The Pump Room is a famous restaurant located in the Ambassador East Hotel in the Gold Coast area of Chicago. The iconic restaurant opened in 1938 and has served hundreds of celebrities among its regular dining crowd. Hotelier and real estate developer Ian Schrager purchased the Ambassador East in April 2010. Schrager is overseeing massive renovation and refurbishment of the legendary Chicago hotel. In September, the hotel will reopen as the Public Chicago. The restaurant will also reopen, although it might have a name change. Schrager is leaving that decision up to the public via an online and text vote. Voters will decide if the name remains the Pump Room or it changes to Gold Coast Kitchen.
Based on the public outcry over Marshall Field’s becoming Macy’s, I am guessing Chicagoans will be voting heavily for Pump Room. The developer’s official stance is neutral; however, the website features a series of images representing name changes throughout history, such as Wrigley Field from the original Weeghman Park. I can’t help but notice that the Marshall Field’s name change is not included.
While the name remains undecided, we do know that the restaurant will be modeled after ABC Kitchen in New York and will feature the food creations of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Schrager is promising it will emphasize service over extravagance. He also promises reasonable prices and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
The results and future name will be revealed Wednesday, June 22. That gives everyone one week to have your voice heard. I already voted, and any regular reader of mine will know which name got my vote.
— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
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