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Chicago, IL

Relocating a Michelin-starred restaurant to a larger space and refinancing debt to enhance operations and guest experience.

• Michelin-starred recognition: Atelier earned its Michelin star and received a Michelin Young Chef Award in its first year.
• Global culinary influence: The restaurant blends global flavors with locally sourced ingredients from the Midwest.
• Commitment to growth: Atelier is relocating to a larger space to accommodate more guests and expand visibility.
• Award-winning leadership: Executive Chef Christian Hunter was named a James Beard Best Chef finalist and received the Michelin Young Chef Award.
• Expansion strategy: The funds will be used for restaurant relocation, equipment, and refinancing debt to support operational growth.

Atelier is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago, offering a 12- to 14-course menu that evolves weekly, featuring globally inspired dishes made with ingredients sourced from local Midwest farms. Founded by Tim Lacey, the restaurant has quickly gained recognition for its approachability despite its fine dining status. With its first Executive Chef, Christian Hunter, the restaurant earned a Michelin star and a Michelin Young Chef Award for Hunter in its inaugural year. Atelier aims to provide high-end cuisine in a neighborhood setting, delivering both exceptional dining experiences and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.

The funds raised through this offering will be used primarily for relocating the restaurant to a larger space, allowing for greater seating capacity and visibility. This move is a crucial step in expanding the restaurant’s footprint and accommodating more guests. The offering also includes refinancing existing debt to ensure smoother operational funding and more efficient financial management. The strategic relocation and debt restructuring will help Atelier continue to grow its brand, build on its culinary reputation, and strengthen its position in the competitive fine dining market. With a team led by experienced chefs, Atelier is committed to offering innovative cuisine that blends global flavors with regional ingredients.

Company Info

Atelier is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Chicago offering an evolving tasting menu that blends global flavors with locally sourced ingredients.

Atelier is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Chicago that offers a constantly evolving 12- to 14-course tasting menu. The restaurant blends global flavors with locally sourced ingredients from small Midwest farms, creating a refined yet approachable dining experience. Founded with the vision of providing a platform for emerging chefs, Atelier fosters culinary creativity while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and high-quality ingredients. The intimate setting allows guests to enjoy meticulously crafted dishes in a neighborhood-style atmosphere that balances innovation with accessibility.

Atelier was founded by Tim Lacey with the goal of showcasing up-and-coming culinary talent, leading to the appointment of Chef Christian Hunter as its first Executive Chef. Within its first year, the restaurant earned a Michelin star, along with a Michelin Young Chef Award for Chef Hunter and a James Beard nomination. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Bradyn Kawcak, Atelier continues to push the boundaries of fine dining with a focus on seasonal, locally driven cuisine. The restaurant is currently working toward expanding to a larger space, increasing visibility, and accommodating more guests while maintaining its commitment to high-quality, globally inspired dining.