Chef Zubair Mohajir is leaving his post at the Coach House on February 19, clearing his schedule to spend the spring building a new chef-operated restaurant in Lincoln Park. Mohajir, who runs Lilac Tiger’s high-energy street-food program and the Coach House tasting room in Wicker Park, has become a familiar name in Chicago dining. The move shifts him from a rotating residency to a neighborhood project he will fully operate himself.
New Lincoln Park concept and timeline
According to What Now Chicago, Mohajir is planning a chef-run spot in Lincoln Park that is expected to debut this spring. The menu is slated to pull from East Asian and southern Spanish flavors, and the project could also feature a speakeasy element.
In an Instagram message quoted by What Now Chicago, Mohajir and the Coach House tried to calm regulars: “Don’t worry, this is not a message of an anticipated closure, but rather a notification of evolution.” The outlet reports he will wrap up his tenure at Coach House on February 19 and notes that he was unavailable for further comment while getting ready for service.
Mohajir's track record
Mohajir has launched several concepts around the city, including Lilac Tiger and Mirra, and he trained in kitchens such as Bouchon, according to StarChefs. His style blends South Asian technique with broader international influences, a combination that has helped his projects stand out within Chicago’s competitive restaurant scene.
What the change means for Coach House
At the Coach House, located at 1742 W. Division St., Mohajir has been serving seven-course tasting menus, with small plates such as jackfruit croquette, scallops, salmon mousse, and lamb dumplings, according to What Now Chicago. Since the Coach House operates on a revolving-chef residency model, diners can expect another visiting chef to take over the intimate room after Mohajir’s final service on February 19.
Momentum and local context
Mohajir’s projects have drawn industry recognition and invitations to high-profile events, which helps explain why a Lincoln Park opening would carry weight for neighborhood dining. The James Beard Foundation has highlighted Mirra in its Chicago programming, and local coverage has closely followed Mohajir’s rise, suggesting his next move will attract plenty of attention once details are firmed up.
He has framed the shift as an evolution rather than a shutdown, and more specifics on the Lincoln Park location are expected soon. This story will be updated when Mohajir or his team confirms the exact site and opening timeline.
