties of the pandemic and the closure of a previous Chatham location. The decision to reopen in the same neighborhood demonstrates a commitment to the community and a belief in the brand's resilience and local appeal.
