Phil Stefani is partnering with Adolfo Garcia to open a Cuban themed restaurant and cabaret at 601 N. Wells Street, River North, Chicago. The Phil Stefani Signature Restaurant property that was decorated to encourage the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup will soon become Chicago’s newest Cuban inspired restaurant and cabaret, The Flamingo Rum Club.
“We are very excited to be working on The Flamingo Rum Club in partnership with Adolfo Garcia. Adolfo’s creative approach in collaboration with us as well as both of our teams operating expertise is sure to be a great recipe for quality food, creative cocktails and unique Chicago-Caribbean experience,” says Steven Hartenstein, COO of Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants.
This concept was born as old friends caught up over cocktails. With U.S. and Cuban relationship opening up, they discussed how the diplomatic changes would affect culinary trends and shake up the hospitality industry. Thoughts of Cuban cigars, rum cocktails and the rich Cuban history that was iconized in the 1940s and 1950s when celebrities brought back stories of Caribbean culture, tropical cuisine, exotic cocktails and unforgettable vacations spurred the new restaurant concept.
“Those closest to me know that my true passion is designing and creating beautiful restaurants, so to be given the opportunity to do it with an incredible and professional team is a dream come true,” said Garcia.
The Flamingo Rum Club will offer a huge rum selection, bartenders in pink tuxedos, waitresses in floral dresses, simple and true ingredients, Cuban cuisine and the feeling of an intimate speakeasy cabaret with a small center stage to host Cuban bands and Afro-Cuban jazz. The décor will be 1940s and 50s island chic with palm tree wall paper, gold leaf oval ceilings, a brass bar, 8-foot mounted marlin, and cement tiles imported from the Dominican Republic.
With Adolfo’s unique creativity and the ability to translate it into an experience, and the support of hospitality giant Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, The Flamingo Rum Club promises to bring customers back to the roaring 50s in Havana, Cuba.
For press inquiries, please contact Whitney Read. Otherwise, keep posted here for the latest news about Chicago’s newest Cuban themed restaurant and cabaret, The Flamingo Rum Club!
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Photography by Nick Ulivieri