Chicago’s esteemed culinary landscape is set to welcome a significant new dining destination as Sanders BBQ Prime, a new venture by the acclaimed Sanders BBQ Supply Co., announces its expansion into Hyde Park. Slated to open its doors in early 2026, this highly anticipated restaurant will occupy the former space of the beloved music venue and restaurant, The Promontory, located at 5311 S. Lake Park Ave W. The move signifies an evolution for the Beverly-based eatery, promising an elevated dining experience that builds upon the exceptional reputation of Sanders BBQ Prime.
Sanders BBQ Prime: A Star Rises on the South Side
Sanders BBQ Supply Co., which first opened its doors in Beverly in June 2024, has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. Its commitment to authentic, craft barbecue, utilizing real wood fires and sourcing high-quality ingredients, has quickly garnered national attention. The restaurant’s reputation was further solidified with its inclusion in the New York Times’ prestigious 2025 list of the 50 Best Restaurants in the United States, an honor shared by few establishments nationwide. Adding to its accolades, Sanders BBQ Supply Co. has also been nominated for a 2026 Jean Banchet Award, celebrating culinary excellence within the Chicago food community. This widespread recognition has cemented its status as a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts, drawing crowds and often selling out of its signature smoked meats, paving the way for Sanders BBQ Prime.
Sanders BBQ Prime: An Elevated Dining Experience
The forthcoming Sanders BBQ Prime is poised to offer a distinct departure from the original’s counter-service model, presenting a more refined, plated dining experience. The menu, shaped by the collaborative vision of chef/owner James Sanders and pitmaster Nick Kleutsch, will artfully merge central Texas-style barbecue with upscale steakhouse offerings. Diners can anticipate a culinary journey featuring prime cuts of steak alongside the acclaimed smoked meats that have become Sanders BBQ’s hallmark. Early indications suggest a sophisticated approach to appetizers, with items like beef tallow-smoked popcorn setting the stage for a memorable meal at Sanders BBQ Prime. This new concept aims to provide a more comprehensive and curated gastronomic affair, showcasing the depth of culinary talent at play at Sanders BBQ Prime.
A New Chapter for a Historic Hyde Park Dining Space
The chosen location in Hyde Park holds a unique significance. The Promontory, a vibrant hub for live music and community events for over a decade, is set to close its doors at the end of 2025. Sanders BBQ Prime’s arrival in this space marks a new era for the building, transitioning from a celebrated entertainment venue to a premier dining establishment. This strategic placement in Hyde Park allows Sanders BBQ to extend its reach and introduce its celebrated cuisine to a new and engaged Chicago neighborhood. The transition is expected to be seamless, with Sanders BBQ Prime poised to become a prominent fixture in the local food scene, enhancing Hyde Park dining.
The Visionaries Behind Sanders BBQ Prime
At the heart of Sanders BBQ Supply Co. and its expansion lies the leadership of James Sanders and Nick Kleutsch. Sanders, a seasoned chef with a diverse background encompassing culinary school, catering, and restaurant franchising, has long envisioned bringing an elevated barbecue experience to Chicago’s South Side. Pitmaster Nick Kleutsch, whose expertise in Texas-style barbecue was cultivated in Austin, provides a crucial element to the restaurant’s authentic flavor profile. Their partnership has been instrumental in the brand’s rapid ascent, blending Midwestern culinary tradition with the rich heritage of Texas barbecue, truly defining the refined approach of Sanders BBQ Prime.
A Culinary Beacon for Chicago: Sanders BBQ Prime
The expansion of Sanders BBQ Supply Co. into Hyde Park with Sanders BBQ Prime represents a significant development in Chicago restaurant news. Following its impressive national recognition and local acclaim, the venture promises to further elevate the city’s already robust food offerings, joining the ranks of new steakhouses Chicago diners will soon clamor for. With its blend of acclaimed barbecue, steakhouse sophistication, and a prime location, Sanders BBQ Prime is positioned to become a standout destination, embodying a new pinnacle of culinary innovation in Chicago. The early 2026 opening is eagerly anticipated by food lovers across the city and beyond, eager to experience Sanders BBQ Prime.
