Multi-Platinum entertainer Chase Rice has partnered again with Forward Hospitality Group, and star athletes with local roots Jimmy Butler and Roquan Smith, to announce a third iteration of his popular Welcome to The Farm entertainment venue. The new 10,000 square foot space will now bring the brand’s signature live music, drinks, and BBQ to downtown (15 W Illinois Street) with plans to open in early August. The Chicago venue will also include the brand’s ongoing partnership with Executive Chef Raheem Sealy whose noted Drinking Pig BBQ will find a home at The Farm.
“It’s been incredible to see the Welcome to The Farm response so far,” shared Rice. "I'm so excited to keep growing this project together with the great team at Forward Hospitality Group. Chicago has always been one of my favorite places to visit and to perform, and summer music festival season seemed like the perfect time to bring Welcome to The Farm to the city.”
The Chicago location will join both the most recent St. Petersburg location and original flagship, which opened in Cleveland in 2021, and was joined by Rice and Forward Hospitality Group’s “I Hate Cowboys” cocktail & bourbon lounge next door earlier this year. The completely renovated Chicago space located in the heart of River North will be anchored by a second floor stage that will frequently host a rotating lineup of live music. The space will have capacity to seat approximately 300 guests and will offer both indoor seating and a retractable rooftop to enjoy during the warmer months.
After receiving acclaim as the “Best BBQ in Miami” Executive Chef Raheem Sealey will bring his delicious smoked ribs, brisket, cornbread, handheld sandwiches, elevated bare fare, and sides to the Windy City for the first time. Chicago’s Welcome to The Farm iteration of the Drinking Pig BBQ will be the perfect spot to grab a pre-show bite or to satisfy any late night BBQ craving. Guests can also expect The Farm’s bar menu to include an assortment of Farm Favorites Cocktails, a massive bourbon and whiskey list, along with new specialty coffee products from Butler’s coffee brand BIGFACE that will be available to consume while taking in the scene.
In addition to expanding Welcome to The Farm, Rice continues to unveil his next musical chapter with the recent independent release of guitar-driven anthem “Fireside” and the vulnerably autobiographical “Go Down Singin’.” He is also currently serving as direct support on Dierks Bentley’s Gravel & Gold Tour visiting arenas and amphitheaters nationwide through September in addition to prominent sets at major festivals including Summerfest, Windy City Smokeout and more.
For more information on all things Welcome to The Farm, visit WelcomeToTheFarm.com and follow @thefarmcle, @thefarmstpete and @thefarmchicago. For Chase Rice, visit ChaseRice.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter/X and TikTok @ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.
Courtesy of Forward Hospitality Group
About Chase Rice
With more than 2.6 million albums sold and over 2.8 billion total streams, plus a legion of passionate fans at his high-energy concerts across the globe, Chase Rice has established himself as a powerful force in Nashville and beyond. With new releases “Fireside” and “Go Down Singin’” available everywhere now as the follow-up to critically acclaimed album I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, Rice’s sound continues to evolve to reflect the realities of his life; from emotional reckoning to an admiration of the Western way of life. The recent album, including standout tracks “Oklahoma” and “Bench Seat,” serves as a follow up to his three-part project, The Album, which featured his latest Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” and the Platinum-certified Top 10 hit “Lonely If You Are.”
This is the same gravelly-voiced Chase Rice fans first fell in love with years ago – but better, freer; unbeholden and uninhibited. The new music builds upon the success of his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, which featured the 3x Platinum, two-week chart topper “Eyes On You” – Rice’s first No. 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of his career. Lambs & Lions followed Platinum-certified Ignite the Night, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, producing a pair of Top 5 hits; Platinum-certified “Gonna Wanna Tonight” and Double Platinum “Ready Set Roll.” In addition to guesting on sold-out stadium shows with Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks, Rice consistently sells out venues on his own headlining tours, including the recent Get Western Tour in support of his new music, and is serving as direct support on Dierks Bentley’s Gravel & Gold Tour this summer.
About Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat is a 6-time NBA All-Star and a 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist who was the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Originally from Tomball, Texas, Butler (34) attended Marquette University and was the recipient of the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 2015. Jimmy is a 5-time All-Defensive Team selection, and a 5-time All-NBA Team honoree.
Butler’s vast off-the-court interests and passions include coffee, traveling, listening to music, fashion, and playing cards and dominoes with his friends and family. He also enjoys wine tasting, tennis, soccer and working out. Jimmy, an avid coffee aficionado launched his specialty coffee inspired lifestyle brand, BIGFACE back in 2021, that first originated from his hotel room during the 2020 NBA Bubble.