Are You Sleeping on Chicago’s Soul Food Capital?
More than half of Black-owned businesses on the South Side are food businesses, according to the Greater Chatham Initiative. The organization runs FoodLab Chicago, which has helped the likes of Brown Sugar Bakery, Lems BBQ, Majani and other South Side favorites grow. GCI executive director Nedra Fears tells host Jacoby Cochran how they’re creating a soul food district to build up the neighborhoods and get them the recognition they deserve. We’re also talking Tastee Rolls co-owner Angel Williams about her experience in the latest Food Lab cohort.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19 episode:
- Moats Entertainment
- Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Giannoulias’ Photo Op Flop, LGBTQ Politicians Win Big, and Game Nights Gone Wild
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has way more money than any other Chicago mayoral candidate — so why is he aligning himself wi...
Would Amtrak Move Reindustrialize Bridgeport? Plus, Bean Takeover
Two months ago, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released mockups for a new ballpark he hopes to build in the South Loop. The plan...
Chicago's Best New Restaurants of 2026. Plus, What's Next in 2027
The Infatuation just dropped its Best New Restaurants of 2026, and All Well, Bar Tutto, and others made the list. Adrian Kane and John Ri...
Why Were Chicago Voters Waiting Hours? Plus, Roseland Hospital Files For Bankruptcy
Despite positive early signs, Chicago’s voter turnout may not surpass the 46% in the 2022 midterm election. NABJ’s Brandon Pope and Block...
Why Does Chicago Police Keep Going Over Budget? Plus, New Gunshot Detection Pilot
Since 2023, the Chicago Police Department has spent $520.5 million more than the City Council approved, and it's on track to go over budg...
Here’s Who Won the Midterm Elections
The results are in! Host Jacoby Cochran and interim executive producer Michelle Navarro break down who won and who lost on Election Day i...
It's Election Day! Plus, Taste Tossed 800 pounds of Unsafe Food
Today we’ve got your Election Day FAQ’s including where to register and vote, the most helpful voter guides, and which restaurants to may...
Why Lt. Gov Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought. Plus, a South Side Teen Lounge
Today we’re talking about the race for Illinois lieutenant governor and why it’s drawing more attention than ever. Also, what happe...
Your Guide to November 2026 in Chicago
It’s a new month, and that means a new guide! Creative producer Emmi Mack and The Brown Line’s Ghazala Irshad join us with what they’re l...
Who Wants to Be the Next Mayor of Chicago?
Monday was the deadline for candidates for mayor and City Council to submit their petitions to get on the 2027 ballot. Host Jacoby Cochra...