Reimagining a classic Chicago restaurant

Reimagining a classic Chicago restaurant

From The Dining Table by Crain's Audio Studio

February 17, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 152

About this episode

Donnie Madia and Rob Levitt discuss the transformation of The Publican while honoring its origins.

Decades ago, Donnie Madia and his company One Off Hospitality helped define the West Loop with restaurants including Blackbird, avec, and The Publican. Now his remarkable instincts for style and atmosphere are hard at work transforming The Publican in ways that still honor its origins. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Madia and Publican’s executive chef Rob Levitt about what’s new about their vision for hospitality.

People in this episode

Host: David Manilow

Guests: Donnie Madia, Rob Levitt

Topics covered

  • restaurant transformation
  • hospitality
  • Chicago dining
  • culinary arts
  • entrepreneurship

Keywords

  • Chicago restaurant
  • hospitality vision
  • culinary transformation
  • One Off Hospitality
  • The Publican

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: One Off Hospitality, Blackbird, avec, The Publican

Places: West Loop

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