The Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport has thrown open its doors once again, revamped and ready for its second act as a live music venue after being out of the limelight for nearly four decades. Following a massive multimillion-dollar revival, the Ramova ushers in a new era with the help of some high-profile Chicagoans, including Quincy Jones, Jennifer Hudson, and Chance the Rapper. According to Eater Chicago, the historic venue, which first opened its doors in 1929, is playing host to more than just music, serving up a new dining experience at the Ramova Grill.

The theater which kicked off its renewed journey on New Year's Eve, is geared up with nostalgic charms, a full-scale brewery, and tunes for the local denizens. Kevin Hickey, a chef with deep roots in the Bridgeport area, is spearheading the culinary front at the in-house Ramova Grill. He’s expressing his neighborhood pride one dish at a time, serving up twists on old classics like "Pork Chop Suey" and a revamped take on the chili that was a hallmark of the old Ramova. Hickey confessed to Eater Chicago, "I don't remember what it was like," referring to the original chili recipe that had locals raving.

Emerging from the backdrop of shuttered curtains and the echoing absence of moviegoers, the Ramova's rebirth comes after Tyler and Emily Nevius purchased the historic building for a mere dollar from the city in 2017, as detailed by the Chicago Tribune. The couple, armed with a vision they cultivated in New York, brought back a piece of Chicago’s cinematic and communal history, challenging the wall of water damage and aging disrepair that nearly claimed the theater.

It’s not just about nostalgia, but also about brews and bites with New York’s Other Half Brewing setting up shop in the rejuvenated space, giving Bridgeport residents, and thirsty White Sox fans, a new spot to drown their sorrows, or cheers to victory. With their roots in Brooklyn, Other Half aims to serve its first Chicago-brewed beer early this year, though locals had a bit of sticker shock with a $16 per beer misstep on opening weekend, as disclosed by Eater Chicago. Nevius acknowledged the blunder, sensing the weight of the responsibility as much as he did the historic plaster and beams, stating, "I don’t think we understood how hard it was going to be."

But moving beyond initial hiccups, the Ramova Theatre is staging a show that's sure to beckon the crowds. The grand opening, a ritzy affair replete with jazz bands and flappers, marked more than just a building's facelift—it signified the dedication of a community and the enduring charm of a place seeking peace once more. Chance the Rapper noted for his city pride and love of music, is also getting in on the action, offering his insight on what makes a venue shine. "We sat down with Chance and Quincy’s teams," Nevius shared with the Chicago Tribune.